National park in Toronto just got a huge shoutout from National Geographic

An urban park in Toronto just received a special mention from the American magazine, National Geographic, thanks to its accessibility, plant and animal biodiversity, and mixed-surface trails. 

The article, titled "Here are 10 national parks in Canada you need to visit," released on Tuesday, spotlights the 37 national parks, 11 national park preserves, and 168 national historic sites within Canada. 

Noting that all 10 provinces and three territories are represented within the National Park System, the publication writes that the country has a "bounty that can feel overwhelming to visitors choosing where to start," although there are 10 distinct parks that are worth a shoutout, including Toronto's very own Rouge National Urban Park. 

Listed at #5, the 19,521-acre park was recognized for its accessibility year-round and described as "nature on the city's edge." National Geographic highlights the fact that it is the only Canadian National Park accessible by public transit, despite being one of the largest urban parks in North America. 

"Within 30 minutes' drive of Toronto, you can walk more than seven miles of woodland, waterfront, and mixed-surface trails in this 19,521-acre park," the article reads. 

"Its heritage as part of a travel and trade route for First Nations make it historically significant. And with geocaching sites, a beach, and more than 1,700 species of plants and animals (including Great horned owls, hawks, and egrets), there's plenty to enjoy." 

Rouge National Urban Park wasn't the only Ontario-based park to receive a shoutout. Pukaskwa National Park, located in northern Ontario, was also recognized for its thrilling hiking opportunities and its White River Suspension Bridge Trail, which overlooks Chigamiwinigum Falls' swirling rapids.

These are the top 10 national parks mentioned on the list. 

1. Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia 
2. Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland 
3. Mingan Archipelago National Park, Québec 
4. Pukaskwa National Park, Ontario 
5. Rouge National Urban Park, Ontario 
6. Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan
7. Rocky Mountain House, National Historic Site, Alberta  
8. Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, British Columbia 
9. Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve and Haida Heritage Site, British Columbia
10. Kluane National Park and Reserve, Yukon Territory