Canada UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The UNESCO Sites in Canada have resulted from the recognition of 20 cultural and natural landmarks as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Canada and 12 locations on the Canada UNESCO tentative list. These touristic sites in Canada are acknowledged for their unique and valuable cultural, natural, artistic, and historical significance and preserved for future generations.

In addition to these 20 sites on the Canada UNESCO list, many other places to travel to Canada are being considered for UNESCO recognition. These sites, listed on the tentative list, showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage and await approval to join the prestigious and famous World Heritage Sites list.

To help visitors discover these remarkable Canadian tourist attractions, we have assembled an interactive map of the UNESCO sites in Canada.

Canada UNESCO Map

Click markers to show information and photo.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Canada

There are 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Canada. All of these three sites are listed under the Cultural category.

• Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
• Historic District of Old Québec
• L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site
• The landscape of Grand Pré
• Old Town Lunenburg
• Red Bay Basque Whaling Station
• Rideau Canal
• SGang Gwaay
• Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai’pi
• Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks
• Dinosaur Provincial Park
• Gros Morne National Park
• Joggins Fossil Cliffs
• Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
• Miguasha National Park
• Mistaken Point
• Nahanni National Park
• Waterton Glacier International Peace Park
• Wood Buffalo National Park
• Pimachiowin Aki

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Canada are protected locations for their cultural and natural importance.

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Alberta, Canada. It is an archaeological site that holds significant cultural and historical value for the indigenous people of North America. The site is named after a cliff over which bison were driven by indigenous hunters, leading to their demise. The site offers a unique glimpse into the lives of these early inhabitants. Visitors can explore the exhibits and interpretive center to learn more about the region’s history and the customs of the people who once called it home.

Historic District of Old Québec

The Historic District of Old Québec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Québec City, Canada. The district comprises the Upper Town and Lower Town, representing one of North America’s most well-preserved examples of a fortified colonial city. The district is characterized by its narrow streets, stone buildings, and historical landmarks such as the Citadel and Château Frontenac. The architecture of Old Québec reflects a blend of European styles, including French, British, and American influences. Today, the district remains a vibrant cultural hub and a popular destination for tourists seeking to experience Québec’s rich history and heritage.

L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site

L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. It is believed to be the site of a Viking settlement that dates back to the 11th century, making it the only known Norse site in North America. The site includes eight reconstructed Norse buildings, as well as artifacts that were discovered during excavations. These discoveries provide essential insight into the Viking history and their interactions with indigenous peoples in the region. L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site is a fascinating glimpse into the past and a must-visit destination for history buffs and cultural enthusiasts.

The landscape of Grand Pré

The Landscape of Grand Pré is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Nova Scotia, Canada. It comprises a cultural landscape that bears testimony to the agricultural way of life of the Acadian people and their relationship with the land. The site features complex dykes, fields, and water management systems, which were built and maintained by the Acadians over several centuries. The landscape also includes archaeological remains of Acadian settlements and the Grand Pré National Historic Site, which houses a museum and interpretive center. The Landscape of Grand Pré is an exceptional example of a cultural landscape that reflects the unique history and traditions of the Acadian people.

Old Town Lunenburg

Old Town Lunenburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nova Scotia, Canada. It is an example of a British colonial settlement established in the 18th century and retained its original layout and architecture. The town is known for its colorful houses and picturesque harbor, an important center of fishing and shipbuilding for centuries. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage and maritime history.

Red Bay Basque Whaling Station

Red Bay Basque Whaling Station is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Basque whalers established it in the 16th century and is North America’s most complete and well-preserved example. The site includes several structures such as ovens, workshops, living quarters, and a cemetery, which offer insights into the whaling industry of the time. The site is also notable for its cultural significance, as it represents the early interaction and exchange between the Basque people and the area’s indigenous people.

Rideau Canal

The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Canada. It is a 202-kilometer-long canal system connecting Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, to Kingston, a historic city on Lake Ontario. The canal was constructed in the early 19th century for military purposes and was later used for commerce and transportation. Today, it is a popular tourist destination and recreational waterway. The Rideau Canal is known for its impressive engineering feats, 47 locks and 24 lock stations, and scenic beauty, including picturesque villages, lakes, and rivers.

SGang Gwaay

SGang Gwaay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada. It is a remote coastal village once home to the Haida people and is now an important cultural site. The village contains a collection of impressive totem poles and longhouses that provide insight into the unique art and architecture of the Haida people. The site is significant for its cultural importance and natural beauty, as it is surrounded by stunning coastal scenery and abundant wildlife. Today, SGang Gwaay is a popular destination for tourists and researchers interested in learning about the history and culture of the Haida people.

Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai’pi

Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai’pi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Canadian province of Alberta. The site is known for its remarkable rock formations and ancient petroglyphs (rock carvings) that date back over 2,000 years. The petroglyphs provide a glimpse into the culture and history of the indigenous Blackfoot people who inhabited the area for thousands of years. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the rock formations and learn about the cultural significance of the petroglyphs. Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai’pi is a unique and fascinating destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and the natural world.

Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks

The Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in western Canada. This site comprises four national parks: Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, and Yoho, and three provincial parks: Mount Robson, Mount Assiniboine, and Hamber. The area is known for its stunning mountain landscapes, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities such as hiking, camping, skiing, and wildlife watching. The Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks are considered some of the most beautiful natural areas in the world and attract millions of visitors each year.

