Canadian destination named world’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve city

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Québec City has received a UNESCO designation no other city currently holds.

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On June 5, UNESCO confirmed the entire metropolitan area, plus the neighbouring Wendake Huron-Wendat community, as its newest biosphere reserve. It’s the first time in the program’s 55-year history that an entire urban area, rather than a forest, watershed or coastline, has been selected. 

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This marks the provincial capital’s third UNESCO designation. Old Quebec has held World Heritage status since 1985 for its fortress walls and the only intact historic ramparts left in North America. The city also joined UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network as a City of Literature back in 2017. With the addition of the biosphere reserve designation, Québec City becomes the first city in the Americas to hold all three designations. 

“Québec City’s designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve recognizes our ability to balance biodiversity protection, community well-being and sustainable economic development. More importantly, it positions Québec as a model of urban sustainability — a very rare situation on a global scale. The designation also highlights our ability to bring together a vibrant city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, rich natural environments and the presence of the Wendat Nation,” said Simon Marinier, director of business development and international partnerships at Destination Québec cité. 

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14 new reserves and three national firsts 

Québec City was one of 14 UNESCO biosphere reserves revealed on World Environment Day, bringing the World Network of Biosphere Reserves to 797 sites in 145 countries. Three of those countries, Montenegro, Timor-Leste and Aruba, are getting their first-ever biosphere reserve. The entire island of Aruba made the list, making it the second country on the planet where the whole territory carries the title. 

“Biosphere reserves prove every day that protecting nature and improving human lives are not competing goals. This year’s designations span every continent, showing the full range of what it means to live in harmony with nature. UNESCO will continue to work with governments, communities and scientists to ensure these living laboratories remain at the forefront of the world’s response to the climate and biodiversity crises,” said Khaled El-Enany, UNESCO’s director general. 

New UNESCO biosphere reserves 2026 

• Albania, Shkodër Lake 
• Algeria, Theniet El Had 
• Aruba, Aruba Island 
• Azerbaijan, Great Caucasus 
• Cameroon, Takamanda, Cross River Gorilla 
• Canada, Québec City 
• Iran, Dalankuh Qamishlou 
• Mongolia, Tost Toson Bumbiin Nuruu 
• Montenegro, Skadar Lake Watershed 
• Paraguay, Sur del Alto Parana 
• Philippines, Matibay na Bayan ng Sablayan 
• Portugal, Serra da Estrela 
• Timor-Leste, Nino Konis Santana 
• Vietnam, Phong Nha, Ke Bang 

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Québec City now joins a Canadian roster that already includes Clayoquot Sound on Vancouver Island, the Niagara Escarpment and Waterton Lakes National Park, among others. 

The province of Quebec is home to nine UNESCO-recognized sites, including World Heritage Sites, Global Geoparks and Biosphere Reserves. Each carries a distinct universal distinction, ranging from unmatched fossil records to perfectly preserved colonial architecture. 

Kelowna’s own UNESCO distinction  

Kelowna, British Columbia, received its own UNESCO recognition last fall. The Okanagan city became Canada’s first, and so far only, UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, joining a small North American club that includes San Antonio, Tucson and Mérida, Mexico. 

The honour recognizes cities with a distinct and vibrant culinary identity, a sustainable and traditional food sector and a commitment to related events and education. 

“Kelowna is a world-class centre for agriculture, culinary arts and beverages. It’s yet another reason for visitors to come to Kelowna, experience all our region has to offer, and sample the flavours of the Okanagan Valley for themselves,” said Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas, crediting decades of work across the valley’s wineries, orchards and kitchens for the win. 

Between Québec City’s new ecological status and Kelowna’s culinary one, the designations showcase Canada’s unique cultural offerings and growing presence within UNESCO programs. 

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