{"id":37591,"date":"2016-08-07T09:01:40","date_gmt":"2016-08-07T13:01:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/wildwire\/?p=37591"},"modified":"2016-11-03T10:47:08","modified_gmt":"2016-11-03T14:47:08","slug":"10-national-parks-to-help-you-complete-your-outdoor-explorer-mission","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/top-10\/10-national-parks-to-help-you-complete-your-outdoor-explorer-mission\/","title":{"rendered":"10 National Parks to Help You Complete Your Outdoor Explorer Mission"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Looking to complete your Outdoor Explorer Mission but not quite sure where to start? Let Parks Canada help you out! From the Pacific to the Atlantic and everything in between, you\u2019ll be able to find a great spot to get outside and start exploring\u2026and it\u2019s probably a lot closer than you think!<\/p>\n<p>Check out this list of National Parks that can help you discover the natural world around you.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Haven\u2019t accepted your Outdoor Explorer Mission yet? Click this button to get started<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/outdoor-explorer\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-37436\" alt=\"AcceptButtons-EN\" src=\"\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/AcceptButtons-EN.png\" width=\"379\" height=\"81\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/AcceptButtons-EN.png 379w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/AcceptButtons-EN-300x64.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 379px) 100vw, 379px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><strong>1. Gulf Islands National Park Reserve (3hr from Vancouver; 30min from Victoria)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-37609 aligncenter\" alt=\"Gulf Islands National Park Reserve\" src=\"\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gulf-Islands2.jpg\" width=\"576\" height=\"385\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gulf-Islands2.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gulf-Islands2-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gulf-Islands2-628x420.jpg 628w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft  wp-image-37608\" alt=\"10.106.09.07.172\" src=\"\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gulf-Islands.jpg\" width=\"280\" height=\"190\" \/><\/p>\n<div>&nbsp;<\/div>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for reefs, seals, and singing shorebirds, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is the place for you! With 15 islands and one of the most at risk natural regions in south Canada, there\u2019s tons of learning and exploration to be done. To discover the wonders of this beautiful reserve and to learn how to plan your Mission trip, see the Parks Canada <a href=\"http:\/\/www.pc.gc.ca\/eng\/pn-np\/bc\/gulf\/index.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div>&nbsp;<\/div>\n<h2><strong>2. Banff National Park (1hr from Calgary)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-37599 aligncenter\" alt=\"09.93.03.08(160).dng\" src=\"\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Banff.jpg\" width=\"576\" height=\"382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Banff.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Banff-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Banff-634x420.jpg 634w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Settled in the slopes of the Canadian Rocky Mountains lies Banff National Park, Canada\u2019s first ever national park! From glaciers to forests and bighorn sheep to bears, there is a never-ending amount of sights to take in! To learn more about this amazing place, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.pc.gc.ca\/eng\/pn-np\/ab\/banff\/index.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div>&nbsp;<\/div>\n<h2><strong>3. Elk Island National Park (30min from Edmonton)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-37601 aligncenter\" alt=\"Elk Island\" src=\"\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Elk-Island.jpg\" width=\"590\" height=\"268\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Elk-Island.jpg 590w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Elk-Island-300x136.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 590px) 100vw, 590px\" \/><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft  wp-image-37602\" alt=\"Elk Island2\" src=\"\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Elk-Island2.jpg\" width=\"278\" height=\"189\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Elk-Island2.jpg 580w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Elk-Island2-300x204.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Elk-Island2-236x160.jpg 236w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 278px) 100vw, 278px\" \/><\/p>\n<div>&nbsp;<\/div>\n<p>With some of the best wildlife viewing in North America, Elk Island National Park is a great place to spot animals, both large and little! Hike the trails, get stuck in a bison traffic jam, or watch a beautiful sunrise \u2013 there\u2019s year-round adventure waiting for you. Learn about the ample activities offered at Elk Island National Park by <a href=\"http:\/\/www.pc.gc.ca\/eng\/pn-np\/ab\/elkisland\/index.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">clicking here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div>&nbsp;<\/div>\n<h2><strong>4. Riding Mountain National Park (3hr from Winnipeg)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-37593 aligncenter\" alt=\"09.92.07.17.24\" src=\"\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Riding-Mountain2.jpg\" width=\"576\" height=\"383\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Riding-Mountain2.