National Parks in Canada

Canada's parks operate under a multi-jurisdictional system. Parks Canada manages 48 national parks and national park reserves under federal jurisdiction, while each province and territory operates its own extensive provincial/territorial park system. Provincial parks range from small day-use areas to vast wilderness preserves rivaling national parks in size and significance. British Columbia alone operates over 1,000 provincial parks. This database includes parks from all levels of government, providing a complete picture of Canada's protected areas. Park classifications vary by jurisdiction: national parks prioritize ecological integrity, provincial parks balance recreation and conservation, while wilderness areas and ecological reserves focus on strict protection.