Dinosaur Provincial Park

Dinosaur Provincial Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Alberta, Canada. It is renowned for its exceptional fossil record, which provides a unique glimpse into the Late Cretaceous Period, approximately 75 million years ago. The park is home to diverse dinosaur fossils, including rare specimens of tyrannosaurs, ceratopsians, and hadrosaurs. Its Badlands landscapes and canyons provide a stunning backdrop for visitors to explore and learn about the geological and paleontological history of the area.

Gros Morne National Park

Gros Morne National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the west coast of Newfoundland, Canada. The park boasts a stunning landscape of mountains, fjords, and beaches, showcasing the unique geological processes that have shaped the Earth over millions of years. It is home to diverse flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species such as the Newfoundland marten and the harlequin duck. The park also offers visitors the opportunity to experience traditional Newfoundland culture through various activities such as boat tours, hiking trails, and cultural events.

Joggins Fossil Cliffs

Joggins Fossil Cliffs is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nova Scotia, Canada. The site contains some of the world’s most complete and best-preserved examples of fossils from the “Coal Age” or Carboniferous Period around 300 million years ago. The cliffs also provide a unique glimpse into the ancient ecosystem, revealing how plants and animals interacted and evolved during this time. Joggins Fossil Cliffs is considered a key site for understanding the evolution of life on Earth and is a must-visit destination for geologists, paleontologists, and nature enthusiasts alike.

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Canada and the United States. This site encompasses four national parks and a preserve, all vast and remote wilderness areas that showcase the grandeur and beauty of the North American continent. The site is home to various ecosystems, including glaciers, fjords, forests, and alpine tundra, which support various plant and animal species. Visitors to this site can enjoy various outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, kayaking, and wildlife viewing, while also experiencing the cultural heritage of the indigenous people who have lived in this region for thousands of years.

Miguasha National Park

Miguasha National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Quebec, Canada. The park is famous for its exceptional fossil record, which documents the evolution of fish and the early tetrapods, the first animals to walk on land. The park’s cliffs and shoreline contain some of the world’s most significant and well-preserved fossils, dating back to the Late Devonian Period, over 370 million years ago. The park is also home to various flora and fauna, including various bird species. Visitors can explore its natural beauty through hiking trails and guided tours.

Mistaken Point

Mistaken Point is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the southeastern coast of Newfoundland, Canada. It is known for its exceptional fossil assemblages, which provide important insights into the early evolution of complex life forms on Earth. The site is home to the oldest-known fossil evidence of large, complex multicellular organisms dating back to the Ediacaran Period, over 560 million years ago. The fossils at Mistaken Point are incredibly well-preserved, allowing scientists to study the morphology and behavior of these ancient life forms in great detail. The site is a unique and valuable resource for understanding the history of life on Earth.

Nahanni National Park

Nahanni National Park Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Canada’s Northwest Territories. The park is renowned for its natural beauty, which includes towering mountains, deep canyons, and pristine rivers. The park also has wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain goats, and Dall’s sheep. Visitors to the park can enjoy various activities, such as hiking, camping, and canoeing while taking in the breathtaking scenery. The park is a testament to the natural wonders of Canada’s north and is an important site for conservation and recreation.

Waterton Glacier International Peace Park

Waterton Glacier International Peace Park is a unique transboundary park located on the border between Canada and the United States. The park is a joint effort between the two countries, with Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada and Glacier National Park in the U.S. working together to preserve the natural beauty and wildlife of the region. The park is home to stunning alpine landscapes, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain goats, and elk. Visitors can hike, bike, or boat through the park while enjoying the breathtaking scenery and learning about the area’s rich history and culture.

Wood Buffalo National Park

Wood Buffalo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northeastern Alberta and southern Northwest Territories, Canada. It is the largest national park in Canada, spanning over 44,000 square kilometers. The park is home to the world’s largest herd of free-roaming wood bison and the endangered whooping crane. It also boasts a unique and diverse ecosystem that includes boreal forests, wetlands, and grasslands. The park’s cultural significance lies in its importance to the indigenous communities that have lived there for thousands of years and their continued land stewardship.

Pimachiowin Aki

Pimachiowin Aki is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the boreal forest region of Canada. It is a vast expanse of pristine wilderness inhabited by the Anishinaabe people for over 7,000 years. The site is home to one of North America’s largest intact areas of old-growth forest. It provides a critical habitat for many species, including the threatened woodland caribou. Pimachiowin Aki is also known for its cultural and spiritual significance to the Anishinaabe people, who consider the land a sacred gift from the Creator. It is a unique and valuable site that showcases the deep connection between humans and nature.

Canada UNESCO tentative list

1. Gwaii Haanas
2. Ivvavik / Vuntut / Herschel Island (Qikiqtaruk)
3. Quttinirpaaq
4. Tr’ondëk-Klondike
5. Île d’Anticosti
6. Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound Glass Sponge Reefs Marine Protected Area
7. Qajartalik
8. Sirmilik National Park and Tallurutiup Imanga (proposed) National Marine Conservation Area
9. Stein Valley
10. Wanuskewin
11. Yukon Ice Patches
12. Transatlantic Cable Ensemble

Tours in Canada

Our choices of tours in Canada are divided into thematic features such as Prince Edward Island, Churchill, and Banff National Park Experience.