Parks Canada turns 100, Banff even older at 125

Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site of Canada
Photo by Sue Frause

While the U.S. celebrates National Park Week April 17-25, 2010 (free admission all week), Canada has plenty of celebrating to do in the next two years.

Not only is it Parks Canada Centennial in 2010 (it was the world's first national park service), but it's the 125th birthday of the founding of Banff National Park in Alberta in 1885.

Special activities are planned at the country's national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas across the country.

Among the historic sites is the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site in Steveston, BC.

Built in 1894, the cannery is a fishermen's landmark, and commemorates Canada's west coast fishing industry. Over the years it has been used as a cannery, reduction plant and net loft. It's open daily from 10-5 through Oct. 31, 2010.