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Riding-Mountain2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Riding-Mountain2-631x420.jpg 631w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-37615 alignleft\" alt=\"07.70.10.01.32\" src=\"\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Riding-Mountain.jpg\" width=\"276\" height=\"185\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Riding-Mountain.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Riding-Mountain-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Riding-Mountain-631x420.jpg 631w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 276px) 100vw, 276px\" \/><\/p>\n<div>&nbsp;<\/div>\n<p>There are endless opportunities to roam this vast prairie parkland and reconnect with the best of Manitoba and Canada. Close your eyes and listen for the rustling footsteps of animals in the woods or hike through the Aspen forest and past the beaver-filled lakes. There is plenty to see and do and you can learn more about it right <a href=\"http:\/\/www.pc.gc.ca\/eng\/pn-np\/mb\/riding\/index.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>!<\/p>\n<div>&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div>&nbsp;<\/div>\n<h2><strong>5. Rouge National Urban Park (within GTA, 45min from Toronto)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-37595 aligncenter\" alt=\"Rouge2\" src=\"\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rouge2.jpg\" width=\"576\" height=\"337\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rouge2.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rouge2-300x175.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-37594 alignleft\" alt=\"Rouge\" src=\"\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rouge.jpg\" width=\"276\" height=\"185\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rouge.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rouge-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rouge-630x420.jpg 630w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 276px) 100vw, 276px\" \/><\/p>\n<div>&nbsp;<\/div>\n<p>Right in the backyard of Ontario\u2019s capital is North America\u2019s largest urban park! There are plenty of sights, sounds &amp; scents for explorers to experience \u2013 frogs, flowers, birds and beaches make Rouge Park a definite must-visit. Find out what else Rouge Park has to offer at their Parks Canada <a href=\"http:\/\/www.parkscanada.gc.ca\/rouge\" target=\"_blank\">website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div>&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div>&nbsp;<\/div>\n<h2><strong>6. Fathom Five National Marine Park (4hr from Toronto)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-37604 aligncenter\" alt=\"06.65.09.10.02\" src=\"\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Fantom.jpg\" width=\"576\" height=\"383\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Fantom.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Fantom-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Fantom-631x420.jpg 631w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-37605 alignleft\" alt=\"06.65.03.13.55\" src=\"\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Fantom2.jpg\" width=\"276\" height=\"185\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Fantom2.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Fantom2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Fantom2-631x420.jpg 631w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 276px) 100vw, 276px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Wander the shorelines, see 400 million year old rocks, view the 43 different species of orchids, or enjoy the company of birds at Fathom Five National Marine Park. One of the best activities is a visit to Flowerpot Island, famous for its rock pillars, rare plants, scenery, hikes and even caves! <a href=\"http:\/\/www.parkscanada.gc.ca\/fathomfive\" target=\"_blank\">Click here<\/a> to help you plan your trip to this impressive marine conservation area.<\/p>\n<div>&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div>&nbsp;<\/div>\n<h2><strong>7. Thousand Islands National Park (1.5hr from Ottawa; 3hr from Toronto)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-37597 aligncenter\" alt=\"121012-160200 St Lawrence Islands 2513.jpg\" src=\"\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Thousand-Islands-2.jpg\" width=\"576\" height=\"384\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Thousand-Islands-2.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Thousand-Islands-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Thousand-Islands-2-630x420.jpg 630w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-37598 alignleft\" alt=\"121012-175838 St Lawrence Islands 1836.jpg\" src=\"\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Thousand-Islands.jpg\" width=\"276\" height=\"185\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Thousand-Islands.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Thousand-Islands-630x420.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Thousand-Islands-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 276px) 100vw, 276px\" \/><\/p>\n<div>&nbsp;<\/div>\n<p>For a truly unique explorer experience that will be done mostly by boat, plan a trip to Thousand Islands National Park. With over 20 islands, windswept pines, and northern wilderness, Parks Canada works hard to protect the many species that call this place home. By <a href=\"http:\/\/www.parkscanada.gc.ca\/thousandislands\" target=\"_blank\">clicking here<\/a>, you can begin to plan your unforgettable trip.