Hello / Bonjour!
January 2017 is the beginning of the CANADA 150 celebrations!
What an amazing time we live in, eh?!
As well, did you know that January 24, 2017 is the 100th anniversary of CANADA’S first NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE?!
What to do first?
1.) Get your FREE Parks Canada Discovery Pass and join me on a cross Canada tour to as many parks as possible!
From coast to coast to coast, Parks Canada manages the national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas of Canada, providing a revered connection between the ‘hearts and minds’ of Canadians and the very essence of this country.
I have to say THANK YOU to PARKS CANADA for a great T shirt that I wore on Global TV The Morning Show today – if you want one of your own please go to see all the MERCHANDISE online at their shop.
To complete my ensemble for the show and be ready to hike I went to Mountain Equipment Coop and bought myself a pair of hiking boots so I’m ready to explore this year!
2.) You’ll need a guidebook so you’ll know where to go!!
GUIDE TO THE NATIONAL PARKS OF CANADA/GUIDE DES PARCS NATIONAUX DU CANADA (second edition)
Just in time for Canada’s 150th birthday, this revised and expanded National Parks guidebook shows you how to get the most out of your visits to Canada’s 47 gorgeous national parks—from Cape Breton Highlands to Banff to Pacific Rim National Park Preserve, plus the five newest additions: Nááts’ihch’oh National Park Reserve, Mealy Mountains Park Reserve, Rouge Urban Park, Qausuittuq Park, and Sable Island National Park Reserve of Canada.
400 pages written by national park experts who know the parks inside and out, this book is chock-full of handy practical information and is beautifully illustrated with stunning photography and one-of-a-kind maps prepared by National Geographic.
GUIDE TO THE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITES OF CANADA / GUIDE DES LIEUX HISTORIQUES NATIONAUX DU CANADA
Published to mark the Centennial of Canada’s first national historic site, designated in 1917, this is your guide to historic sites that help to tell the story of Canada. This all-new, 352-page book showcases 236 national historic sites and gives visitors fact-packed text that features history, natural history, and must-see elements and events at each place. Great visuals and poetic insight into the lands and events reveal how Canada grew into the creative, thriving, and proudly independent nation it is today. Each entry gives the site’s unique story and how it contributes to the greater story of Canada.
Take time this year to visit Canada’s oldest National Historic Site and one of the most hotly contested pieces of land on the entire continent at Fort Anne. For centuries, a succession of Scottish, French, First Nations and English settlers clashed over this prize on the beautiful banks of Nova Scotia’s Annapolis River. Today, visitors can walk the earthen walls, explore the 1797 Officers’ Quarters Museum and soak up centuries of Canadian history. Situated on 15 hectares (37 acres) of land in beautiful Annapolis Royal, Fort Anne was designed and built as a military fort with the first fort erected on the site by the Scots in 1629. Four forts were subsequently built by the French beginning in 1643.
This year a new exhibit will be unveiled to help celebrate this significant milestone. Visitors can explore the remains of the various 18th and 19th century buildings, including an early 18th century gunpowder magazine. Take a photo of the kids in costume so they can share their adventure with their friends. Be sure to part in their Xplorers program. It’s a fun way for kids ages 6-11 to explore Fort Anne.
From coast to coast these two National Geographic guide books will inspire you to get outside to explore our amazing country!
NOW may I suggest a colourful literary companion that is sure to be welcomed after a full day of hiking and/or soaking up history.
THE CANADIAN BACKWOODS COLOURING BOOK
This gorgeous colouring book by Ketha Newman and colouring by YOU is overflowing with rustic, breathtaking Canadian landscapes! Ketha take artistic inspiration from her own lifestyle to celebrate Canada’s natural beauty.
It’s organized by month and commemorates all four glorious seasons with thirty-nine drawings partnered with a quote from one of sixteen Canadian poets and authors, whose writings have exalted Canadian life for one hundred and fifty years.
From Lucy Maud Montgomery to Nellie McClung to Emily Carr to name a few, you will be enriched by time spent reading and colouring this book. As a bonus, Ketha is sharing colouring tips and commentary on the photos on her website.
Guidebooks to explore all of Canada from east to west, north to south plus a colouring book to read & relax with - where and what will you do first?
3.) Check out #DiscoveryPass #Canada150 #GoodTimesOutside on social media channels for continual inspiration!
PLUS Did you know?
Canada was the first country in the world to establish a dedicated national park service and has since protected a network of wilderness areas of truly global significance.
“National Parks are maintained for all the people – for the ill, that they may be restory, for the well that they may be fortified and inspired by the sunshine, the fresh air, the beauty …” said James B. Harkin, the first leader of what is now Parks Canada. 1890-1891
“The first National Geographic Society sponsored expedition maps the Mount St. Elias region, in Alaska, and discovers Canada’s highest peak, which the team names Mount Logan.”
The Canadian Parcs Group has had a relationship with National Geographic (NG) Publishing since 2010 when they asked them to publish the first edition of the Guide to Canada Parcs. With the success of the first edition they asked NG to be the exclusive publishing partner for the 100 anniversary of the Historic Sites / Parcs and Canada 150.
Please note: the two National Geographic guide books were published simultaneously in English & French and printed in Canada.
O Canada! Our home and native land! True patriot love in all thy sons command. With glowing hearts we see thee rise, The True North strong and free! From far and wide, O Canada, We stand on guard for thee. God keep our land, glorious and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee; O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada! Where pines and maples grow, Great prairies spread and Lordly rivers flow! How dear to us thy broad domain, From East to Western sea! The land of hope for all who toil, The true North strong and free! God keep our land, glorious and free. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!
O Canada! Beneath thy shining skies, May Stalwart sons, and gentle maidens rise. To keep thee steadfast thro’ the years, From East to Western sea. Our own beloved native land, Our true North strong and free! God keep our land, glorious and free. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!
Ruler supreme, who hearest humble prayer, Hold our Dominion, in thy loving care. Help us to find, O God, in thee, A lasting rich reward. As waiting for the better day, We ever stand on guard. God keep our land, glorious and free. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!