This year, we're celebrating 150 years of Canadian Confederation. It's a perfect reminder that we should get out, explore and appreciate all the wonders that our country has to offer. Events are being held all year long for Canada 150, and we're encouraged to explore our history, heritage and the vast wonders of our natural landscape whenever we can.
One of the best ways to do this is to visit some of our legendary national parks. Order your free Discovery Pass to gain access to any of Parks Canada locations, valid through Dec. 31, 2017.
There are scores of locations you can travel to with your Discovery Pass, whether you're interested in historic sites, parks or marine areas. Here are jut five of the exquisite places you can see this year:
1. Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan
This a great location to visit if you love a wide-range of outdoor activities. Prince Albert National Park has backcountry trails that are perfect for bikers and hikers. The forests in this park are home to many native Canadian species you may be able to see, such as elk, red fox and plains bison. There are also frontcountry camping sites if you'd like to spend a few days outside here.
If you're more interested in water than woods, you can enjoy beach days on the shores of Waskesiu Lake. Here you can lay in the sands to soak up some sunrays, go for a swim or take a boat on the water for fishing or waterskiing. You can bring your own paddle- or motorized-boats, or rent them when you get there.
We also recommend getting in a canoe or kayak and embarking on the Bagwa Paddling Route. Traverse through different lakes and rivers to get an up-close look at the spectacular scenery this park has to offer.
Rare plains bison can be found in Prince Albert National Park.
2. Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, Nova Scotia
Looking to do some star gazing? You'll love the views at Kejimkujik National Park. Spend your days lounging on the white sands of the Kejimkujik Seaside beaches where you can see a variety of seabirds like the endangered piping plover, as well as marine mammals like seals and humpback whale. Take a paddle boat out onto the water or go for a swim - just remember that the waters here tend to be pretty cold, and the currents can be strong.
There are plenty of hiking trails for you to go down, as well as educational cultural displays about the native Mi'kmaw people. See art and messages carved into rocks that have lasted over 4000 years, depicting the story of the Mi'kmaw and their lives. More than 60 historic sites can be found in this area.
Camp out over night and get a breathtaking view of the sky. Removed from bright city lights, you'll be amazed at the number of stars that adorn the night sky in Kejimkujik. The park is the only Dark Sky Preserve in the province.
The night sky in Kejimkujik is packed with stars.
3. Rouge National Urban Park, Ontario
Not looking to get that removed from city life? Try a trip to the Rouge National Urban Park. Located in the Greater Toronto area, you can experience greenery and marshlands without going far from the city. Go on a guided tour or take a class and learn to improve your camping techniques.
The area also holds beaches and hiking trails, so you can still reap the benefits of getting out into nature.
4. Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site, Manitoba
History buffs will love their trip to this landmark spot. Learn about what life was like for the early people of Manitoba as you explore the cultures and histories of the Ojibwa, Swampy Cree and Crown peoples through guided tours and hands-on exhibits. Fort Garry also takes a look at 1850s industrial jobs with the Hudson's Bay Company and the early fur trades.
This site also hosts hiking trails, museums and restaurants, so you can pack a full day of varied activities in with one stop.
The National Marine Conservation Area Reserve is famous for its whale watching.
5. Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve and Haida Heritage Site, British Columbia
If you're looking for wooded nature, water adventures and cultural history, you can find it all in British Columbia at the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve and Haida Heritage Site.
The hiking areas in Gwaii Haanas are not for novices - there are no established trails, so it's up to you to plan your route. For even more advanced climbers, you can attempt the challenge of scaling Mount Yatza.
Sites of ancient Haida villages are must-see experiences for those who love Canadian history and anthropology. Cultural remnants of the Haida include the tree-carved guardian monuments known as the Watchmen, longhouses and unfinished canoes.
There's also plenty to enjoy and learn about out on the water as well! The Marine Conservation area offers guided boat tours where you can see whales, dolphins, puffins and other native marine animals that are sure to capture your attention. You can also spend a day lounging on the beaches or taking to the waters in kayaks - you can bring your own watercraft, or rent some onsite.
With such a large and diverse landscape, Canada has so many parks to offer. Take advantage of your free pass and explore as many sites as you can this year!