Gulf Islands National Park Reserve
2220 Harbour Rd V8L 2P6 Sidney, BC, Canada

Meet the Blue Orchard Mason Bee (Osmia lignaria), one of our favorite #BeeBuddies ! Mason Bees are solitary bees known for being gentle and easy to observe . You will want to have them as an ally in the garden, as they are excellent pollinators of spring-flowering berry bushes and fruit and nut trees! Mason Bees are one of the easiest bees to attract to your garden. To learn how to provide Mason Bees with a safe nesting site in your garden, visit http://ow.ly/IG6a50E2GQ9

Invasive species alert The European Green Crab is responsible for the destruction of many estuaries on the eastern coast of North America and was first observed on the Pacific coast in 1989. It is considered a serious threat to key estuary habitats such as eelgrass meadows. These habitats are commonly used by juvenile fish , such as Chinook salmon and other species of crabs and clams. Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is currently monitoring for European Green ...Crab within the park reserve. If you see traps in the water, please do not disturb them. Stay tuned to learn more about what you can do to prevent the spread of the European Green Crab.

Reservations are now open for the Sidney Spit Ferry! First sailing of the season will be on May 21, 2021. Reservations are mandatory and can be made by phone or online.... Strict COVID-19 protocols will be in place. Visit their website at www.sidneyspitferry.com for more details. #camping #parksmart #staylocal Wolf Depner, Peninsula News Review

#DYK reservations for camping at Gulf Islands National Park Reserve are now open ? We look forward to welcoming you back to the park reserve on May 15 ! Remember to follow public health authority guidance and advice, including travel advisories. #StayCloseToHome #InThisTogether http://ow.ly/OKpU50E8L10

Let us introduce you to the #PeopleOfParks! Meet Hanna ! Hanna is a restoration ecologist with the Resource Conservation team at Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Hanna contributes to the restoration of endangered and culturally significant species in #GarryOak and #CoastalSand ecosystems. Here you can see Hanna posing in front of a safely maintained burn pile of invasive beach grass on #SidneySpit. Hanna's favorite thing about working for Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is the opportunity to work alongside community members who are passionate about the health of these lands.

Bee-cause spring has sprung , we are celebrating some #BeeBuddies that work tirelessly to keep our ecosystems healthy and strong ! Besides bee-ing super cute, many of them don’t sting, are vegetarians, and come in a rainbow of colors! Together with other pollinators, they help provide nearly a third of the world’s food ! Sadly, in Canada, many native bees are in decline and need your HELP! The two main things native bees need are flowers and safe nesting sites. Stay tuned to learn about native #BeeBuddies and how you can help them!

#InternationalMountainDay

Planning a trip to Gulf Islands National Park Reserve sometime soon ? Check out the map below for a list of what’s open and closed. A reminder that all frontcountry campgrounds are closed for the season until May 15, 2021. Backcountry campgrounds are accessible but not regularly maintained. Visitors may use at their own risk. For a full list of what’s open, see our website http://ow.ly/US5R50CaI6l #ParksSmart #InThisTogether

Do you know how to identify these two coastal trees: Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and Grand Fir (Abies grandis)? Douglas Fir: Blunt tipped needles are ~3...-5 cm in length and radiate off the branch in all directions like a pipe cleaner. The branch tip has a bud. Grand Fir: Also blunt-tipped needles but they grow in flattened rows on opposite sides of the central stalk and grow on the end of the stem too. Needles alternate longer and shorted lengths up to ~3 cm. Photos: K. Kushneryk/E. Brouard-John

Did you recently hike the Roe Lake trail on North Pender Island in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve? If you did, you may have noticed Parks Canada staff completing a wildfire risk reduction project in the area. Crews selectively thinned the treatment area and pruned branches, removing what is referred to as ladder fuels. By removing this fuel, Parks Canada staff created a buffer zone between Gulf Islands National Park Reserve and the homes in the neighboring community of Magic Lake Estates . The photos below show the state of the forest before (left) and after (right) the wildfire risk reduction project began. Learn more about Parks Canada fire management at http://ow.ly/IaAF50CCu4L

When you realize it’s only Wednesday Happy #WildlifeWednesday !

