National Geographic Guide to the National Parks of Canada

by National Geographic Society, Alan Latourelle (Foreword)

Canada's 42 National Parks are beautifully showcased in this first edition official guidebook for the 2011 100th anniversary of Parks Canada. In the same manner that the best-selling National Geographic Guide to the National Parks of the United States covers America's crown jewels, this book will be a handy, practical, and extensively illustrated guide to help visitors plan and execute their trips to all the Canadian national parks. It also offers short excursions to 40 plus National Historical Sites and the four National Marine Conservation Areas. Written by authors who know Canada's national parks, this volume includes seasonal facts on these stunning and vital wilderness areas as well as guidance for getting there, when to go, how to visit, practical information on where to stay, and detailed descriptions of specific places within each park. Stunning photographs and custom, one-of-a-kind maps prepared by National Geographic cartographers enhance the entries. Just in time for the Parks Canada milestone anniversary, this guide will inspire visitors to celebrate the treasures of Canada, from the pristine shorelines of British Columbia's Pacific Rim to Newfoundland's Gros Morne and from the Arctic landscape of Aulavik to the prairies of Grasslands.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Reference, Nature, Canada, Outdoors

352 pages, Paperback

First published July 5, 2011

About the author

The National Geographic Society (NGS), headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States, is one of the largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations in the world.
Founded in 1888, its interests include geography, archaeology, and natural science, the promotion of environmental and historical conservation, and the study of world culture and history. The National Geographic Society's logo is a yellow portrait frame—rectangular in shape—which appears on the margins surrounding the front covers of its magazines and as its television channel logo. Through National Geographic Partners (a joint venture with The Walt Disney Company), the Society operates the magazine, TV channels, a website, worldwide events, and other media operations.

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a dissenting review for this publication. I believe part of my less positive review is because I read this from cover to cover instead of using as a trip planner or guide book. Therefore, the redundancy and cut and paste character of much of the copy was very apparent. A consistent format is appropriate but a bit of creativity within the format would be more meaningful.

Although I live in the U.S. I’ve had the great good fortune to have visited one-third if the Canadian National Parks. From those experiences I also feel that much of the Park information in the book is not from personal experience and reporting but gathered from official publications.

My other problem with this book seems very strange for a National Geographic publications the maps. The maps included appear to be miniature reproductions. The print is too small and frequently numerous of the sites or features mentioned in the text do not appear on the maps. Also, while the copy locates the parks in relation to known landmarks the maps lack that context.

The National Geographic Guide to the NationL Historic Sites of Canada was a much better publication.

[Kelly Whitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m pretty ignorant on the topic of Canada’s national parks, so there was a lot of new information here. I’m hoping it will guide me through 3 of the parks next summer and hopefully more in the future!

[Gil Bradshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has amazing photography of most highlights of the national parks. Perfect for junkies like me.

[Curlysue · Rating 3 out of 5]

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[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book. Here are some interesting places and photos:
Cavell Lake, Jasper National Park
Gwaii Haanas Nat Park Reserve, BC - "Bat Star" group
Gros Morne, NL
Mill Falls on the Mersey River, Kejimkujik Nat Park, Nova Scotia
La Maurice Nat Park, QC
Wapusk Nat Park, polar bear photos (see below)
Banff Nat Park, AB, lots of scenes, Moraine Lake
Jasper Nat Park, AB, ditto, Maligne Lake
Waterton Lakes Nat Park, AB, ditto; Cameron Falls red sediment
Yoho Nat Park, BC, Emerald Lake (lodge)
Glacier Nat Park, BC
Pacific Rim Nat Park, BC

Google search words...
wapusk national park polar bear
Images, Large - good selection

winter in kluane national park
death lake nahanni nat park

[Leonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed looking at and reading parts of this guide to the 35-40 national parks in Canada, and was reminded that although I live only about 700-800 miles from 7 of these spectacular parks, I have never been to any of them.

[Jim Blessing · Rating 4 out of 5]

I previously have purchased the US version of this book, which includes indepth discussions of all Canadian National Parks. The book will be put to use on our trip to the Atlantic Providents (and 7 parks) later this year.

[Rosebud · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this so I could learn about the activities in the parks before our trip. Some of them are quite remote and difficult to visit. However, I'm looking forward to the ones we will visit, as they sound beautiful. I'm looking forward to getting away from the crowds and enjoying the wilderness!

[Hunter McCleary · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have the US version and now the just released Canadian edition. The later is far superior, probably because NGS could focus on far fewer parks. As a result you get richer detail and more "actionable" information. Great job, NGS!

[Lorraine McCleary · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent guide to traveling the Canadian National Parks. Informative on hikes, camping sites and how to get there.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is beautiful. I'm just not a huge fan of the outdoors