national parks

Canadian physicians are prescribing a new treatment for improving patients’ mental and physical health: the outdoors. A collaboration between Parks Canada and PaRx, a national nature prescription program, allows registered physicians to prescribe patients with an annual Parks Canada discovery pass for free.

“We are very lucky in Canada to have a world of beautiful natural spaces at our doorstep to enjoy healthy outdoor activities. Medical research now clearly shows the positive health benefits of connecting with nature,” said Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, in a press release. “This exciting collaboration with PaRx is a breakthrough for how we treat mental and physical health challenges, and couldn’t come at a better time as we continue to grapple with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our daily lives.”

The PaRx program was first launched by the B.C. Parks Foundation in November 2020. Throughout 2021, the program expanded to Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Physicians, nurses, and other licensed health care professionals in those four provinces, who are registered with PaRx, can now start prescribing Discovery Passes to patients.

The initiative looks to combat an increase in mental and physical health challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. A Statistics Canada survey found that between 2020 and 2021, symptoms of depression, anxiety, or posttraumatic stress disorder jumped by four per cent among Canadians aged 18 and older.

“I can’t think of a better way to kick off 2022 than being able to give the gift of nature to my patients,” said Melissa Lem, a family physician in B.C. and the director of PaRx, in a press release. “There’s a strong body of evidence on the health benefits of nature time, from better immune function and life expectancy to reduced risk of heart disease, depression, and anxiety, and I’m excited to see those benefits increase through this new collaboration.”

An annual Discovery Pass for adults (which costs around $72) provides access to 80 locations across the country, including national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas, covering more than 450,000 square kilometres of land and water.

“Research shows that children and adults who are more connected to nature are not only more likely to work to conserve it, but also engage in other pro-environmental behaviours,” said Lem. “I like to think that every time one of my colleagues writes a nature prescription, we’re making the planet healthier, too.”

When prescribing the passes, PaRx is asking physicians to prioritize patients who live close to the sites and will get the most use out of the pass, as well as those who may find the price of a pass a barrier to accessing nature, said Prama Rahman, a spokesperson for the B.C. Parks Foundation.

With 1,000 physicians currently registered, PaRx plans to expand to all Canadian provinces and territories by the end of 2022.

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An unforgettable emotional experience
No matter where you go in South Africa, you’ll experience unique, breathtaking moments as you discover the extraordinary non-stop evolution of extraordinary landscapes. The famous inhabitants of the South African “bush” can be viewed throughout the year. The best time to observe is early morning and dusk during one of your memorable day or night safaris.

Diversity of fauna
In many of the country’s national parks and nature reserves, the famous ‘Big Five’ (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino) get special attention as the kings of a preserved natural environment. But you can still view an impressive number of cheetahs, antelopes, hyenas, hippos, baboons, zebras, warthogs and other crocodiles. South Africa is also home to an astounding variety of birds, with more than 900 different species. For a change of scenery, Walker Bay in the Cape Town region, between Hermanus and Gansbaal, is also home to colonies of penguins and whales between June and December.

The famous Kruger National Park
Larger than Belgium, Kruger National Park is the largest in Africa, and famous for its 8,000 elephants, 20,000 buffalo, 140,000 impala, 30,000 zebras … and for its birdlife (500 species of birds). You can also admire the San rock paintings and archaeological sites such as Thulamela and Masorini. The best way to explore the Kruger National Park is to stay a few days in a ‘Restcamp’ like Olifants, Lower Sabie and Berg-en-Dal. Important: remember to book your accommodation a few days before your arrival, and you’ll be given all necessary contacts at the park entrance.

Exciting sites
If you’re really passionate about observing wild animals, other national parks like Hluhluwe-Umfolozi, Khahlamba-Drakensberg – a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Pilanesberg, or the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park – an amazing ecosystem that surrounds Lake St Lucia, all provide unforgettable moments.

Private nature reserves
Private reserves have two notable features. On the one hand, they’re known for upscale service and infrastructure; on the other, you’ll find at the heart, natural settings – whether savannah or rocky cliffs – possessing an undeniable beauty. They typically offer a chance to see the "big five" on a guided safari in a 4 x 4. Among those best known for their hospitality and ‘Out of Africa’ ambience: Madikwe, Mala Mala, Pongola, Singita, Sabi-Sabi (near the famous Kruger Park), and Londolozi, which Nelson Mandela declared: "This is a great place to safeguard the nature of our country."

Amazing flora
In South Africa, flora is no exception, since there are more than 22,000 different species of plants. The Cape region is home to more than 8,000 species not found anywhere else in the world. In the spring, the region of Namaqualand blooms with thousands of colorful flowers, each more beautiful than the next. A sight you don’t want to miss!