Parks Canada celebrates its 100th birthday

May 19, 2011 marks the 100th birthday of the establishment of Parks Canada – the world’s first national park service.

Parks Canada now manages one of the most extensive networks of protected national heritage places in the world, a growing collection of 167 national historic sites, 42 national parks and 4 national marine conservation areas.

In 1911, 26 years after the establishment of the first national park in Banff, the Government of Canada recognized that designation alone could not deliver the full potential benefits of a national heritage places system and decided to support the places with programs and services, introducing The Dominion Forest Reserves and Parks Act that received Royal Assent on May 19, 1911, creating the Dominion Parks Branch, now known as Parks Canada. Today, a century later, Parks Canada carries on this tradition of world leadership, providing protection, education and visitor experience programs that are admired around the globe.

To commemorate Parks Canada’s 100th birthday, a series of events throughout the Centennial year have been planned to celebrate with Canadians the country’s impressive family of national parks, marine conservation areas and historic sites.

Special events and activities in 2011

A centennial celebration in Toronto on May 21, featuring a Parks Canada-themed Blue Jays game, evening camp-out in Rogers Centre, street fair and free outdoor concert.

On Canada Day (July 1) and Parks Day (July 16), Parks Canada will offer visitors the chance to enter its places across the country for free.

Also on Parks Day, a free concert series will gather Canadian artists in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.

Exciting programs for children and youth, including: a continuation of the My Parks Pass, an annual pass for Grade 8/secondaire 2 students, giving them free access to all national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas across Canada; Operation Unplugged, a joint broadcast and web venture that will provide opportunities for eight urban youth to trade their "techno-dependent" lifestyles for a summer "unplugged" in Canada’s national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas where they will compete in challenges under the guidance of a host and Parks Canada staff;  a new Xplorers program to give young visitors the chance to have fun while discovering Canada’s treasured places, a renewed Parks Canada mascot and much more.

An unprecedented presence in Canada’s Capital, with participation at high profile annual events, a special Confederation Boulevard banner series and a high-visibility photo exhibit showcasing Parks Canada’s fascinating history in celebration of its centennial.

Many exciting family activities and free events across the country at Parks Canada places and in neighbouring communities.

Fascinating HD documentaries, including The National Parks Project on Discovery Canada, season two of A Park for All Seasons on Oasis HD and the pilot of a new series on national historic sites on Treasure HD, offering Canadians behind the scenes visits like never before.

Special issues of magazines to commemorate the centennial, including Canadian Geographic.

Unveiling of a coin with the Royal Canadian Mint and the launch of a commemorative postage stamp with Canada Post.

Special “learn to camp” programs across the country and brand new accommodations offerings in national parks.

For more information: canadatourism.com