As Parks Canada turns 100, Globe Travel asks the ultimate insiders – the people who work in the parks and marine reserves day in and out – to share their favourite corners and experiences.
Here we share the best of the best.
Gwaii Haanas, B.C.: National Marine Conservation Area Reserve and Haida Heritage Site
“Sparkling blue water against deep green mountains, the sight and sounds of the humpback whales feasting in the krill-infused waters – that's what I love about Gwaii Haanas.” – Terrie Dionne, manager, external relations
Gulf Islands, B.C.: “I love seeing the amazement on visitors' faces when seals, sea lions, porpoises and even orcas surface during my programs at East Point, Saturna Island.” – Athena George, park interpreter
Vuntut, Yukon: “Sitting quietly on a ridge with thousands of caribou streaming by, close enough to hear the clicking of their hooves and the grunts of mothers calling to their young – surreal.” – Rhonda Markel, partnering and engagement office
Nahanni, NWT: “Favourite spot in the park: The Cirque of the Unclimbables. Surrounded by pure granite walls you feel like an ant in a castle.” – Jarret Hardisty, patrol person
Mount Revelstoke, B.C.: “Winter in Mount Revelstoke National Park is magical. Heavy snow coats the trees, bending branches low. There's no sound except for the quiet of snowflakes falling.” – Tina Whitman, executive assistant
Glacier, B.C.: “Every time I stand on Abbot Ridge and look out on Mount Sir Donald and the Illecillewaet Glacier, I am overwhelmed with a sense of timelessness and beauty knowing that for 125 years others have hiked the same trail to the same spot and felt as small as I.” – Jacolyn Daniluck, public relations and communications officer
Yoho, B.C.: “Emerald Lake is orchids, loons, owls, merganser chicks, brilliant turquoise-green water, stillness in winter, full-moon skis, family picnics and canoe songs.” – Kathryn Cameron, acting team leader
Kootenay, B.C.: “My favourite hiking destination is Numa Pass on the Rockwall. It is quite possibly the most beautiful and inspiring place in the Rockies.” – Kathy Borsato, manager, finance and administration
Banff, Alta.: “Bike ride from Banff to Lake Louise on the Bow Valley Parkway, roll by roadside wildflowers, look up at snow-capped mountains, and see wildlife.” – Sarah Fabbri, partnering and engagement office
Waterton Lakes, Alta.: “I love to visit the Bosporus in Waterton – I can see the mountains, lakes and prairie sky. It really is an inspiring and captivating place.” – Catherine Reynold, interpreter
Tuktut Nogait, NWT: “Midnight sun reflecting on mountain ridges, caribou browsing peacefully, the sound of candle ice floating down the Hornaday river canyon.” – Pierre Marchand, ecosystem scientist
Grasslands, Sask.: “There is no more magical experience than lying on a wind-blown butte watching a herd of bison graze peacefully below.” – Wes Olson, resource management and public safety specialist
Riding Mountain, Man.: “I am awed to see our bison on the mixed-fescue prairie; imagining the past, inspiring us as a living piece of natural history as we move forward.” – Angela Spooner, resource conservation officer, Lake Audy District, bison manager
Quttinirpaaq, Nunavut: “Climbing Barbeau Peak in Quttinirpaaq National Park … feels like you're at the top and edge of the world.”
– Andrew Maher, resource conservation manager
Sirmilik, Nunavut: “In a boat circumnavigating Bylot Island, at every vista there were glaciers spilling into the navy blue seas, glinting laser white in the high arctic light, and then a pod of narwhal, too.” – Pauline Scott, visitor experience manager and prevention co-ordinator
Pukaskwa, Ont.: “The Southern Headland Trail allows you to take in all that Lake Superior has to offer … calm, roaring, peaceful and fierce all wrapped in one.” – Joni Michano, visitor services attendant
Auyuittuq, Nunavut: “The noises of nature are amazing … rocks falling, rivers running, wind blowing and sand swirling.” – Kristy Frampton, promotions and non-personal media officer
