Wood Buffalo National Park
Location: Northwest Territories and Alberta, Canada
Year of Inscription: 1983
Criteria: (vii)to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: Wood Buffalo National Park is the largest national park in Canada, spanning over 44,800 square kilometers across Alberta and the Northwest Territories. It was established in 1922 to protect the last remaining herds of wood bison and continues to serve as an important conservation area for a wide variety of wildlife and ecosystems.
Prominent Features: Some of the most notable features of Wood Buffalo National Park include:
History: Wood Buffalo National Park has a rich history that dates back over 8,000 years, with evidence of indigenous peoples living in the area. The park was established in 1922 to protect the last remaining herds of wood bison, which were on the brink of extinction due to overhunting and habitat loss. Today, the park continues to serve as an important conservation area for a wide variety of wildlife and ecosystems.
Family-Friendly Activities: There are a variety of family-friendly activities available at Wood Buffalo National Park, including:
Fun Fact: Wood Buffalo National Park is not only the largest national park in Canada, but also one of the largest in the world. It is also home to the world's largest beaver dam, which is over 850 meters long.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee for Wood Buffalo National Park.
How to reach it: Wood Buffalo National Park is located in a remote area, and can only be accessed by car or plane. The park is approximately 300 kilometers north of Fort McMurray, Alberta, and 50 kilometers west of Fort Smith, Northwest Territories.
Where to Stay: There are a variety of accommodation options available in and around Wood Buffalo National Park, including hotels, motels, cabins, and campgrounds. Some of the most popular options include the Pine Lake Campground, the Salt River Lodge, and the Chinchaga Wilderness Lodge.
Next Stop: Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks
Year of Inscription: 1983
Criteria: (vii)to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: Wood Buffalo National Park is the largest national park in Canada, spanning over 44,800 square kilometers across Alberta and the Northwest Territories. It was established in 1922 to protect the last remaining herds of wood bison and continues to serve as an important conservation area for a wide variety of wildlife and ecosystems.
Prominent Features: Some of the most notable features of Wood Buffalo National Park include:
- The Wood Bison: The park is home to the largest population of wood bison in the world, which can be observed in their natural habitat.
- The Salt Plains: A unique geological feature that is home to rare and endemic plant and animal species.
- The Peace-Athabasca Delta: A vital wetland ecosystem that serves as a crucial breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife.
- The Aurora: The park is one of the best places in the world to observe the Northern Lights, which can be seen from September to mid-May.
History: Wood Buffalo National Park has a rich history that dates back over 8,000 years, with evidence of indigenous peoples living in the area. The park was established in 1922 to protect the last remaining herds of wood bison, which were on the brink of extinction due to overhunting and habitat loss. Today, the park continues to serve as an important conservation area for a wide variety of wildlife and ecosystems.
Family-Friendly Activities: There are a variety of family-friendly activities available at Wood Buffalo National Park, including:
- Wildlife Viewing: Visitors can observe a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat, including wood bison, black bears, wolves, and moose.
- Hiking and Camping: The park offers a variety of hiking trails and campgrounds for visitors to explore and enjoy.
- Canoeing and Kayaking: The Peace River and Slave River offer excellent opportunities for canoeing and kayaking.
Fun Fact: Wood Buffalo National Park is not only the largest national park in Canada, but also one of the largest in the world. It is also home to the world's largest beaver dam, which is over 850 meters long.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee for Wood Buffalo National Park.
How to reach it: Wood Buffalo National Park is located in a remote area, and can only be accessed by car or plane. The park is approximately 300 kilometers north of Fort McMurray, Alberta, and 50 kilometers west of Fort Smith, Northwest Territories.
Where to Stay: There are a variety of accommodation options available in and around Wood Buffalo National Park, including hotels, motels, cabins, and campgrounds. Some of the most popular options include the Pine Lake Campground, the Salt River Lodge, and the Chinchaga Wilderness Lodge.
Next Stop: Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks