This GIS (Geographic Information Systems) classroom-based lesson plan will increase students’ understanding of the benefits and capabilities of GIS and how Parks Canada uses GIS as a tool to responsibly manage our national parks. The activity consists of a case study on Georgian Bay Islands National Park of Canada, and some of the unique issues that influence it.

This activity allows students go on a virtual camping trip to Pukaskwa National Park of Canada. Students will collect 10 Global Positioning System (GPS) readings in the park area known as Hattie Cove. Using the GPS readings, students are asked to create an interactive map for the park visitor centre which will highlight the 10 unique areas of the park. Detailed activity instructions, GPS readings and aerial photographs from Pukaskwa National Park are included as downloadable files.

This document provides a “snapshot” of key eras during the establishment, evolution and current status of Canada’s system of national parks. Since the establishment of Canada’s first national park in 1885 (Banff), public use and management of these protected landscapes and ecosystems illustrate changing society perceptions of these special places. Suggested student research topics are provided in addition to a list of topic-related resources.

These 2-page national park fact sheets provides details on the park’s location, climate, geology, types of vegetation, wildlife and appropriate visitor activities. This information strongly supports the study of Canada’s ecozones. It is an excellent resource for teachers and students who are studying Canada’s national parks.

This classroom activity includes a one page lesson plan along with 3 downloadable maps (vegetation and land use) from Point Pelee National Park data. Students use onion paper to understand concepts of G.I.S technology using manual mapping methods.