Celebrate the holidays by making some great memories with your family and Parks Canada this holiday season!
Parks Canada is ready to spread some holiday cheer and welcome visitors to enjoy a variety of holiday celebrations at several Canadian National Parks and National Historic Sites.
From the Fortress of Louisberg, to Fort Langley National Historic Site, Canada’s National Parks encourages Canadians to get outside this holiday season and celebrate the holidays at their favourite park.
Top 10 Places to Celebrate the Holidays at Parks Canada
1. Fort Langley National Historic Site (British Columbia)
December 16th, 2017 – 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Old-fashioned musical Christmas
Celebrate the holidays and join in a magical evening of carols around the fire, Indigenous music performances and a musical Dickens reading all inside Fort Langley’s historic walls. Get a free photo of your party at our professional photo booth. Sign a card with a fountain pen, sample heritage hot chocolate, and admire the big Christmas tree. lelƏm’ at the fort café will offer hot drinks, baked goods, tourtière and cookie decorating.
December 22nd-23rd, 27th-30th, 2017
A Fort Langley Christmas
Top off Parks Canada’s complimentary admission year at Fort Langley, the place where BC became BC! Hear Kwantlen stories, taste a chestnut roasted over the fire, and make a beautiful cedar ornament. Take a guided tour at 11:00 a.m. or 3:00 p.m., or enjoy the daily feature at noon. Admire the giant outdoor Christmas tree and take family photos at various scenic spots on site.
2. Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site (British Columbia)
December 3rd, 2017
Santa at the Cannery / Steveston Festival of Trees
The holiday spirit comes to Steveston with the arrival of Santa by boat! After his arrival, Santa will make his way to the Cannery to take photos with the kids! And don’t miss the annual Steveston Festival of Trees, on display inside the Cannery from December 1-31st.
https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/bc/georgia/activ/activ2017
3. Riding Mountain National Park (Manitoba)
December 19th, 2017
Christmas Bird Count
Join us in this great birding tradition! Local rivalries and the long history of the count (since 1900 internationally and since 1970 at Riding Mountain National Park) have made it one of the biggest social and sporting events in the birding world! Participants will take part in a pre-count orientation session, and then will join Park Biologists, Interpreters and Birders for the whole or half-day (or as long as you like!) to count and identify birds along specific routes.
The Christmas Bird Count is volunteer based, so any member of the public may participate; all are welcome, beginners and experienced bird watchers alike. It’s a fantastic day with a great group of local people. If you are new to “birding” this is probably the best way to start learning.
http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/mb/riding/activ/activites-events
4. Woodside National Historic Site (Ontario)
November 30th through December 23rd, 2017
A Victorian Christmas
Savour the seasonal delights of a Victorian Christmas and learn how the King family celebrated this festive time of year. Feel the magic of the season as you walk through richly decorated rooms of Woodside in its Victorian charm!
Christmas Mementos: Saturday, December 9th, 2017 – 10:00 a.m. to noon
Lamplight: Thursday, December 14th, 2017 – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Christmas Cheer: Saturday, December 16th and Sunday, December 17th, 2017 – 10:00 a.m. to noon
http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/woodside/activ/calendar-calendrier
5. Thousand Islands National Park (Ontario)
Between December 14th, 2017 and January 5th, 2018
Christmas Bird Count
Christmas Bird Counts are conducted on any one day between December 14 and January 5. Contact the park to learn more about the Christmas bird count.
http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/on/1000/activ/experiences/even_activ
6. Fort Malden National Historic Site (Ontario)
December 2nd, 2017
A Garrison Christmas Carol
Experience an early Victorian Garrison Christmas at Fort Malden. The three course dinner will reflect what was serving at the fort over 180 years ago. Celebrate the holidays and lend your voice to sing carols, listen to period music and stories, and get into the festive spirit, Fort Malden style.
http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/malden/activ/calendar-calendrier
7. Fort George National Historic Site (Ontario)
December 9th-10th, 2017
Fort George Garrison Christmas
Gather your family and friends and come to Fort George for an afternoon full of exciting activities, crafts and games celebrating Christmas! This is an annual family holiday event not to be missed.
http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/fortgeorge/activ/calendar-calendrier
8. Sir George-Étienne Cartier National Historic Site (Quebec)
November 21st to December 22nd, 2017 (Group Visits); December 2nd to 24th, 2017 (Individual Visits)
Victorian Christmas at the Cartier’s
Looking for a touch of class this Holiday season? Discover how styles dating back to 1867 are still in vogue 150 years later! Be charmed by the elegant Victorian decor featuring miniature fir trees, handmade cards and of course, champagne.
It’s Christmas, 1867; the Confederation has just been formed, and festivities are in full swing at the Cartier home! All the latest trends in decoration, cooking and fashion are sought out to delight the guests. During your visit to the house, discover the history and unexpected origins of some of our still-current holiday traditions. If you’re looking to go out with friends or need a break from December’s hustle and bustle, come visit the Cartier house with its festive decorations. You can enjoy a hot drink by the fireplace, take a souvenir photo with charming period accessories, or make your own personalized holiday card.
9. Fundy National Park (New Brunswick)
December, 2017 (Exact date to be determined)
Christmas Bird Count
One Bird, Two Birds, Red Bird, Blue Bird… The tradition continues at Fundy National Park! Birdwatching enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone wanting to enjoy a nice winter walk in beautiful Fundy National Park are invited to participate in the Fundy Christmas Bird Count. Talk to your friends and family and travel together to the shores of the Bay of Fundy. No need to be an expert as novice birdwatchers will be paired with the more experienced.
http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/nb/fundy/activ/festivals/oiseau_noel-christmas_bird
10. Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site (Nova Scotia)
December 3rd, 2017
Louisbourg celebrates the Holidays
Join us at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site on December 3rd to hear some of your favorite holiday tunes sung by local artists. Warm up with a cup of Heritage™ Hot Chocolate as music fills the chapel and let the stillness of the site bring you peace during the busy season.
https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ns/louisbourg/activ/speciales-special
Will you and your family be taking part in any holiday celebrations at a National Park near you?
