The good folks at Parks Canada have sent us some suggestions for activities during the Thanksgiving season at several National Parks across Canada. Four of these places reminded us of parks we’ve visited recently, (although not necessarily around Thanksgiving)…
We were last in Banff National Park in the winter, so instead of doing yoga or being briefed on current fire management strategy at the Lake Louise Fall Festival, we were snowshoeing in the woods and hanging out in the hotsprings.
Next time you are there, check out Cave and Basin (actually, a National Historic Site), the birth place of Canada’s National Park system. After being discovered by railway workers on the side of Sulphur Mountain in 1883, the warm mineral springs here, and the drive to commercialize them, are what prompted protection of nationally significant areas like this in 1885. If you are looking to bask in a hot spring yourself, try the Upper Hot Springs; Cave and Basin is more of a museum setting.
In southern New Brunswick, the Village of Alma is the gateway to Fundy National Park. Just driving around this area you’ll get a sense of the early Canadian history of lumber harvesting and fishing. Both of these founding industries are still practised in New Brunswick today. If you want to stay overnight in the park itself, ask about reserving an oTENTik (much cozier than a tent). Fundy National Park was recently designated as a Dark Sky Preserve, and, oh yeah, the tides are the highest in the world…
The Village of Val Marie is the gateway to Grasslands National Park in remote, southwestern Saskatchewan. The park has teepee camping by reservation only. Contact the Visitor Reception Centre for further information. When we were there we stayed at The Convent Country Inn, just outside the park.
Prince Edward Island National Park is all about the beaches, sand dunes, rugged cliffs and wildlife that frequent the area. Take your time, check out the lighthouse and hold on to your hat… it can be breezy.
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