For the th time in the history of this program, Parks Canada is looking for the next Youth Ambassadors! We are looking for movers and shakers! If you are... social media savvy and want to be the voice for youth in representing what #ParksCanada is all about in a new and highly creative way , apply NOW! ... Applications are open until November 29 (11:59 p.m. EST). Check out this link for more details: http://ow.ly/kkQq50CsQ9m

Are you always convincing your friends to go on hikes? Easily distracted by historic plaques? Braking for turtles? Well, we’ve got just the job for you become a Parks Canada Youth Ambassador! Apply before November 29 (11:59 p.m. EST) http://ow.ly/BC0X50Cu013

Advice from a killer whale: #MotivationMonday: Be strong Be swift Be steady ... Follow this link to learn more about what Parks Canada is doing to protect Southern Resident Killer Whales http://ow.ly/s4X850CaKTU Dave Pemberton

Have you ever wondered how Parks Canada staff collect the #SpeciesAtRisk seeds that we use to bolster populations in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve? Many hours of love and nurturing attention by our staff at the Conservation Nursery at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites. The team delicately weeds the Slender Popcornflower (Plagiobothrys tenellus) bed to give our small friends the best chance to grow big and strong! Each summer, we spread a new batch of Slender Popcornflower seed into the sensitive habitat on Saturna Island to strengthen existing populations and help establish new ones.

REMINDER All Parks Canada land on Sidney Island is closed for public safety reasons to facilitate hunting by First Nations. Access is prohibited from November 1st, 2020 to February 28th, 2021. Mooring buoys are open, however there is no visitor access to the beaches, day use areas, or washrooms. Closure notices are posted on-site. ... Check out the map below for a list of what’s open and closed in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. See our website for more information http://ow.ly/8tkk50C9jAd

Forgotten Hawaiian Islands in Canada? That’s right: Portland Island, now protected as part of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, has a fascinating history o...f Hawaiian settlement dating all the way back to the late 1700s. Many Indigenous Hawaiians left due to turmoil at home, opting to seek their fortune in the maritime fur trade. Read more about this lesser known part of Canadian history in the BBC feature here.

The #intertidal zone is full of surprises!

Did you know? Clam gardens are an Indigenous agricultural practice, which has been maintained for millennia! Discover how this method of restoration is bringi...ng British Columbia beaches back to life, thanks to the efforts of the WSÁNE and Hul’q’umi’num Nations, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve staff and amazing volunteers. Read The Guardian feature here: http://ow.ly/eQXY50BRFN0 See more

Happy #NationalHikingDay! This photo was taken from the viewpoint at Mt. Warburton Pike on Saturna Island. #DYK Mt. Warburton Pike is the highest elevation in all of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve? Tell us your favourite trail in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve in the comments below .

Happy Thanksgiving from Gulf Islands National Park Reserve!

Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay and we want to remind all of you that connecting with nature can be good for both your mental and physical health . So try to take time today, tomorrow or next week, to enjoy the great outdoors and all its benefits . #MIAW20

As of July 20th, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is excited to announce the reopening of all remaining campgrounds, including all backcountry campgrounds, and the much loved Sidney Spit! Sidney Spit Campground and the passenger ferry service will be available for visitors. Reservations for Sidney Spit Campground begin July 16th, at 7:00am PST. Make a reservation here: http://ow.ly/CQ1L50Azksw... Our friends over at Sidney Spit Whale Watching are now running the Sidney Spit Ferry service and have made improvements to the service to make your trip easier, including requiring visitors to secure their spot in advance. Visit their website at www.sidneyspitferry.com for ferry schedules, reservations, and health and safety procedures. See our website for more information: http://ow.ly/wrl550Azlot

This week for #AskAScientist we talk to Meag McCord, a Marine Ecologist in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve about the team effort required to conduct effectiv...e research and monitoring to protect the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales. Q: When you are conducting research is it just you and your camera? Or do you work as part of a team? A: The research and monitoring efforts around Southern Resident Killer Whales are incredibly collaborative. When I’m out on the water and see Southern Resident Killer Whales (check out the video below!) I alert my colleagues at Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The team at Fisheries and Oceans Canada can immediately pull up any hydrophone data from the area to help identify the pod and can provide feedback to us within minutes. It’s the best science ever! We also make sure to communicate with each other to ensure that we don’t have too many vessels out on the water at the same time. It’s important to give the Southern Resident Killer Whales space to communicate, rest and forage. : The video features Meag and her team near Otter Bay off Pender Island in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve where they observed members of J Pod during a regularly scheduled survey where they collected information on pod presence and demographics. Find out more about Southern Resident Killer Whale research and what you can do to help here https://www.pc.gc.ca///bc/gulf/nature/especes-species/srkw

