BAY OF FUNDY

We’re well into summer, the best time to see some of the magnificent sights Canada has to offer. Many have already had vacation. Many are going soon and some are still planning this year’s getaway. I am leaving in the middle of August for the East Coast and am visiting there with family and friends. But as soon as one vacation ends I start planning the next, so here are a few choices for a “see Canada first” vacation. I’ve visited a few of these but sure want to add the rest to future plans.
1) Point Pelee Park – Ontario
This is an International Monarch Butterfly Reserve and a United Nations Biosphere Reserve.
2) Riding Mountain National Park – Manitoba.
Home to a 1700 member elk herd. September is your best chance to see these magnificent animals.
3) Kluane National Park – Yukon Territory
Experiencing the worst outbreak of the spruce bark beetle, scientists believe that warmer summers in the North have spurred the growth of beetle populations.
4) Mingan Archipelego National Park Reserve – Quebec
The Mingan Thistle is a species at risk and Parks Canada currently has a monitoring and re-establishment program for this plant.
5) Fundy National Park – New Brunswick
As part of an eco-integrity plan, Fundy is working toward becoming a dark sky preserve – a place to come and see the stars.
6) Cape Breton Highlands National Park – Nova Scotia
In 2008, 25 American maartens, a species at risk, were released into the park. Listed as endangered in 2001, the population was estimated at fewer than 50 animals.
7) Banff National Park – Alberta
The Banff Springs snail is an endangered species protected under federal law.
Pacific Rim National Park – British Columbia
The Cheewhat Cedar grows here. It is one of the world’s largest cedars and can grow to a trunk diameter of more than 5 metres.

So enjoy your vacation and try to see Canada first!