Sustainability is a big part of visiting one of the great national parks in Canada. And Parks Canada is making it easier than ever, with hundreds of electric car charging spots across the country.
EV drivers now have access to at least 20,478 charging ports located at 8,732 public charging station locations across Canada, with more being added daily. And it’s not only urban destinations supporting EV infrastructure. Under the leadership of Parks Canada , approximately 400 EV charging stations have been installed in 43 of the most popular parks and national historic sites administered by Parks Canada with another 39 in the installation process.
With more rental car companies incorporating EVs into their fleets in Canada, it’s time for travellers to hop in their EV and begin a climate-friendly cruise through Canada’s National Parks.
Where to juice up: Find public EV charging stations in 43 Parks Canada administered locations via the PlugShare website. Charging stations are also accessible to visitors within walking distance of Parks Canada’s most popular tourist attractions, such as Halifax Citadel National Historic Site in Nova Scotia; Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site in Quebec; Prince Albert National Park in Saskatchewan; Terra Nova National Park in Newfoundland and Labrador; Pacific Rim National Park Reserve in BC; and Kouchibouguac National Park in New Brunswick. Parks Canada also has partner-operated charging stations in select locations, such as Forillon National Park in Quebec.
A person charges their car at a Parks Canada Tesla charging station in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.) © Tourism Nova Scotia / Corey Katz photo
Charging 101: Most charging areas in Canada’s parks offer Tesla connectors (11.5 kW) and J-1772 connectors (6.5 kW).
Paving the electric path: The first EV charging stations at Parks Canada sites were introduced in 2019 in Yoho National Park and Rogers Pass National Historic Site in BC; Prince Edward Island National Park on Prince Edward Island; and Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba. The goal is to have EV charging stations at least 50 Parks Canada administered sites by 2025.
Driving the talk: Parks Canada’s commitment to supporting EV travel extends to its own fleet of 1,700 light-duty vehicles, which currently includes 42 zero-emission passenger cars. By 2030, the organization plans for at least 80 percent of the fleet to be zero-emission.
A legacy of sustainability: Parks Canada has long been committed to supporting greener and more sustainable enjoyment of national historic sites, national parks, and marine conservation areas. In addition to working with partners to increase the number of charging stations at, or near, its administered places, the organization focuses on long-term planning to further its green operations. For example, by 2030 it plans to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its operations by 40 percent (over 2005 levels) with an aspiration to become carbon-neutral by 2050.
Staying overnight at a national park: Be sure to book a campsite with electricity – you’ll be able to recharge your EV with a booster extension, no need for an EV charging port.