Its week 5 of #WhaleWednesday Today we are meeting Saturna (K-43), a 10-year-old member of K-pod named after Saturna Island. Saturna is often found playing around with her brother, Rainshadow (K-37) while their mom Sequim (K-12) is off finding food. Saturna loves chasing after fish and playing in the waves #DYK that Saturna Island is part of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve and is one of the best spots in the Southern Gulf Islands for shore-based whale watching opportun...ities? There is even a trail called The Whale Trail which takes you along the shore of East Point on Saturna Island to excellent whale watching locations! #WhaleTrail Learn more about how you can protect killer whales like Saturna here http://ow.ly/pOYe50BrVCB Gary Sutton/Instagram @gary_j27

The final whale that we’ll be meeting for #WhaleWednesday is Tofino (J-56) . Tofino is one of the youngest Southern Resident Killer Whales at just over one year old. She was first spotted swimming with her mother, Tsuchi (J-31), off the coast of Tofino, British Columbia in May of 2019. That’s how she earned her name! Happy belated 1st birthday, Tofino! To continue learning about the Southern Resident Killer Whales and how to help keep them safe, click here http://ow.ly/elZX50BMBju Hysazu Photography

Advice From A Tree Stand tall and proud Go out on a limb Remember your roots Drink plenty of water... Be content with your natural beauty Enjoy your view - Ilan Shamir #MotivationMonday

It's #TriviaTuesday! This orange hued feather was spotted on one of the trails on Portland Island . Can you name which bird this feather belongs to? The answer is Northern Flicker. Unlike other woodpeckers, these charismatic birds have the unusual tendency of foraging for food on the ground. They also have amazing style - polka dots, stripes, patches and bright colors - so gorgeous! Visit our website for more on Portland Island trails where you might be able to spot the Northern Flicker http://ow.ly/Yeh450BLvvX

The Mount Norman Trail offers panoramic views of the Swanson Channel. This invigorating shore-to-sky trail climbs 244 metres through salal bushes and second-growth forest to the #viewpoint on top of Mount Norman! Feeling even more adventurous? Stay the night at Beaumont campground. Reserve your spot online at: http://ow.ly/Z0vA50Bny2i http://ow.ly/Mj2P50Bny2j

That's a wrap ! October 1st marks the official end of season for Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. While most campgrounds and docks are now closed, green spaces and trails are still accessible. Share your best photos from the summer and tag us! See you in 2021

Effective immediately, a temporary fire ban is in place at both McDonald and Prior Centennial Campgrounds due to elevated fire danger. The prohibition includes campfires, charcoal briquettes, tiki torches, candles and any open flames. Gas or propane stoves and barbecues, that are specifically designed for cooking food, and CSA / ULC certified portable campfire apparatuses with a flame less than 15 cm, are the only appliances exempt from the fire ban.

And then there were two... as in TWO new calves joining the Southern Resident Killer Whale J-Pod family ! This week on #WhaleWednesday we are celebrating J57 and J58! J57, born around September 4, 2020, appears to be a "fiesty young boy based on recent observations from the Center for Whale Research. He was photographed rolling and spyhopping as his mother Tahlequah (J35) fed nearby . Excitingly enough, Eclipse (J41) gave birth to her second calf on September 25, 2020 who... has already been called a rambunctious little bundle! We welcome this optimistic news for Tahlequah, Eclipse and their new calves . Remember that Southern Resident Killer Whales communicate with each other through vocalizations like clicks and whistles, and need quiet spaces. Please always keep at least 400m away from killer whales when boating or paddling around Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Hysazu Photography (J57 pictured )

Who loves cookies? What about killer whales named after cookies? Even better! This week on #WhaleWednesday we are meeting an individual from J-pod named Cookie (J-38) whose moms name is even Oreo (J-22). Cookie is a 17-year-old teenage male whale who is growing up so fast! When male killer whales become teenagers, their dorsal fins start to sprout and begin growing tall. You may have noticed that adult male killer whales have much larger dorsal fins than the females and C...ookie is no exception as he matures into a fully grown killer whale! Learn more about Cookie and the Southern Resident Killer Whales here http://ow.ly/1sBj50Bms7O #orca #southernresidentkillerwhale #SRKW Instagram: krisjonnes

