Join in the Parks Day Celebrations - Come celebrate with Parks Canada on July 19!

OTTAWA, July 19, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, is inviting Canadians to celebrate Parks Day, on July 19, by visiting one of Parks Canada's national parks, national historic sites or national marine conservation areas. These Parks Day activities will provide amazing opportunities for Canadians to connect with nature and historic places.

Activities like Parks Day support the goals of the National Conservation Plan by connecting Canadians with nature, fostering an appreciation for nature, and building a "community of stewards" among Canadians of all ages.

Fun family-oriented activities are planned in many Parks Canada locations. Among others, visitors will be able to enter a sandcastle competition at Prince Edward Island National Park, meet some of Ontario's endangered species at Thousand Islands National Park or live the cowboy life at the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site, in Alberta, to discover why it was one of the most famous ranches of its time.

Parks Day offers a great opportunity to get out and experience the very best of Canada's amazing natural places.

Quick Facts

• Parks Day is celebrated annually in Parks Canada sites across the country.
• Parks Canada manages a network of 44 national parks, 167 national historic sites including nine historic canals and four national marine conservation areas.

Quote

"Our Government is pleased to support initiatives like these that connect Canadians to nature. Parks Day represents a unique opportunity to celebrate the beauty and wealth of our natural and cultural heritage. I invite all Canadians to take full advantage of this day and to visit one of our exceptional places."

The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

Associated Links

Parks Canada – Planning your visit
http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/voyage-travel/index.aspx

Canadian Parks Council
http://gotparks.ca/

SOURCE: Parks Canada

Media Relations, Parks Canada, 855-862-1812, www.twitter.com/parkscanada