TOOLKITS

Parks Canada

Marine Protection and Conservation at Parks Canada

Parks Canada administers one of the finest and most extensive systems of natural and cultural heritage places in the world. National historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas provide Canadians and visitors the opportunity to discover, learn about, and connect with Canada’s national treasures.

This Parks Canada toolkit will take you on a journey from coast to coast to coast to explore the immersive experiences and collaborative conservation efforts that Parks Canada undertakes in marine protection and conservation. Browse the toolkit for videos, observation activities, arts and crafts creations, and to learn about the different ways of exploring marine heritage at places administered by Parks Canada across the country.

Marine Protection and Conservation at Parks Canada

Did you know?

Canada has over 243,000 km of coastline along the Atlantic, Arctic, and Pacific ocean, and another 9500 km along the Great Lakes. We have the longest coastline of any country in the world!

National Marine Conservation Areas

National marine conservation areas (NMCAs) protect representative examples of Canada’s 29 marine regions for the benefit, education, and enjoyment of Canadians and the world. Parks Canada currently manages five national marine conservation areas.

Saguenay-St. Lawrence

Marine Park

The geographical characteristics of the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park have created an exceptional marine biodiversity where more than 2000 species have been identified. It is one of the best places in the world to observe whales. From the seafloor to the surface, the park protects a territory of 1245 km², that includes the St. Lawrence beluga and the Northwest Atlantic blue whale, two endangered species.

Photo credit: Jean-Louis Provencher © Parks Canada, Saguenay-Saint-Laurent Marine Park

LEARN MORE

Fathom Five National Marine Park

Dolomite, 420 million years old, rises through the sparkling waters of Lake Huron to form Fathom Five National Marine Park. This is a freshwater ecosystem of ancient rock formations, cliff-edge forests, fascinating dive sites on 22 shipwrecks, and orchid species both plentiful and rare. Fathom Five is equal parts mystery and recreation, ecology and culture, and a welcoming escape to nature.

Photo credit: D.A. Wikes © Parks Canada, Fathom Five National Marine Park

LEARN MORE

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site

Massive moss-draped cedar and Sitka spruce tower above the Haida people’s ancient carved poles and fallen longhouses on the lush rainforest islands of Gwaii Haanas. Skies fill with bald eagles, bears scavenge salmon on wild beaches, and the ocean teems with breaching whales, porpoises, and sea lions. Experience a rich, remote landscape steeped in spirituality, protected by Parks Canada and the Haida who draw cultural inspiration from this land of their ancestors.

Photo credit: Rogier Gruys © Parks Canada, Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site

LEARN MORE

Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area

There’s a reason Lake Superior has been referred to as an inland ocean and you’ll discover that for yourself if you visit this immensely beautiful Great Lake. Called gichigamiing or “The Big Lake” by the Anishinaabe people of the region and known for its furious storms, the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area will soon be recognized as one of the world’s largest freshwater protected areas.

Photo credit: Dale Wilson © Parks Canada, Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area

LEARN MORE

Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area

Tallurutiup Imanga is an area rich in biodiversity and home to Inuit for thousands of years. At approximately 108,000 square kilometres, Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area represents approximately 1.9% towards Canada’s achieved target of protecting 10% of its marine and coastal areas by 2020 (and 30% by 2030). This breathtaking Arctic landscape is where narwhals live side by side with thousands of seabirds in an area adjacent to vibrant Inuit communities and majestic fjords and glaciers.

Photo credit: Carey Eleverum © Parks Canada, Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area

LEARN MORE

Canada’s Marine and Coastal Conservation Target

Grounded by science, Indigenous knowledge, and local perspectives, Canada is committed to protecting and conserving the marine environment and is working toward a target of conserving 25% of our marine and coastal areas by 2025, and 30% by 2030.

Photo credit: H. Wittenborn © Parks Canada, Torngat Mountains National Park

LEARN MORE

Canadian Heritage Rivers System

Rivers are intrinsically connected to the ocean and they are a vital part of Canada’s ecosystems. The Canadian Heritage Rivers System (CHRS) is Canada’s national river conservation program. Established in 1984, the CHRS gives national recognition to Canada’s outstanding rivers and encourages their long-term management to conserve their natural, cultural, and recreational values for the benefit and enjoyment of Canadians, now and in the future. There are currently 41 Canadian Heritage Rivers across the country, totalling over 10,000 km.

Photo credit: Rob Stimpson © Parks Canada, Nahanni National Park Reserve

LEARN MORE

Parks Canada Marine Programming

Parks Canada is committed to protecting and presenting nationally significant examples of Canada’s natural treasures and cultural wonders. Explore outstanding examples of marine programs and initiatives at Parks Canada.

Bergs by Boat (Torngat Mountains National Park)

The subarctic Torngat Mountains are an Inuit homeland, a treasury of the powerful stories, spirits, and traditions of centuries of travellers. Accompanied by Parks Canada staff and an Inuit Bear Guard, visitors observe majestic icebergs and polar bears, seabirds, seals, and whales, learning the local Inuttitut names and their importance to Inuit culture.

Inuit have lived at the Torngat Mountains National Park for centuries and still fish and hunt across the wide tundra valleys where Arctic creatures roam. Remote, stark, and dramatically beautiful, the park is a rare place to meet and spend time with Inuit in their homeland.

Watch the videos below to learn more.

Photo credit: Heiko Wittenborn © Parks Canada, Torngat Mountains National Park

LEARN MORE

Coastie

When you take a photo of yourself, that’s a selfie. When you take a photo of the coast, that’s a Coastie!

“Coastie” invites Canadians to take a photo using their smartphone at one of five participating places administered by Parks Canada, and then upload their photo to coastiecanada.ca. The University of Windsor analyzes these photos to monitor coastal erosion, riptides, ice presence, and to better understand climate change impacts across places administered by Parks Canada.

