First celebrated in 1990, Canada’s Parks Day is a national event that falls on the third Saturday in July every year. This annual event is celebrated by most provincial park systems as well as Parks Canada. Parks Day 2016 takes place on Saturday, July 16th.
Canada’s national parks belong to all Canadians; Parks Day is an annual event where thousands of people participate in fun, educational, family-oriented events in parks and historic sites across the country. Activities highlight the important role that parks play in maintaining healthy and resilient ecosystems, protecting critical habitat for species-at-risk, and contributing to improved health and overall well-being.
The Friends of Jasper National Park have been the driving force behind Jasper’s Parks Day since day one. With a mandate to promote appreciation and understanding of the park’s natural and cultural heritage, the Friends of Jasper are one of Canada’s strongest national park cooperating associations. Each summer the Friends deliver a wide range of personal programs, guided walks and opportunities to volunteer, including organizing High 5 Trail Days with the Jasper Trail Alliance and leading the restoration of the Whistlers summit. They are also active year round, contributing volunteer efforts to some of Jasper’s other special events in the shoulder seasons, such as the Dark Sky Festival, Jasper in January and the Pride Festival in March.
Jasper National Park will feature activities throughout the weekend to mark the occasion in addition to the varied offerings from the Friends of Jasper.
Friday, July 15
2 p.m. - 9 p.m. Activities and Street Theatre, Heritage Firehall
7 p.m Geocaching, Whistlers Campground
Saturday July 16
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Party in the Park including yoga, local artist fair, picnic, children’s activities and entertainment, Indigenous drumming, dance and teachings
Information Centre lawn
7:30 p.m. Adventure Video, Whistlers Campground
Sunday July 17
2 p.m. - 9 p.m  Activities and Street Theatre
Heritage Firehall
7 p.m. Fun with Fire, Whistlers Campground
Participating provincial parks will also host fun activities for the whole family. Enter a sandcastle-building competition, learn about bear safety, go on a scavenger hunt, enjoy a campfire or just connect with nature.  Parks Day is a great opportunity for everyone to experience the outdoors and learn about our environment in Canada’s national parks, gateways to nature, adventure and discovery.
For more information visit:
www.friendsofjasper.com
www.pc.gc.ca/jasper
www.albertaparks.ca/albertaparksca/news-events/
Parks Canada
Special to the 51°µÍø