Even in stormy seas, the view of Mount Baker never fails to impress . #MotivationMonday #GulfIslands #MountBaker : Kent Bernadet

Planted in the 1880s, the Mahoi Orchard on Russell Island represents one of the earliest Kanaka (Hawaiian) orchards and settlements within the Gulf Islands . The King of Tompkins County apples that are produced by these heritage trees have an excellent flavour and can be used for desserts, cooking or cider. Now that harvest season is here, try cooking a favourite apple dish at home or consider this family recipe recommended by our Cultural Resources staff ! Find out more a...bout the history of the Mahoi Orchard and homestead here: http://ow.ly/fi7W50BBMac Mom’s Apple Crisp 6 8 apples Crumble Topping: 1 cup oats cup flour cup brown sugar 1 2 tbsp. maple syrup (optional) 1 tsp. cinnamon cup butter * cup pecans (optional) Preheat oven to 350. Grease 8 x 8 pan or small casserole dish. Core apples, slice into 1 pieces, and place in pan. Melt butter and combine with crumble mixture, just mixing until it’s coarse. Cover apple with crumble mixture. Bake 45-55 min. until top is golden brown. *Add pecans during last 10 min. of baking. Serve hot or cold with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Have you ever wondered what scientists and researchers are working on in our national parks? Over the next few weeks, well hear from Parks Canada scientists ...as they share the answers to some frequently asked questions about Southern Resident Killer Whale research in Coastal BC! #AskAScientist Meet one of the researchers working on Southern Resident Killer Whale recovery in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, Riley Pollom. Q: How do you identify and track individual Southern Resident Killer Whales out in the field? A: Killer whales are identified by their saddle patch, which is a white pattern behind their dorsal fin. They can also be identified by unique patterns, scars, or wear on their dorsal fin. Similarly to how humans have unique fingerprints , killer whales have unique saddle patches. : As seen in the photo below, the team uses cameras with zoom lenses to take photos of the #SouthernResidentKillerWhale saddle patches from a distance. Back in the office researchers can identify individual whales to their saddle patch! Find out more about Southern Resident Killer Whale research and what you can do to help here https://www.pc.gc.ca//science/especes/epaulard-killerwhale #SRKW #SouthernResidentKillerWhales #Orca

The leaves are changing and the air outside is starting to feel crisp. Its time to break out your favourite sweater and plan a getaway. Check out this list of our top 6 apple orchards http://ow.ly/hkil50Bch2d Let us know your favourites in the comments

Not your average looking day at the office for the Assets crew, who recently spent the day repairing fuel lines at our operations centre. With the right attitude and tools, they can fix anything! Shout-out to them for keeping our facilites, vessels and vehicles safe and clean .

Gravenstein, Red Delicious, and King, oh my ! These are some of the names of the apples that are in full bloom at some of the orchards across Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Did you know that many of these orchards were planted initially between the 1830s and 1960s? Check out our orchard map attached and remember to pack your clean trip kit if you plan on visiting any Gulf Islands National Park Reserve locations! http://ow.ly/2xSR50BByEF

Welcome back to another edition of #WhaleWednesday! The Southern Resident Killer Whale we’re meeting this week is Spock (K-20) . Did you know that adult female Southern Resident Killer Whales can weigh up to 12,000 pounds? That’s roughly the weight of a large pickup truck ! Spock is a large adult female with an unusually tall and straight dorsal fin. To the untrained eye, she is often mistaken for a juvenile male ‘sprouting’ the tall dorsal fin that is characteristic of adult males. To learn more about how you can take action to protect whales like Spock, click here http://ow.ly/g0Ux50ByrAn Gary Sutton/Instagram @gary_j27

Calling all lovers-of-the-outdoors! Before visiting Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, #PlanAhead! Limit waste by packing a lunch and snacks using reusable dishware instead of plastic. By using reusable containers, you help to minimize the amount of waste that is brought into our green spaces. Learn more on how you can keep Gulf Islands National Park Reserve clean, respect wildlife and your fellow visitors, and keep our places healthy for generations to come http:...//ow.ly/HoVa50Bc5tC #ParksSmart