Photo credit: Scott Munn © Parks Canada, Prince Edward Island National Park

LEARN MORE

Sea Garden Restoration (Gulf Islands National Park Reserve)

A tended sea garden has many purposes. It serves as a pantry, teeming with delicious food. It is a classroom, where Elders share knowledge and work alongside youth. Some days, we move big boulders while listening to stories. On other days, we use scales and gauges to assess the health of the intertidal ecosystem. Together, the entire community cares for the sea garden to keep it healthy.

Photo credit: Iain Robert Reid © Parks Canada, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

LEARN MORE

Fish Talk with Leo

Discover what’s going on along the shorelines and under the waves at Parks Canada!

Inquisitive and playful, Leo the catfish takes us behind the scenes and helps us dive into some of the science and conservation work being done across the country. Join Leo as he asks pertinent questions to Parks Canada experts!

LEARN MORE

St. Lawrence Live! (Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park)

This is your chance to take command of a scuba diving mission!

Based at the Marine Environment Discovery Centre in Les Escoumins, follow diver-interpreters through a high-definition live broadcast of the vibrant underwater life of the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park. You can communicate with them while exploring the world of starfish, anemones, and sea cucumbers.

The Parks Canada team has made some of the underwater images accessible to young people in their classrooms. Curious? Check out this École en réseau webcast.

Photo credit: Louis Falardeau © Parks Canada, Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park

LEARN MORE

Connect & Share

This final section of the Toolkit offers additional Parks Canada activities to learn more about marine life and natural heritage through science, storytelling, and fun crafts.

Whales Garland (Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park)

Whales are among the largest and most captivating mammals on the planet! At the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park there are lots of different kinds of whales. Enjoy this heart shaped whale garland to show your love for the whales all year long!

LEARN MORE

Food Chain Fun! (Pacific Rim National Park Reserve)

Join Parks Canada staff to explore the food chain of the Southern Resident Killer Whales. Complete a fun craft that portrays the different animals and plants that killer whales and other species rely on to keep the ocean healthy. We can’t wait to see your finished product!

LEARN MORE

Water Meditation (Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area)

Freshwater is one of the most important parts of the natural world, and something for which we should all be grateful. Relax on the shores of Lake Superior for a guided meditation reflecting on the importance of freshwater in our lives.

LEARN MORE

Whales Garland (Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park)

Food Chain Fun! (Pacific Rim National Park Reserve)

Water Meditation (Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area)

École en réseau

Parks Canada is pleased to partner with École en réseau to present free online workshops for students throughout the school year. Join Parks Canada interpreters and scientists as they bring the fascinating stories of Canada’s marine cultural and natural heritage to life!

Atlantic Salmon Release (Fundy National Park)

WATCH VIDEO

École en réseau

Belugas and Whales of the St. Lawrence River (Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park)

WATCH VIDEO

École en réseau

Climate Change – Glacier Monitoring in Nahanni National Park Reserve

WATCH VIDEO

École en réseau

Forillon Facing Coastal Erosion (Forillon National Park)

WATCH VIDEO

École en réseau

Swim with Salmon (Fundy National Park)

WATCH VIDEO

Marine Connections Playlist

Jump into the water with us to explore the amazing marine heritage we protect and conserve in collaboration with partners.

Dive along shipwrecks, paddle with salmon, and swim in a kelp forest through this selection of some of our best marine videos.

WATCH THE VIDEOS

TOOLKITS

Parks Canada

Marine Protection and Conservation at Parks Canada

Marine Protection and Conservation at Parks Canada

Did you know?

National Marine Conservation Areas

Saguenay-St. Lawrence

Marine Park

Photo credit: Jean-Louis Provencher © Parks Canada, Saguenay-Saint-Laurent Marine Park

Fathom Five National Marine Park

Photo credit: D.A. Wikes © Parks Canada, Fathom Five National Marine Park

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site

Photo credit: Rogier Gruys © Parks Canada, Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site

Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area

Photo credit: Dale Wilson © Parks Canada, Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area

Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area

Photo credit: Carey Eleverum © Parks Canada, Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area

Canada’s Marine and Coastal Conservation Target

Photo credit: H. Wittenborn © Parks Canada, Torngat Mountains National Park

Canadian Heritage Rivers System

Photo credit: Rob Stimpson © Parks Canada, Nahanni National Park Reserve

Parks Canada Marine Programming

Bergs by Boat (Torngat Mountains National Park)

Photo credit: Heiko Wittenborn © Parks Canada, Torngat Mountains National Park

Coastie

Photo credit: Scott Munn © Parks Canada, Prince Edward Island National Park

Sea Garden Restoration (Gulf Islands National Park Reserve)

Photo credit: Iain Robert Reid © Parks Canada, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

Fish Talk with Leo

St. Lawrence Live! (Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park)

Photo credit: Louis Falardeau © Parks Canada, Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park

Connect & Share

Whales Garland (Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park)

Food Chain Fun! (Pacific Rim National Park Reserve)

Water Meditation (Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area)

Crédit photo : Dale Wilson © Parcs Canada, Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area

Whales Garland (Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park)

Food Chain Fun! (Pacific Rim National Park Reserve)

Water Meditation (Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area)

Crédit photo : Dale Wilson © Parcs Canada, Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area

École en réseau

Atlantic Salmon Release (Fundy National Park)

École en réseau

Belugas and Whales of the St. Lawrence River (Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park)

École en réseau

Climate Change – Glacier Monitoring in Nahanni National Park Reserve

École en réseau

Forillon Facing Coastal Erosion (Forillon National Park)

École en réseau

Swim with Salmon (Fundy National Park)

Marine Connections Playlist

Loop back into other Ocean Week Canada activities