Travelers who hope to incorporate camping into their Canadian vacations have many choices open to them within the park system as well. Terra Nova, the first national park in Newfoundland and Labrador, contains bits of the Appalachian mountain range, along with hills, wetlands, forests and bogs. Its ecological diversity is such that park managers struggle with managing the very different types of animals that can be found in various areas of the park, which contains two campgrounds. Malady Head is a serene campground that allows campers to have a more naturedriven experience, while Newman Sound is more modern and has electrical capabilities. Interpretive talks and films abound, as do guided hikes and other activities, including opportunities for children to become junior naturalists.

Unserviced camping is common in Elk Island National Park, which is open all day, every day, yearround. Located in Alberta, it is notable for being home to both the largest and the smallest terrestrial mammals on the continent, the pygmy shrew and the wood bison. Though swimming is not recommended here, other activities are plenteous. The area is of great archaeological interest because it houses the remains of many wandering Native American tribes, including the Cree, Blackfoot and Sarcee. No other place in North America has a denser population of hoofed animals than Elk Island; among these species are whitetailed and mule deer, wood and plains bison, moose and elk. Additionally, more than 250 species of birds visit or reside permanently on Elk Island.

In Conclusion

These are just a sampling of some of the vacation destinations that are located throughout the Canadian park system. With many portions of its natural landscape largely unspoiled, Canada is a country that has much to offer the traveler who is intrigued by wildlife.