Welcome to week 3 of #WhaleWednesday ! Today we are introducing Onyx (L-87). While most killer whales spend their entire lives traveling with their mothers family, Onyx is the exception. He has switched the pod that he travels with three times. Onyx was born into #LPod in 1992. When his mother, Olympia (L-32), passed away in 2005, he began to travel with #KPod. In 2010, he switched pods again! For several years, he travelled with #JPod. Recently, there have been reports of ...him returning to L-pod! When a male loses his mother, he will usually latch onto the next closest female in the family (like his sister Spirit, L-22), so his behaviour is quite unique. Nice to meet you, Onyx! To learn more about how you can take action to protect whales like Onyx, click here https://www.pc.gc.ca///bc/gulf/nature/especes-species/srkw Miles Ritter #orca #SRKW #SouthernResidentKillerWhale

Continue learning about Southern Resident Killer Whale research happening within some of our Parks Canada places with this week’s edition of #AskAScientist T...oday, we’re meeting Jennifer Yakimishyn. Jennifer is a Marine Ecologist working on a number of projects in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Q: What’s your favourite part about researching Southern Resident Killer Whales? A: My favourite part of this research is the interconnectedness of the marine food web. The role of the little players in the Southern Resident Killer Whale food web is just as important as the health of big players, the orcas! Phytoplankton and zooplankton form the basis of the marine food web by providing food for many marine animals ranging from grey whales to forage fish, including Pacific Sand Lance (pictured below). Schools of forage fish are important food for seabirds and salmon, especially Chinook Salmon. Chinook Salmon, the largest of our coastal Pacific salmon species, are Southern Resident Killer Whales' favourite food. Each species plays an important role in this food web and protecting each ecosystem element is critical to the survival of the Southern Resident Killer Whales. : An image of several Pacific Sand Lance caught in a seine net Find out more about Southern Resident Killer Whale research and what you can do to help here https://www.pc.gc.ca///nature/recherche-research/erds-srkw

When visiting Parks Canada places, you can expect new safety measures, just like these at Sidney Spit! Weve taken some photos to give you a better idea of what to expect. For more information, on how you can #PlanAhead and be #ParkSmart, visit our website http://ow.ly/t1xC50BcfLD

Beauty! This red-tailed hawk was spotted at the entrance of McDonald Campground by one of our visitors. Dave Tyre

Thinking about planning a day trip or overnight camping experience to Sidney Spit? Here are our top tips of what you should know before you arrive as your experience might look different this year! Reservations for the ferry service are now available both to and from Sidney Spit. Masks are required on the Sidney Spit passenger ferry. Physical distancing measures are in place, including one way foot traffic on the Sidney Spit dock. Be sure to follow on site procedu...res! Keep a healthy 2 metres distancing between you and others, including Parks Canada staff. Pets must be on a leash at all times. Bring your own clean trip kit including hand sanitizer, garbage bags, masks and a tablecloth and practice leave no trace guidelines. Pack plenty of water for you and your party, as there is none available on the island. Cashless methods of payment are preferred. Pack in what you pack, including all COVID related supplies such as masks, cleaning wipes and hand sanitizer. For more information, on how you can #PlanAhead and be #ParkSmart, visit our website: http://ow.ly/JD9P50BcfJJ

Where has the time gone? We cant believe the 2020 season is coming to a close as students begin wrapping up their season with us and return to their studies. Despite it being a challenging year, the students at Gulf Islands National Park Reserve have managed changes with grace and determination. They bring new, creative ideas and energy to the projects we work on. Thank you for all of your hard work!

During #NationalDogDay, lets paws and reflect on the importance of keeping your dog on a leash at all times when visiting Gulf Islands National Park Reserve! Its the law and itll help keep you, wildlife, and others safe! #ItsTheLeashYouCanDo

This week we introduce you to 22-year-old Tahlequah (J35) who captured our hearts in 2018 after her incredible display of resilience and persistence. As a result of an unsuccessful birth, Tahlequah mourned the loss of her calf and carried its body through the water for 17 days straight. But this isnt the end of her story; there is hope. It was recently reported that a few of the Southern Resident Killer Whales are pregnant including Tahlequah! #WhaleWednesday We are optimistic about this good news and recognize that now, more than ever, is the time to take action to protect these stunning mammals. Find out more about how you can help here http://ow.ly/Bsxj50B9Mlk SR - Sealife Response, Rehabilitation & Research - NMFS Permit #19091

