A new immersive experience in the blast furnace building at the Forges du Saint-Maurice National Historic Site in Quebec will teach visitors about the little-known profession of casting iron at the birthplace of Canada’s iron industry.

The half-moon hairstreak may officially be listed as “a small, drab butterfly,” but it’s also endangered and can only be found in eight spots in British Columbia and just one location in Alberta. At Waterton Lakes National Park, the isolated population numbers in the hundreds. Parks Canada has just announced funding for a three-year plan that will see Waterton Lakes and the Calgary Zoo team up to study the secretive life history of the rare butterfly, understand its genetics, restore its habitat and nurture its survival.

With so many Canadians being asked to stay home and avoid non-essential travel because of the Covid-19 pandemic and uncertainty about how this year will play out, Parks Canada has moved the start of this summer’s reservations for campsites and experiences from January to April.

National Parks Traveler is expanding its coverage north of the border and getting its first Canadian editor. Jennifer Bain, an award-winning journalist and author, takes on the new position beginning January 1.