International Polar Year

What is International polar year?

Imagine a unique opportunity where countries all over the world come together to share, to learn, and to explore as a team. Starting March 2007 until March 2009 International Polar Year is a global gathering of nations to explore the North and South Poles.

Many nations have come together to learn more about the people, the land, and the environment of the North and South Poles. Special scientific projects, teaching information for schoolteachers, and government initiatives are all part of International Polar Year.

In recognition of the uniqueness of Canada's North, we bring together in this feature many fascinating online resources about the North.

Protected Areas and Heritage

Discover the vast range of natural beauty in Canada's National Parks in the Arctic region. Find out why our marine resources need protection and play a crucial role in the preservation of many endangered species. Explore unique historic sites that unlock the secrets to Canada's past. Learn how the first Aboriginal peoples of the North lived with the land and discover the tales of adventure of early European explorers.

• NATIONAL PARKS OF CANADA
  From towering granite mountains to polar deserts, quiet lagoons to waterfalls, see how the northern National Parks protect a wealth of natural diversity.
• WORLD HERITAGE SITES
  Which Canadian sites possess outstanding universal value? Which are important to all humanity? Come find out why Canadian World Heritage Sites are of world wide significance.
• HERITAGE RIVERS
  The Canadian Heritage Rivers System (CHRS) is a partnership between federal and provincial / territorial governments. Rivers are selected because of a key element of human history, natural history, or recreational value.
• NATIONAL MARINE CONSERVATION AREAS OF CANADA
  Learn more about the delicate balance of marine life and its environment from narwhals to peregrine falcons, ice islands to coastal plains.
• NATIONAL HISTORIC SITES OF CANADA
  Come tour a Klondike gold rush boom town, visit a former whaling station, and learn about early survival skills.
• CULTURAL HERITAGE
  Find out about ancient cultures and peoples who lived approximately 4000 BC, learn about early European explorers.

Climate Change

Did you know that 100 years from now, the temperature changes in many of our National Parks may be more than twice the global average? Find out more.

Experiencing the North

Discover online the many recreational opportunities and natural features of the North. Experience kayaking, bird watching, wilderness hiking and even dogsledding. Discover some of the wildlife that inhabit the Northern parks, from mammals and birds to vegetation and the natural heritage of each area.

• RECREATION AND ACTIVITIES
  From wildlife viewing to sea kayaking and dog sledding, experience the northern National Parks

Stories from the North

Have you ever wondered what the story is behind an endangered species? How climate change has affected the ecosystem of a particular park? Find here the stories of the North described from fascinating points of view.

• TIME FOR NATURE STORIES
  Explore the stories of the North and feel a personal connection to the land and its diversity.
• PARKS CANADA 3-D TOURS
  A different perspective on the northern parks
• OTHER RESOURCES
  You will find here book lists and links to additional sites for each northern park, along with other valuable resources to help you in your northern discovery.