Parks Canada is the federal agency responsible for national parks, national historic sites, national marine conservation areas, and heritage canals across Canada. Parks Canada protects significant natural and cultural heritage while providing visitor experiences. The agency manages over 40 national parks from Pacific Rim to Cape Breton Highlands, plus historic sites like the Rideau Canal and L'Anse aux Meadows. While federal parks operate independently from municipal systems, they significantly affect host communities through tourism, employment, and environmental stewardship. Municipalities near national parks may coordinate with Parks Canada on issues like gateway community planning, emergency response, and regional tourism strategies.