Wood Buffalo National Park is a vast national park located in northern Alberta and southern Northwest Territories, Canada. Spanning over 44,800 square kilometers, it is the largest national park in Canada and the second-largest in the world. It was established in 1922 to protect and preserve the critically endangered wood buffalo, the largest land mammal in North America.
Wood Buffalo National Park is characterized by its diverse ecosystems, including the largest continuous area of unchanged boreal forest left on earth. It encompasses vast areas of plains, wetlands, and boreal forest, providing a variety of habitats for a multitude of wildlife species. In addition to the wood buffalo, the park is home to the only nesting site of whooping cranes in Canada and supports significant populations of other threatened or endangered species such as the peregrine falcon and the woodland caribou.
The park is also renowned for its rugged beauty and stunning landscapes, including the spectacular Salt Plains, the Peace-Athabasca Delta, and the Athabasca Sand Dunes. These unique geographical features add to the rich biodiversity and scenic splendor of the park.
Due to its ecological significance and rich cultural heritage, including the presence of Indigenous peoples who have inhabited the region for thousands of years, Wood Buffalo National Park was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The park offers numerous recreational activities, such as hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and canoeing, allowing visitors to experience and appreciate its natural wonders and cultural importance.
