Parks Canada Turns 115 Years Old

Parks Canada established the world’s first national park department in Canada 115 years ago, five years before the United States created its own. Today, the organization manages 48 National Parks, along with numerous historic sites and marine conservation areas—totaling roughly 181,000 square miles of Canadian land. Parks Canada is responsible for protecting natural and cultural heritage, while also working to educate the public.

The agency increasingly collaborates with First Nations groups, granting them greater stewardship over historical lands and cultural connections. Beyond conservation, the organization also studies and protects endangered species and maintains infrastructure within its protected areas.

However, fully reconciling the agency’s history with the harm caused by residential schools remains an ongoing process. Parks Canada continues to work toward ensuring ecological and commemorative integrity for generations to come.