News releases

Canada Post today issued a stamp to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of Parks Canada, the world's first national parks service. The domestic rate stamp depicts a lone hiker standing over a majestic scene that includes Indian paintbrushes, a moose, a grizzly bear, an eagle, waterfall and mountain peaks in bold colours.

Founded on May 19, 1911, Parks Canada is celebrating a century of world leadership in protection, education and visitor experience that is admired around the globe.  Parks Canada protects 167 national historic sites, 42 national parks and 4 national marine conservation areas, which together make up one of the most extensive networks of protected national heritage places in the world.

"In Canada, we tend to be a little spoiled when it comes to beautiful lakes, majestic mountains and well-preserved historic sites-we've got such a wealth of them," said Jim Phillips, Director of Stamp Services for Canada Post. "We are pleased to join in the celebration of such a bounty of natural beauty and cultural riches that should never be taken for granted."

Stamp designer Tim Nokes said, "Receiving the commission to produce the commemorative stamp for Parks Canada's 100^th anniversary was especially meaningful to me as I was raised in Banff. But it was a challenging design task due to the small framework of a stamp and the diversity of Parks Canada's landscapes. However, I did not want to focus on a singular iconic Banff image. So I created a montage of images within the stamp that are inspired by all the mountain parks."

The style of illustration was inspired by the CPR travel posters of the 1920s and 30s, with their bold vibrant colors and strong compositional elements. Nokes added a rough-hewn border edge to project a sense of freedom; the importance of the park extends beyond the physical boundary…also, it was important to him that parks be seen as a place of self-discovery, education and powerful inspiration from nature.

About the stamp

The stamp measure 32.25 mm x 39.75 mm (vertical) and has simulated perforations. Canadian Bank Note printed four million of stamps, which are available in booklets of ten stamps. The stamps are pressure sensitive and printed on Tullis Russell paper using lithography in five colours. They are general tagged on four sides. The official first day cover will be cancelled in Banff, Alberta.

Additional information about Canadian stamps can be found in the News section of Canada Post's website, and photos of these new stamps are also available. Stamps and other products will be available at participating post offices, or can be ordered online by following the links at canadapost.ca/collection, or by mail order from the National Philatelic Centre. From Canada and the USA, call toll-free: 1 800 565-4362, and from other countries, call: 902 863-6550.