List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Canada

There are a total of 22 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Canada. Amongst these 22 sites, L’Anse aux Meadows and Nahanni National Park Reserve are the first designated World Heritage Sites in Canada. These two sites were added to the World Heritage Sites list in 1978 at the Second Session of the Committee which was held in Washington, D.C..Canada is the second largest country in the world and has many UNESCO World Heritage Sites specifically historical sites, parks, and other sites.

We have discussed the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Canada in detail below. Let’s explore.

List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Canada

Canada has 22 World Heritage Sites with a tentative list of 10 sites. In these, two sites are shared with the United States, and the other ten sites are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their cultural significance. Exact eleven were listed for their natural significance, and one is listed for both categories. As per the list, Canada has served as a member of the World Heritage Committee four times including 1976–1978, 1985–1991, 1995–2001, and 2005–2009.

Here is the List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Canada as mentioned below.

List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Canada
Site Name	Location	Year Listed
L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site	Newfoundland and Labrador	1978
Nahanni National Park	Northwest Territories	1978
Dinosaur Provincial Park	Alberta	1979
SG̱ang Gwaay	British Columbia	1981
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump	Alberta	1981
Wood Buffalo National Park	Alberta, Northwest Territories	1983
Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks	Alberta, British Columbia	1984
Historic District of Old Québec	Quebec	1985
Gros Morne National Park	Newfoundland and Labrador	1987
Kluane / Wrangell–St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek	Yukon	1992
Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park	Alberta	1995
Old Town Lunenburg	Nova Scotia	1995
Miguasha National Park	Quebec	1999
Rideau Canal	Ontario	2007
Joggins Fossil Cliffs	Nova Scotia	2008
Landscape of Grand Pré	Nova Scotia	2012
Red Bay Basque Whaling Station	Newfoundland and Labrador	2013
Mistaken Point	Newfoundland and Labrador	2016
Pimachiowin Aki Manitoba	Ontario	2018
Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai’pi	Alberta	2019
Tr’ondëk-Klondike	Yukon	2023
Anticosti	Quebec	2023

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1. L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site – Newfoundland and Labrador

L’Anse aux Meadows is an ancient Viking village from the 11th century located at the end of the Great Northern Peninsula. It is the oldest known European settlement in the New World. The village has eight grass-covered houses: three homes, one place for making tools, and four places for fixing ships. The buildings and objects are similar to those found in Greenland and Iceland during the same time. Some small changes were made to the borders of the site in 2017.

L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site provides an opportunity for visitors to discover Viking history in North America.

This site preserves the sole known Norse settlement in North America, dating back over 1,000 years.

Visitors can explore reconstructed Norse structures. It gives you an insight into Viking life and culture.

The site’s beautiful coastal setting offers a picturesque backdrop for historical exploration.

L’Anse aux Meadows offers guided tours and educational programs to enhance understanding of its historical importance.

2. Nahanni National Park – Northwest Territories

The park is recognized for its amazing land features. The rivers in the park, especially the South Nahanni River, cut deep canyons through the mountains and formed many waterfalls (like Virginia Falls). There are special rock formations called karst, including caves made of limestone. The park is peaceful and is where animals like grizzly bears, wolves, and caribou live in the northern forests.

Nahanni National Park is in the Northwest Territories and has tall mountains, deep canyons, and pretty rivers.

You can see different kinds of nature, like forests and grasslands, and animals such as bears, wolves, and sheep.

There’s a big waterfall called Virginia Falls, which is even taller than Niagara Falls. It’s very cool to see!

People who like nature can do fun things there, like walking on trails or going down the Nahanni River in a boat.

Nahanni National Park has interesting stories from the past, like about Native Americans and people searching for gold.

3. Dinosaur Provincial Park – Alberta

The place is mostly untouched, with a dry grassland and rocky terrain. Scientists found fossils of over 44 types of dinosaurs, including different kinds from the Cretaceous period. They dug up over 150 complete dinosaur skeletons and other ancient remains. These findings help us understand what life was like here 77 to 75 million years ago.

Tucked away in the rugged terrain of Alberta, Dinosaur Provincial Park showcases breathtaking rock formations shaped by millions of years of erosion, providing a mesmerizing setting for exploration.