<\/p>\n<div>&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div>&nbsp;<\/div>\n<h2><strong>8. La Mauricie National Park (2hr from Montreal; 2hr from Quebec City)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-37613 aligncenter\" alt=\"05.51.03.16.137\" src=\"\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/La-Mauricie.jpg\" width=\"576\" height=\"389\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/La-Mauricie.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/La-Mauricie-300x203.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/La-Mauricie-622x420.jpg 622w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/La-Mauricie-236x160.jpg 236w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-37614 alignleft\" alt=\"05.51.03.16.95\" src=\"\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/La-Mauricie2.jpg\" width=\"276\" height=\"186\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/La-Mauricie2.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/La-Mauricie2-300x203.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/La-Mauricie2-622x420.jpg 622w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/La-Mauricie2-236x160.jpg 236w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 276px) 100vw, 276px\" \/><br \/>\nLakes and forests are a big part of this natural playground, perfect for those looking to enjoy themselves outdoors. With over 50 species of mammals, 19 species of reptiles and amphibians, extensive aquatic habitats, and over 200 types of birds, there won\u2019t be a single dull moment at La Mauricie National Park! For more information on what you can do during your visit, head to the Parks Canada <a href=\"http:\/\/www.parkscanada.gc.ca\/lamauricie\" target=\"_blank\">website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div>&nbsp;<\/div>\n<h2><strong>9. Fundy National Park (1hr from Moncton; 3.5hr from Halifax)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-37607 aligncenter\" alt=\"NB-FUN-2014-0055.dng\" src=\"\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Fundy2.jpg\" width=\"427\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Fundy2.jpg 427w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Fundy2-280x420.jpg 280w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Fundy2-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 427px) 100vw, 427px\" \/><br \/>\nWith the world\u2019s largest tides changing twice a day, a visit to Fundy National Park means you can discover the wonders at the bottom of the bay during low tide and the surging excitement at high tide. There are over 25 trails that await you, as well as migrating birds, pristine forests, and even the chance to snorkel with salmon! Make the most of your trip and <a href=\"http:\/\/www.parkscanada.gc.ca\/fundy\" target=\"_blank\">click here<\/a> to plan ahead.<\/p>\n<div>&nbsp;<\/div>\n<h2><strong>10. Kluane National Park and Reserve (2.5hr from Whitehorse)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-37610 aligncenter\" alt=\"Muellerf_20090624_002725.dng\" src=\"\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kluane.jpg\" width=\"576\" height=\"384\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kluane.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kluane-630x420.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kluane-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-37612 alignleft\" alt=\"Muellerf_20090214_005107-4-3-3.dng\" src=\"\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kluane3.jpg\" width=\"276\" height=\"185\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kluane3.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kluane3-630x420.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kluane3-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 276px) 100vw, 276px\" \/><br \/>\nNestled in the mountains of the Yukon Territory, Kluane National Park and Reserve has Canada\u2019s highest peak, largest ice field, and even North America\u2019s most diverse grizzly bears! Full of big and tall natural wonders, Kluane is also home to many smaller creatures including marmots, foxes, beavers, and hares. Check out what else Kluane has to offer and <a href=\"http:\/\/www.parkscanada.gc.ca\/kluane\" target=\"_blank\">start planning<\/a> your extraordinary visit!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From the Pacific to the Atlantic and everything in between, you\u2019ll be able to find a great spot to get outside and start exploring\u2026and it\u2019s probably a lot closer than you think!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":42545,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[586,694,411,931],"tags":[551,706,704,1042],"class_list":{"0":"post-37591","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-my-missions","8":"category-outdoor-explorer","9":"category-top-10","10":"category-all","11":"tag-missions","12":"tag-national-parks","13":"tag-outdoor-explorer-2","14":"tag-parks-canada"},"pp_force_visibility":null,"pp_subpost_visibility":null,"pp_inherited_force_visibility":null,"pp_inherited_subpost_visibility":null,"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37591","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37591"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37591\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/42545"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37591"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37591"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/CA\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37591"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}