Let's celebrate the 100th Birthday of Canada's Historic Sites!

January 24, 2017                                Montreal, QC                                                   Parks Canada Agency

As Canadians mark the 150th anniversary of Confederation, it is also a time to celebrate the 100th anniversary of national historic sites. The Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, encourages all Canadians to learn more about our diverse history and visit a national historic site in 2017.

Fort Anne in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia was designated as the first “Dominion Historic Park” in Canada in 1917. This marked the foundation of the system of national historic commemoration in Canada. 

Today, Parks Canada offers visitors 171 remarkable and inspiring places where they can walk in the footsteps of history, and explore our national heritage. From lighthouses to battlefields, historic districts to cultural landscapes, there is an amazing array of places to discover. The scope of national historic commemoration has also grown to encompass historic events and persons. Canada’s list of national designations continues to grow, reflecting the rich heritage of our country and providing opportunities for Canadians to learn more about our diversity, including the history, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples.

As one pillar of the centennial celebration, Parks Canada has collaborated with National Geographic to create the all-new National Geographic Guide to the National Historic Sites of Canada. Also new for 2017 is a revised and expanded second edition of the best-selling guidebook to Canada’s national parks and marine conservation areas. Both of these momentous volumes are being officially launched today in English and French.

Quotes

“I’d like to salute all the dedicated Canadians who make conserving our cultural heritage a part of their life’s work. It is the 100th anniversary of our system of national historic sites, and for one hundred years these places have inspired us to better understand our country. Travel guides, like those produced by National Geographic, help us further deepen our knowledge. They help visitors expand their understanding and enjoyment of Canada’s stunning national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas.”

Catherine McKenna
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

Quick Facts

• The full-colour, 352-page National Geographic Guide to the National Historic Sites of Canada showcases 236 of Canada’s top national historic sites where you can immerse yourself in history. It features captivating stories, beautiful imagery, and concise background information.
• Both guides are illustrated with world-class photography and one-of-a-kind maps prepared by National Geographic cartographers.
• This guide features the fun, hands-on activities and events available at each site and readers will gain an insider’s knowledge of what to see and do.
• The Canadian distributor of the travel guides is Penguin Random House Canada.
• Parks Canada offers visitors 46 national parks, 1 national urban park, 4 national marine conservations and 171 remarkable and inspiring national historic sites where visitors can walk in the footsteps of history, and explore our national heritage.

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Contact
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca

Photo: Cover of the National Geographic Guides