As 2025 nears its end, the team at The Narwhal is taking some time to reflect on the ground we’ve covered this year — and the distance left to travel on the road that’s still ahead. 

We’ve dug up stories about the natural world in all sorts of places, from back rooms in halls of power to fly-in communities in the Far North.

In case there’s a spot left on your holiday reading list, we’ve compiled some of our most popular stories of the year, from coast to coast to coast.

British Columbia

B.C. Premier David Eby recently said at a BC Chamber of Commerce luncheon that his government will amend the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act — a move one legal expert called “extremely offensive.” Reporters Shannon Waters and Matt Simmons told that story, which quickly became one of our most-read articles of the year.

Alberta

Prairies reporter Drew Anderson travelled to the rural community of Warburg, Alta., to learn what really goes down when senior provincial officials roll up their sleeves and speak with Albertans about the growing issue of old oil and gas infrastructure. (Spoiler ahead: one called the problem a “giant stinking pile of shit.”) The story turned a lot of heads — including that of Premier Danielle Smith, which Drew learned when he asked her about it a few days later.

Saskatchewan

Freelance journalist Leah Borts-Kuperman spent eight months investigating environmental contamination on a Canadian Armed Forces base in Moose Jaw, Sask., which staff say is linked to higher rates of cancer and other illnesses. The story was recently named a finalist for the best investigative article at the Canadian Online Publishing Awards.

Manitoba 

Parks Canada fought a costly battle to prevent the westward spread of invasive zebra mussels at Riding Mountain National Park — and lost. Julia-Simone Rutgers reported on what happened, and what comes next; it was our most-read story from the province in 2025.

Ontario 

Most residents of Ontario live fewer than two hours from Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, the province’s “summer playground” and home to the world’s longest freshwater beach. Fatima Syed reported on Premier Doug Ford’s plan to transfer most of the beach to the municipality, with unknown consequences for public access and a tiny, endangered bird. It was The Narwhal’s most-read story of the year.

We’re suing the RCMP to fight for press freedom

In November 2021, photojournalist Amber Bracken was arrested by the RCMP while on assignment for The Narwhal. So we launched a lawsuit to take a stand for press freedom. Now, we’re in the middle of our trial.

Quebec 

Prime Minister Mark Carney is eyeing a Port of Montreal expansion as a possible nation-building project — and the fate of an endangered fish found only in Quebec hangs in the balance. Freelance reporter Caitlin Stall-Paquet made Narwhal history with her story about it, published both in English and in French.

Atlantic Canada

Wildfire fears prompted a ban this summer in Nova Scotia, prohibiting people from hiking, camping or otherwise accessing the woods. Freelancer Jeremy Hull hit the trails to photograph and speak with Nova Scotians as the ban lifted. His photo essay was among our most-read articles from the Atlantic region in 2025.

Yukon 

A multi-generational fight to protect the Porcucine caribou herd entered a new chapter as the U.S. government renews its push for oil and gas drilling on sensitive breeding grounds. Freelance reporter Trina Moyles travelled to Old Crow, Yukon, to tell the story of the urgent race to count the herd as it faces mounting threats.

Northwest Territories 

A landmark Indigenous-led conservation agreement in N.W.T. will protect nearly 380,000 square kilometres of land and water — more than two per cent of Canada’s land area. Michelle Cyca reported that story for The Narwhal in July.

Nunavut 

The community of Cambridge Bay is in the Far North — even by Nunavut standards. Reporter Chloe Williams and photojournalist Gavin John spent five days there to tell the story of an audacious plan to save the melting sea ice and a way of life that depends on it.

The Narwhal’s reporters are telling environment stories you won’t read about anywhere else. Stay in the loop by signing up for our free weekly dose of independent journalism.