Housing one of the most abundant collections of fossils globally, the park offers a unique chance for visitors to peer into the distant past and uncover the remains of ancient creatures like the Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops.

Join guided tours led by expert paleontologists to unravel the mysteries of prehistoric life, including fossil excavation sites where visitors can take part in hands-on activities.

Discover the park’s rich variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and over 165 bird species, making it a paradise for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts.

Engage with Indigenous culture through interpretive programs that shed light on the significance of the area to the Blackfoot Nation, providing a deeper insight into the land’s cultural legacy.

4. Sgang Gwaay – British Columbia

This place protects a village from the 1800s where the Haida people lived on the Haida Gwaii islands near the coast of British Columbia. The area has big wooden houses and some tall wooden poles that were made for remembering people who passed away and for honoring them. These things show the Haida people’s customs and their way of making art.

Hidden within the beautiful wild of British Columbia, SG̱ang Gwaay offers a fascinating peek into the culture of the Haida Nation.

This special place, recognized by UNESCO, has old totem poles that tell stories through carvings and symbols.

Walking through SG̱ang Gwaay’s green forest paths reveals many plants and animals, perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature.

You can only reach this remote spot by boat or seaplane, which adds excitement to your adventure.

SG̱ang Gwaay is important for both its history and nature, showing how vital it is to protect our planet’s treasures.

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5. Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump – Alberta

The buffalo jump was a traditional way of hunting buffalo by the Plains Native Americans for almost six thousand years. Hunters understood the land and buffalo habits, so they guided buffalo herds towards paths that led to a cliff, causing the buffalo to fall and die. This site is a notable example of this hunting method. Afterward, the buffalo carcasses were cut up and prepared at a camp below. A small change to the site’s borders happened in 2021.

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is a special place recognized by UNESCO, found in Alberta, Canada.

It is among the oldest, biggest, and well-kept buffalo jump sites in North America.

This historic site gives us important information about how Indigenous people hunted buffalo and lived.

People can visit centers, trails, and displays that explain the history and importance of buffalo jumps.

The site lets you learn about Indigenous culture, nature, and how people and bison lived together.

6. Wood Buffalo National Park – Alberta, Northwest Territories

The park covers large areas of grass and sedge meadows, boreal forests, lakes, rivers, and the world’s largest inland delta, the Peace–Athabasca Delta. There are also salt plains and gypsum karst features. It is home to North America’s largest population of wild bison, and is a breeding ground for the endangered whooping crane.

Wood Buffalo National Park features the largest remaining group of freely roaming wood bison. It provides the visitors with a special chance to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural surroundings.

The park have various ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, and vast grasslands, offering exceptional opportunities for observing wildlife and birdwatching.

Its pristine rivers and lakes provide fantastic settings for activities like canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, allowing visitors to fully experience the serenity of the northern wilderness.

Within the park, visitors can explore sites significant to Indigenous cultures, gaining insight into the rich history and traditions of the native peoples who have lived in the area for generations.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wood Buffalo National Park is celebrated for its stunning natural landscapes, diverse wildlife, and cultural importance, making it a destination not to be missed for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

7. Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks – Alberta, British Columbia

Seven national parks in the Canadian Rockies, two more were added in 1990, show beautiful mountains with glaciers, icy fields, high meadows, caves, lakes, and waterfalls. The Burgess Shale formation, a significant collection of fossils, is found here. It holds the remains of soft-bodied animals from a long time ago, which helps us understand how different types of animals evolved.

Majestic peaks of the Canadian Rockies offer stunning panoramic views.

Crystal-clear lakes scatter the area, providing peaceful reflections of the surrounding mountains.

Diverse wildlife, including rare animals like grizzly bears and bighorn sheep, flourish in the untouched wilderness.

Many hiking paths wind through mountain meadows, providing chances for exploration and excitement.

Historic train routes, like the famous Rocky Mountaineer, offer picturesque journeys through the heart of the Rockies.

8. Historic District of Old Québec – Quebec

The old part of Quebec was built by the French in the 1600s as the main city of New France. Later, the British improved it from the 1760s onwards. This area shows how Europeans settled in North America over time. It has a well-kept city center and strong walls with defensive features, which are rare north of Mexico.

