This year Parks Canada is celebrating its 100th birthday and its establishment in 1911 as the first national parks service in the world.
Parks Canada’s national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas from coast to coast to coast will join in the nation-wide celebration to mark the centennial anniversary with special events happening in Fort Langley. It’s a great time for Fort Langley residents to get out and explore a part of their national heritage.
“As part of Parks Canada’s centennial, we are offering a wide range of exciting activities at all of our sites across Canada, so that, Canadians, and kids, can develop meaningful connections to their national treasures,” said Alan Latourelle, Parks Canada CEO.
Entrance fees to all Parks Canada sites, including Fort Langley National Historic Site and the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, are waived across the country on Canada Day, July 1, and on Parks Day, July 16.
In addition to these incentives, here are some of the Fort Langley area events that will help to ensure experiences in the national parks and national historic sites are unforgettable this summer.
On May 23, there will be a Centennial celebration at Fort Langley National Historic Site with a birthday cake and the debut performance of Parks Canada's exciting, educational new theatre troupe, Beaver Tales Theatre Co. Admission to the site is free throughout the day.
On June 18 and 19, Parks Canada and Mountain Equipment Co-op, with the support of local partners, present an interactive Learn to Camp event for families who may have never been camping before. One hundred novice campers will experience setting up camp, cooking outside and sleeping in a tent overnight. Participants will also learn the basics of outdoor safety, and try their hand at a number of outdoor activities. The event will be held in Brae Island Regional Park in Fort Langley.
On Parks Day, July 16, in addition to free admission and special programming at Fort Langley National Historic Site, Parks Canada will hold a major celebration of its 100th year in one of Vancouver’s most beloved places, Stanley Park. A fun-filled family day of festivities will run from noon to 6 p.m., followed by a free outdoor concert from 6 to 9 p.m. at Stanley Park’s Brockton Point.
On August 20 and 21 Fort Langley National Historic Site will be taking part in Fab Forts Weekend, inspired by the 300th birthday of the completion of Fort Chambly. The celebration will take place at historic forts across the country with a signature 100-gun salute and toast to Parks Canada’s centennial.
For more information visit www.parkscanada.gc.ca/vancouver