There are many reasons why millions of visitors flock to national parks and historic sites each year. It could be the stunning landscapes, the rich history of the area or a personal connection to the place.
To develop that link with young Canadians, Parks Canada—in conjunction with the My Parks Pass program and with the help of partners like Air Canada—presents the Canada’s Coolest School Trip contest each year.
To participate in this contest, Grade 8 secondary school classes are asked to make a one-minute video about one of Parks Canada’s special places. This year, 69 different classes from coast to coast to coast entered the contest with some of the most creative and thought provoking videos yet. A few of these fine videos even featured Jasper National Park!
Canadians got the chance to pick their favourite from 10 finalists selected online earlier this year at www.myparkspass.ca with over 100,000 votes cast. You can see all the videos by visiting that URL.
The grand prize for the winning class is an all-expenses-paid trip to Jasper National Park from June 6-10. The five-day trip to Jasper will see students stay at the Palisades Environmental Stewardship Centre—which brings Jasper’s history to life with all kinds of outdoor activities.
The group will make day trips to discover the Columbia Icefield, walk on glaciers and ride the giant Ice Explorer, cruise the Athabasca River on a whitewater rafting tour, be inspired by the views on the Jasper SkyTram and ultimately develop a connection with the park.
The Honourable Catherine McKenna, minister of environment and climate change and minister responsible for Parks Canada, unveiled the winning class last week.
Mrs. Ramsay’s Grade 7/8 class at Duke of Connaught School in Toronto won the contest.
Their video highlighted both the natural and cultural significance of Canada’s only National Urban Park—Rouge National Urban Park.
These talented students were able to share a lot of information with the audience in a clear and concise way, highlighting some great camera and audio skills. Because of their informative and entertaining video, they are now headed our way, spending the second week of June in Jasper National Park on a once-in-a-lifetime class trip!
The Duke of Connaught was one of the first Governor Generals of Canada and he and his family have great historical connections to Jasper National Park. Both Patricia Lake and Patricia Street are named after his daughter Princess Patricia of Connaught, who is a granddaughter of Queen Victoria. She was named Colonel-in-Chief of the famous Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.
We look forward to welcoming the winning class from the Duke of Connaught School, along with their teacher and chaperones, to Jasper National Park and to allow them the opportunity to experience Jasper’s beauty and the historical connection to their school, complete with a stroll down Connaught Drive.
Parks Canada
Special to the Fitzhugh
