You wouldn't think you could find solitude in a national park that draws more than 1 million visitors a year, but it is possible at Death Valley National Park.

Visitation to the National Park System continued to rebound in 2022, with the head count reaching 312 million, the highest tally since the pre-pandemic year of 2019, according to the National Park Service. While 27 parks —2 percent of the 424 units in the National Park System— accounted for half of the 2022 visitation, year-over-year increases largely were seen across the system, the agency said.

To celebrate International Polar Bear Day on Feb. 27, Parks Canada has launched a polar bear “selfie” gallery of “sweet and silly poses” caught by remote cameras in Wapusk National Park.

Geological mapping requires a high level of skill in Earth science, willingness to go into remote wilderness areas and endure rugged conditions, patience, perseverance, and curiosity. Today, mapping is aided by satellite and airborne data, and an ability to drive close to most areas of geological interest. But imagine being a geological mapper in the 1870s!