The Historic District of Old Québec boasts charming cobblestone streets, reminiscent of the 17th century.

Visitors can explore quaint shops and cozy cafes tucked away in narrow alleys, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural history.

Majestic stone fortifications, like the famous Château Frontenac, dominate the skyline, exuding grandeur and historical significance.

The district’s well-maintained architecture reflects French colonial influence, featuring intricate facades and graceful balconies.

Wanderers in Old Québec will stumble upon hidden courtyards, picturesque squares, and secret passages, inviting them to uncover its fascinating history at every corner.

9. Gros Morne National Park – Newfoundland and Labrador

The park shows how the Earth’s plates move and shift with its deep ocean crust and rocks from the Earth’s lower layer. The beautiful wilderness area has freshwater lakes and rocky cliffs formed by glaciers, making it even more stunning.

Gros Morne National Park boasts beautiful fjords carved by ancient glaciers, offering visitors breathtaking views of dramatic cliffs plunging into deep, pristine waters.

Explore a network of trails that wind through diverse landscapes, from lush forests and rugged coastline to alpine plateaus, providing opportunities for both leisurely strolls and challenging hikes.

Encounter a geological wonderland featuring exposed mantle rock, fjord valleys, and unique formations like the Tablelands, where the Earth’s mantle is exposed, offering a glimpse into the planet’s geological history.

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador through interpretive programs, traditional music performances, and encounters with local artisans, showcasing the region’s distinctive way of life.

From moose and caribou to whales and seabirds, Gros Morne National Park is brimming with diverse wildlife, providing ample opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography enthusiasts.

10. Kluane / Wrangell–St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek-Yukon

The four big parks and protected areas between the United States and Canada have the world’s biggest ice field apart from the poles and many large ice rivers. This area, shaped by icy movements and moving earth’s crust, has different types of homes for animals, from tall mountains over 16,000 ft (5,000 m) to ocean, forests near the coast, and valleys with rivers. Important animals here include big brown bears, caribou, Dall sheep, and mountain goats.

The rivers are where salmon lay eggs before going back to the ocean. Glacier Bay (US) was first listed by itself in 1979. Kluane (Canada, shown in a picture) and Wrangell–St. Elias (US) were added to the area in 1992, and Tatshenshini-Alsek (Canada) in 1994.

Majestic mountains dominate the landscapes of Kluane, Wrangell–St. Elias, Glacier Bay, and Tatshenshini-Alsek, forming a breathtaking backdrop for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.

These interconnected parks boast pristine glaciers, providing visitors with opportunities to witness the dynamic forces of nature and explore ancient ice formations.

Rich biodiversity thrives within these parks, offering a haven for diverse wildlife species such as grizzly bears, bald eagles, and salmon, creating an unparalleled experience for wildlife enthusiasts.

The cultural significance of these parks is profound, as they encompass traditional territories of indigenous peoples, providing insights into centuries-old cultural practices and fostering appreciation for ancestral connections to the land.

Whether kayaking through fjords, hiking along rugged trails, or marveling at towering peaks, the Kluane, Wrangell–St. Elias, Glacier Bay, and Tatshenshini-Alsek parks offer a remarkable adventure for those seeking to immerse themselves in the wonders of the natural world.

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List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Canada – FAQs

How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites are there in Canada?

There are a total of 22 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Canada. Amongst these 22 sites, L’Anse aux Meadows and Nahanni National Park Reserve are the first designated sites of the country.

What was the first Unesco World Heritage Site in Canada?

The first two sites in Canada added to the list were L’Anse aux Meadows and Nahanni National Park Reserve, both at the Second Session of the World Heritage Committee, held in Washington, D.C., in 1978.

How many UNESCO schools are there in Canada?

In Canada, the network is active in most provinces and territories and includes over 100 schools.

Which is one World Heritage site located in Canada and describe its importance?

The Rideau Canal, a monumental early 19th-century construction covering 202 km of the Rideau and Cataraqui rivers from Ottawa south to Kingston Harbour on Lake Ontario, was built primarily for strategic military purposes at a time when Great Britain and the United States vied for control of the region.

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