The Establishment of National Parks in Canada in the 1900s: A Fight for Conservation

Canada is home to some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the world, and the creation of its national parks system in the early 1900s was a landmark achievement in conservation history. In WHEN CALLS THE HEART on GOOD we’re watching Governor Lucas Buchard and Lee Coulter as they campaign for the establishment of a National Park in Hope Valley. They’re facing political, industrial and societal hurdles, but just how accurate is the depiction of this historial story? Pretty close actually.

Canada’s national parks were established to preserve the country’s pristine wilderness, protect wildlife, and provide spaces for public enjoyment. However, the journey to establishing national parks was not without challenges – political, economic, and cultural barriers had to be overcome to make conservation a national priority.

Why Were National Parks Established?

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, industrialisation, urbanisation, and railway expansion were rapidly transforming Canada’s natural landscape. Concern grew over the depletion of forests, loss of wildlife, and environmental degradation. Inspired by the U.S. national parks movement – particularly Yellowstone National Park (established in 1872) – Canada sought to create its own protected areas to safeguard its natural heritage.

The primary motivations for establishing national parks included:

  • Conservation of Nature: Protecting forests, waterways, and wildlife from over-exploitation.
  • Tourism and Economic Development: Encouraging railway travel and boosting local economies.
  • National Identity: Creating parks as symbols of Canadian wilderness and pride.
  • Recreation and Public Enjoyment: Providing citizens with access to natural spaces for leisure.
Banff National Park Established 1885
Who Led the National Parks Movement?

The establishment of Canada’s national parks system was driven by a mix of political leaders, conservationists, and railway companies.

James B. Harkin – The “Father of National Parks”

James Bernard Harkin played a crucial role in shaping Canada’s national parks system. As the first commissioner of Dominion Parks Branch (now Parks Canada) in 1911, he championed the idea of preserving wilderness areas for future generations. Harkin was instrumental in expanding the parks system and promoting the idea that nature should be protected not just for economic benefit but also for its intrinsic value.

The Role of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR)

The Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) was one of the earliest advocates for national parks, seeing them as a way to attract tourists. The company encouraged the government to protect scenic areas along its railway routes, as these destinations would draw visitors and boost train travel. This influence was a major factor in the establishment of Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park, in 1885.

Yoho National Park Established 1886
The Barriers to Establishing National Parks

While the idea of national parks gained traction, several challenges had to be overcome:

Opposition from Industry
  • Logging, mining, and hunting interests resisted the creation of national parks, fearing restrictions on resource extraction.
  • The government had to balance conservation efforts with economic demands, often leading to compromises.
Land Conflicts with Indigenous Peoples
  • Many early national parks were established without consultation with Indigenous communities, displacing them from their traditional lands.
  • The government prioritised tourism and conservation over Indigenous land rights, leading to long-standing grievances.
Lack of Government Funding
  • The federal government initially struggled to allocate sufficient funds for park maintenance and development.
  • Tourism revenue was often relied upon to support park infrastructure.
Public Skepticism
  • In the early 1900s, the concept of setting aside land purely for conservation and recreation was not widely understood or accepted.
  • Many Canadians viewed parks as unnecessary restrictions on land use.
Glacier National Park Establish 1886
How Canada Overcame These Challenges

Despite these barriers, national parks were successfully established through legislation, advocacy, and public engagement.

Creation of the Dominion Parks Branch (1911)
  • In 1911, Canada became the first country in the world to create a dedicated national parks agency—the Dominion Parks Branch (now Parks Canada).
  • This allowed for better management, funding, and expansion of the parks system.
Expansion of the Parks Network
  • Following Banff’s establishment, additional national parks were created, including:
    • Yoho and Glacier National Parks (1886)
    • Jasper National Park (1907)
    • Riding Mountain and Prince Albert National Parks (1930s)
  • These parks protected key ecological areas across different provinces.
Growing Public Support
  • As more people visited national parks, public appreciation for nature conservation grew.
  • The parks became popular destinations for outdoor recreation, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
Policy Changes and Legal Protections
  • The National Parks Act (1930) formally established the principle of conservation as a core function of national parks.
  • This law ensured that parks would be protected from industrial development and preserved for future generations.
Jasper National Park Established 1907
The Legacy of National Parks in Canada

The early 1900s laid the foundation for Canada’s world-renowned national parks system. Today, Parks Canada manages over 40 national parks, protecting millions of hectares of wilderness and wildlife. While challenges such as climate change and increased tourism continue to impact these areas, the efforts of early conservationists ensured that Canada’s natural beauty remains protected for future generations.

Riding Mountain National Park Established 1930s
Conclusion

The establishment of Canada’s national parks in the 1900s was a groundbreaking achievement in conservation. Through the efforts of leaders like James B. Harkin, support from the railway industry, and public advocacy, Canada was able to overcome industrial opposition and land conflicts to create one of the most extensive national park networks in the world. These parks continue to be a source of national pride, offering breathtaking landscapes and a sanctuary for wildlife.

🌲 Next time you visit a national park, remember the vision and dedication that made it possible! 🌿

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