Exploring the Forests of Canada

Exploring the Forests of Canada

Blessed with excellent geography, Canada can take pride in its majestic mountains, primitive forests, and spectacular lakes and rivers. Exploring the country allows you to behold a variety of land and water forms. Although the country faces modernization, Canada still promotes its advocacy to protect and conserve its natural resources. One thing that you will surely admire about Canada is its continuous efforts to preserve the beauty of the environment. It is evident in the abundance of the country's natural resources and wildlife.

An Overview of Canada's Forests

Next to Russia and Brazil, Canada is the third-largest forested area in the world. The forestry sector is part of Canada's natural resource industries. It is considered as one of the major sources of the country's prosperity - contributing 1.6% in the national gross domestic product. Since the forestry sector is a significant contributor when it comes to employment, the government of Canada is exerting its best efforts to protect the forest regions. In the country, there are eight major forest regions which are listed below:

Acadian - The Acadian region encompasses New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. The woods available in this area include balsam fir, beech, black spruce, red oak, sugar maple, white elm, and yellow birch.

Boreal  - This publicly-owned forest region is rich in natural resources. The Boreal region stretches from the Yukon territory, the northeastern part of British Columbia, Quebec, and Ontario to Newfoundland and Labrador. It is believed that this region comprises 16.6 million square kilometres, sharing 30% of the global boreal forests.

Coastal - This coniferous region is unique to the province of British Columbia. Douglas fir, Sitka spruce, and western hemlock are some of the trees available in the area. These woods are valued because they are significant contributors to timber production.

Columbia - This forest region can be found between the Rocky Mountains and British Columbia's central plateau. Some of the woods available in the area are western hemlock and western red cedar.

Deciduous - It is situated in the southwestern part of Ontario, which is in between Lakes Huron, Ontario, and Erie. This forest region covers the most extensive collection of native tree species in Canada. It includes cucumber, pawpaw, red mulberry, sassafras, and tulip.

Great Lakes/St. Lawrence - Next to the Boreal forest region, this area covers the southeastern part of Manitoba and the Gaspe Peninsula. It is a combination of coniferous and deciduous, including the species of eastern white pine, red pine, and yellow birch. There are also boreal species available in this region, such as basswood, eastern white cedar, and red oak.

Montane - Covering British Columbia's plateau, and some portions of the Kootenays and the Alberta border, the Montane forest region is home to Douglas fir and lodgepole pine. In shaded valleys, there are white spruce that can be found. 

Subalpine - This forest region is located in British Columbia and Alberta, encompassing the areas in the Rocky Mountains and the uplands of Alberta. Many wood species grow in this area, including limber pine, mountain hemlock, western larch, and whitebark pine.

The list of forest regions above shows how prosperous Canada is when it comes to forestland. Since most of these areas are well-preserved, both locals and tourists can enjoy the forested zones in Canada. Visiting the forest regions allows you to do a lot of recreational activities such as camping, hiking, mountain biking, and mountain trekking. You can also have a picnic with your family and friends or do stargazing at night. The forestland is also a perfect photography setting. It is because this location offers several opportunities for photographers. It includes capturing a wide variety of wood species, multi-coloured leaves, and even the wildlife available in the place. The natural light in the forest can also make your photograph look enchanting.

5 Forests to Visit Across Canada

As mentioned earlier, the forest regions can be ideal settings for a variety of photography genres, such as landscape, sunrise/sunset and even wildlife photography. If you want to experiment on these genres and improve your skills in photography, then here are five of the best forest regions in Canada:

Crowsnest Pass - The Crowsnest Pass is a remote area in Alberta. It is home to interior Douglas-fir forest where you can find deer, elk, and other species of carnivores. If you want to explore this place for your recreational activities or your photography needs, you may head to the Lusicich property. It is where you can have a close-up look at the Phillipps pass that transverses through the area of the Crowsnest Lake. It also provides an ideal spot to witness the spectacular Douglas Firs and capture the beautiful scenery in Crowsnest Pass.

Elk Glen - Situated in Manitoba, the Elk Glen is a 645-hectare property that lies next to the boundary of Riding Mountain National Park. This region is admired for the diversity of animals and woods available in the forest. Visiting Elk Glen is an excellent chance to feature the abundance of its natural resources. Here you may photograph bear, elk, moose, and even Canada warbler.

Gaff Point - One of the best things about Gaff Point is it provides a fascinating view of the ocean. The Gaff Point is located in Nova Scotia. It offers a coastal hiking trail that starts on white beach sand and ends in grasslands where you can have an overview of the shore. Photographers can take a panoramic shot of the enticing coastline.

Happy Valley Forest - The Happy Valley Forest is situated in the King Township north of Toronto. Being the largest remaining intact deciduous forest, It serves as the home of more than 110 bird species. It also protects several endangered plants and salamanders. The Happy Valley Forest is an excellent location for wildlife photography.

Musquash Territory - This forest region can be found in New Brunswick. It is believed to be the last full-functioning estuary, which refers to the transitional space between coasts and rivers. The significance of the Musquash Territory is it serves as the home to six important habitats. In the Musquash Territory, there are two main hiking trails where you can also take pictures of the spectacular views.

The forest regions in Canada are vital to the environment sector of the country. Aside from having economic value, these regions are also excellent locations where you can go to perform several engaging recreational activities. You can also use the forests as your photography background or subject. When exploring the said areas, be more disciplined by avoiding actions that can disturb the wildlife.