Wood Buffalo National Park

Established in 1922 to protect the last remaining herds of wood bison, Wood Buffalo National Park has grown into a symbol of large-scale conservation. In 1983, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique ecological features, including the Peace–Athabasca Delta. Its status was further elevated when it became the world’s largest Dark-Sky Preserve, protecting nocturnal wildlife and offering unmatched stargazing opportunities.

The park’s vast and varied landscapes include extensive boreal forest, salt plains, meandering rivers, and the Peace–Athabasca Delta — one of the world’s largest freshwater inland deltas. These landscapes provide essential habitats for numerous species and create a dramatic and diverse wilderness, far removed from human development.

Wood Buffalo is a wildlife haven, home to the world’s largest free-roaming herd of wood bison and the only natural nesting site for the endangered whooping crane. Other species include black bears, moose, lynx, wolves, and a wide variety of migratory birds. The park’s remote and pristine environment ensures these species thrive with minimal human interference.

Due to its remote location and vast size, the park offers solitude and immersive wilderness experiences such as canoeing, backcountry camping, wildlife observation, and hiking. It also hosts Indigenous cultural experiences and offers incredible views of the northern lights and star-filled skies thanks to its Dark-Sky Preserve status.