National Wildlife Area facts for kids

Imagine special places in Canada where animals and plants are kept safe! These places are called National Wildlife Areas. They are like nature's own protected homes, set up by the Canadian government. Their main goal is to protect wildlife and their habitats, which are the natural places where they live.

What are National Wildlife Areas?

National Wildlife Areas are special spots in Canada where most human activities are limited. This helps keep the land and water safe for animals and plants. Sometimes, people can get special permission to do things there, but only if it doesn't harm the wildlife.

These areas are looked after by the Canadian Wildlife Service. This group is part of Environment and Climate Change Canada, which is a government department. National Wildlife Areas can include land, water, and even coastal areas that stretch out into the ocean.

Canada's Largest Wildlife Area

The biggest National Wildlife Area is the Scott Islands Marine National Wildlife Area. You can find it in British Columbia. It's huge, covering about 11,570.65 km² (4,467.45 sq mi)! That's a massive space dedicated to protecting marine life.

Where are National Wildlife Areas Located?

There are many National Wildlife Areas all across Canada, in different provinces and territories. Each one helps protect the unique wildlife found in that part of the country. Here's a look at some of them:

Alberta

Alberta has several important National Wildlife Areas. One of the largest is the Suffield National Wildlife Area. It covers about 458.07 km² (176.86 sq mi). These areas help protect different kinds of animals and their homes in Alberta.

• Blue Quills National Wildlife Area
• Meanook National Wildlife Area
• Spiers Lake National Wildlife Area
• Suffield National Wildlife Area

British Columbia

British Columbia is home to the largest National Wildlife Area, the Scott Islands Marine area. But it also has other important ones on land. These areas protect a variety of habitats, from coastal regions to inland valleys.

• Alaksen National Wildlife Area
• Columbia National Wildlife Area
• Qualicum National Wildlife Area
• Scott Islands Marine National Wildlife Area
• Vaseux-Bighorn National Wildlife Area
• Widgeon Valley National Wildlife Area

Manitoba

Manitoba has National Wildlife Areas that help protect wetlands and other important habitats for birds and other creatures.

• Pope National Wildlife Area
• Rockwood National Wildlife Area

New Brunswick

New Brunswick's National Wildlife Areas often focus on protecting coastal and wetland environments, which are crucial for many bird species.

• Cape Jourimain National Wildlife Area ^[fr]
• Portage Island National Wildlife Area ^[fr]
• Portobello Creek National Wildlife Area ^[fr]
• Shepody National Wildlife Area ^[fr]
• Tintamarre National Wildlife Area

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia's areas protect a mix of coastal, island, and wetland habitats. These are vital for many types of wildlife, especially migratory birds.

• Boot Island National Wildlife Area
• Chignecto National Wildlife Area
• John Lusby National Wildlife Area
• Sand Pond National Wildlife Area ^[fr]
• Sea Wolf Island National Wildlife Area ^[fr]
• Wallace Bay National Wildlife Area

Nunavut

Nunavut has some of the largest and most remote National Wildlife Areas. They protect vast Arctic landscapes, which are home to polar bears, caribou, and many seabirds.

• Akpait National Wildlife Area ^[fr]
• Ninginganiq National Wildlife Area ^[fr]
• Nirjutiqavvik National Wildlife Area
• Polar Bear Pass National Wildlife Area
• Qaqulluit National Wildlife Area ^[fr]

Ontario

Ontario's National Wildlife Areas protect diverse habitats, from islands in the Great Lakes to wetlands and forests.

• Big Creek National Wildlife Area
• Eleanor Island National Wildlife Area
• Long Point National Wildlife Area
• Mississippi Lake National Wildlife Area
• Mohawk Island National Wildlife Area
• Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area
• Scotch Bonnet Island National Wildlife Area
• St. Clair National Wildlife Area
• Wellers Bay National Wildlife Area
• Wye Marsh National Wildlife Area

Quebec

Quebec's National Wildlife Areas often focus on protecting important bird habitats along rivers and estuaries, like the St. Lawrence River.

• Baie de l'Isle-Verte National Wildlife Area ^[fr]
• Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area
• Îles de Contrecoeur National Wildlife Area ^[fr]
• Îles de l'Estuaire National Wildlife Area ^[fr]
• Îles de la Paix National Wildlife Area ^[fr]
• Lac Saint-François National Wildlife Area ^[fr]
• Pointe-au-Père National Wildlife Area
• Pointe de l'Est National Wildlife Area ^[fr]

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan's areas are important for protecting prairie habitats and wetlands, which are home to many types of birds and other wildlife.

• Bradwell National Wildlife Area
• Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area
• Prairie National Wildlife Area
• Raven Island National Wildlife Area
• St. Denis National Wildlife Area
• Stalwart National Wildlife Area
• Tway National Wildlife Area
• Webb National Wildlife Area

Yukon

The Yukon has National Wildlife Areas that protect northern ecosystems, including important river deltas for migratory birds.

• Nisutlin River Delta National Wildlife Area

Images for kids

• Suffield National Wildlife Area.jpg

  The Suffield National Wildlife Area in Alberta is one of the largest on land.

See also

• List of Migratory Bird Sanctuaries of Canada