Parks Canada merchandise – your purchase helps conservation!

In 2024, online purchases support CaribouRANGE, a collaborative program with Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation that will monitor changes in the Porcupine Caribou herd’s summer range in Vuntut National Park. The herd’s summer range provides high quality food and escape from insects. Understanding the condition of their summer range and how it may change with a warming climate is essential for effective management. The project will monitor length of the snow season, snow depth, permafrost and soil temperatures, as well as the length of the growing season, rainfall, and vegetation cover. This data will inform management of the caribou herd that is central to the ecology of the north Yukon and to First Nation and Inuvialuit culture.

• The Porcupine caribou herd at Vuntut National Park

In 2023, online proceeds support efforts to reduce mountain goat mortality on the Trans-Canada highway in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks. Mountain goats are known to descend to the highway for salt, which is essential for a healthy diet. To keep goats off the highway, Parks Canada is placing mineral licks (salt intended for animal consumption) in safer locations along their usual paths. This is just one action Parks Canada ecologists are taking to help keep mountain goats safe along the Trans-Canada Highway and reconnect their natural travel corridors.

• Mountain goats at Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks

In 2022, online purchases will support research on shark species found around Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. With about sixteen shark species in British Columbia waters, underwater video footage will help ecologists better understand which species are visiting the islands. As climate change impacts marine dynamics, understanding the sharks living in Canadian waters will allow us to gain a deeper understanding on how to protect the wider marine ecosystem.

• Sharks of the Southern Salish Sea
• A shark-filled life

In 2021, purchases support the scientific monitoring of the St. Lawrence beluga whale at Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park. From the shore, the Parks Canada research team studies how this endangered species socializes, feeds, and rests. They also characterize recreational boat and ship traffic. Monitoring helps better understand the natural habitat of the beluga whale to put into place strong conservation measures.

• Video: Have you ever heard a beluga sing?

At Grasslands National Park, prescribed fire has improved grassland habitat for birds and some iconic prairie species including bison and the super-cute (and threatened) black-tailed prairie dog. Prescribed fire helps restore grassland biodiversity and reduce combustible grasses that contribute to uncontrollable wildfires.

• Prescribed fires at Grasslands National Park

In Kluane National Park and Reserve, proceeds helped fund genetic research of the kokanee salmon to determine viable recovery options. Parks Canada is concerned about declining numbers and the genetic health of the current population.

• Life cycle of kokanee salmon

Point Pelee National Park enlisted the help of experts who recommended new measures to make the local habitat safer for turtles, which will also benefit the park’s snakes, frogs, toads and the endangered five-lined skink, a tiny lizard familiar to the area.

• More about turtles at Point Pelee National Park