Wondering what this bizarre looking contraption is? Visitor Services staff at Gulf Islands National Park Reserve are coming up with creative ways to safely interact with visitors while maintaining physical distance in the field. This handy tool is used to register and collect payment from visitors in person and on boats. And yes, we accept payment by card! For more information, on how you can #PlanAhead and be #ParkSmart, visit our website http://ow.ly/dKns50B95HT

Recognize this little fella? The resident Purple Martins at Sidney Spit are helping us keep a look out and ensure visitors are having a safe and enjoyable time, so much so that he landed on one of our lines! For more information, on how you can #PlanAhead and be #ParkSmart, visit our website http://ow.ly/x8QP50B65v7

Looking for a fun, educational opportunity to learn more about the Salish Sea? Gulf Islands National Park Reserve and our partners at the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea are ready to safely welcome you back. Our interpreters have set up exciting outdoor programs and activities located at the waterfront side of the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea. Look for our tent at this picturesque location every Saturday through Monday from 10am - 4pm until September 5th. We cant wait to tell you more about the unique species that call Gulf Islands National Park Reserve home!

Calling all nature-lovers! If you are planning on visiting a Parks Canada place in the near future, be prepared and #PlanAhead before you go. Here are some tips and tricks on what you can do while visiting to have the most enjoyable and safe experience possible! #ParksSmart

Southern Resident Killer Whales can be found eating, swimming and socializing in the Salish Sea during the summer months. Follow along as we get to know the individual Southern Resident Killer Whales in J, K, and L pods with a new introduction and fun fact each week! #WhaleWednesday The first southern resident we will be meeting is Ocean Sun (L-25), she is the oldest living Southern Resident Killer Whale. She was born in 1928 which makes her 92 years old! She spends most ...of her time playing and traveling with the sister duo Calypso (L-94) and Matia (L-77) Take action and learn about three ways to care for Southern Resident Killer Whales like Ocean Sun here http://ow.ly/Pgbp50B3PZA #orca #southernresidentkillerwhale #SRKW Andrew A Reding

#DYK bull kelp grows 17cm a day!? Amazing! Thomas Peschak

Ta-da! From red, to green, to violet, to blue, our Pride collage represents just some of the many shapes, colours and sizes of biodiversity in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Each individual piece of the mosaic plays an important role in supporting a healthy ecosystem. Although Pride festivities may be different this year, Parks Canada continues to celebrate all the colours in the Pride flag!

Parks Canada celebrates the LGBTQ2 communities and strives for inclusivity in all of our treasured places across Canada. Join us while we highlight Gulf Islands National Park Reserves rich biodiversity to create a vibrant Pride flag collage. The final Pride in the park reserve colour is PURPLE which represents Spirit in the Pride flag. The spirit of the ocean comes from the abundance of life that flourishes within. Coming across a Purple Seastar (Pisaster ochraceus) clinging to a rock never fails to lift the spirit and bring a smile to your face. When was the last time you saw one? Thanks for joining us for Pride in the Park! Stay tuned for the final Parks Pride Collage. We cant wait to show you.

We think this speaks for itself... #FridayFeeling #ReeseWitherspoonChallenge

During the summer months, seal pups are often found along shoreline (haul-outs) as their mothers hunt for food. Since these hunting periods can be lengthy, we monitor the pups to discourage curious passers-by and pets from approaching while the pups await their mothers return. Although lone seal pups may appear distressed, they usually are not. Please do not approach, touch, pick-up or feed the pups. If you spot a seal pup alone in the park, please give it at least 100 m of space and report the sighting by calling 1-877-852-3100. #InThisTogether

Parks Canada celebrates the LGBTQ2 communities and strives for inclusivity in all of our treasured places across Canada. We will be showing our collective Pride by highlighting the colours and biodiversity of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve to create a vibrant Pride flag collage ! Stay tuned to see the final masterpiece. Todays colour of the rainbow is RED which represents Life in the Pride flag. Red Rock Crabs (Cancer productus) can be found in the intertidal z...one, including crawling across the lively walls of the Sea Gardens. Learn more about Sea Gardens here: http://ow.ly/3kM950ANJVK Allison Stocks

Today on World Ranger Day, we would like to tip our tilley hats to the Parks Canada staff working at Gulf Islands National Park Reserve who dedicate their time to protecting our cultural and natural resources. Hats off to all the rangers out there!