United Nations World Heritage Sites

A convention concerning the protection of the world's cultural and natural heritage was launched by UNESCO in 1972. It aimed to recognize and protect sites around the world having outstanding universal significance because of their natural or cultural values. Designations require the co-operation of participating countries. Over 120 states have signed the convention, agreeing to protect designated properties within their boundaries and to contribute to the World Heritage Fund, which was established to help preserve endangered sites. World Heritage Sites are selected by a committee according to established criteria.

There are 851 World Heritage Sites, including the Galapagos Islands, the Egyptian Pyramids, the Grand Canyon and the Taj Mahal. To date, 14 areas in Canada have been designated. These are NAHANNI NATIONAL PARK (Northwest Territories), KLUANE NATIONAL PARK (Yukon Territory), ANTHONY ISLAND (BC), DINOSAUR PROVINCIAL PARK (Alberta), HEAD-SMASHED-IN BUFFALO JUMP (Alberta), WOOD BUFFALO NATIONAL PARK (Alberta/Northwest Territories), the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks (which includes BANFF, JASPER, YOHO and KOOTENAY national parks and the BURGESS SHALE SITE), Québec City historic area (see ARCHAEOLOGY IN QUÉBEC), L'ANSE AUX MEADOWS National Historic Park (Newfoundland), GROS MORNE NATIONAL PARK (Newfoundland), LUNENBURG Old Town (Nova Scotia) and WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK (Alberta), MIGUASHA NATIONAL PARK (Quebec) and the RIDEAU CANAL (Ontario).

Author C.J. TAYLOR

Links to Other Sites
United Nations World Heritage Sites
Information about locations in Canada that have been designated United Nations World Heritage Sites. From the United Nations website.

International Council on Monuments and Sites
The website for ICOMOS Canada. See an interactive map that highlights Canada's World Heritage Sites. Also offers news about conferences, articles on heritage issues, and detailed reports about specific heritage projects in Canada.

Rideau Canal National Historic Site of Canada
The website for the Rideau Canal National Historic Site of Canada,the oldest operating 19th-century canal in North America. From Parks Canada.

World Maps
This political map of the World shows national boundaries, country names, and major ocean features. From the Atlas of Canada.

Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada
This illustrated Parks Canada website describes the ecology, geography, and history of Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada

The Canadian Register of Historic Places
Canada is home to a vast array of fascinating historical sites. Many of them are illustrated and described in this searchable online database of Canadian historic places that are of local, provincial, territorial, and national significance.

Four Directions Teachings
Elders and traditional teachers representing the Blackfoot, Cree, Ojibwe, Mohawk, and Mi’kmaq share teachings about their history and culture. Animated graphics visualize each of the oral teachings. This website also provides biographies of participants, transcripts, and an extensive array of learning resources for students and their teachers. In English with French subtitles.

Built Heritage News
A newsletter concerning heritage conservations issues. Published by Canadian architect Catherine Nasmith.

Miguasha National Park
View an interactive photo of Miguasha National Park, a palaeontological site located on the southern coast of the Gaspé peninsula in Québec. Hold down the left mouse button and move it around the image for a panoramic view of the beach area. Move the mouse wheel to magnify the image. From Patrimonium-mundi.org. Note: slow loading site.