Canada is filled with all kinds of beautiful greenery and landscapes, much of which comes alive in the summer months. Whether you enjoy a stroll through your local park or venture out to explore a national park, the natural beauty of the season shines in parks and green spaces across the country.
Canada’s Parks Day takes place annually on the third Saturday of July. On this day, we celebrate the importance of parks and green spaces in maintaining both healthy ecosystems and our own health and well-being.
In Canada, many of us have easy access to a park or green space. In fact, in 2021, 91% of households in Canada had a park or green space that was close to home.
In honour of Parks Day, let’s take a look at some of the countless ways people in Canada can enjoy parks and green spaces from coast to coast.
Venturing into Canada’s national parks
If you’re looking to take a journey into the wilderness this summer, you may consider visiting one of the many national parks across the country. There are 37 national parks and 11 national park reserves in Canada, spread across all 10 provinces and three territories.
Each national park is unique, with different landscapes, wildlife and activities to enjoy. From hiking and camping to swimming and picnicking at the beach, summer is an opportunity for both new adventures and relaxing getaways. In 2021, 29% of households in Canada reported hiking, while 21% reported swimming, going to the beach, surfing, scuba diving or snorkelling, and 10% went camping.
From tents or recreational vehicles to roofed accommodations, camping is available to book ahead in national parks. Learn-to-camp events and introductory camping workshops, offered at many national parks, are an opportunity to pick up some essential skills and knowledge if you’re looking to start camping this summer.
Much of Canada’s natural beauty and heritage are conserved in national parks, making them some of the most special locations to visit in the country. In 2021, 15.9% of Canada’s immigrant population were recent immigrants (arrival between 2016 and 2021)—newcomers to Canada and new Canadian citizens receive free admission to all national parks across Canada for a whole year!
Planning to venture into Canada’s national parks this summer? Find a national park near you or check out events such as workshops, festivals, concerts, markets and more that are offered in national parks across Canada all summer long.
The outdoors close to home: Your local urban park
Among households in census metropolitan areas, 93% had a park or green space close to home in 2021. Taking a walk is one of the easiest ways to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors, and walking is by far the most popular outdoor activity. In 2021, 74% of households in Canada reported going for walks close to home.
While urban parks and green spaces may not offer quite as many diverse landscapes, there are many summer activities we can enjoy in a local park. In 2021, nearly 8 in 10 households in Canada (78%) reported participating in outdoor activities close to home, up from 77% in 2019 and 75% in 2011. For example, 35% of households reported biking, while 23% reported jogging, running, rollerblading or cross-country running in 2021.
Enjoying the outdoors doesn’t always mean physical activity. Planning a picnic or barbecue is also a relaxing way to spend time with family or friends while getting some fresh air this summer. In 2021, 24% of households reported picnicking or having a barbecue close to home.
In the midst of summer, the great outdoors provides the environment we need for all kinds of our favourite summer activities. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, casual camper or picnic lover, we hope you enjoy the outdoors however you like this summer!
To learn more about what Canadians did in the great outdoors close to home in 2021, check out our Households and the Environment Survey.
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