They are not considered to be firm land nor are they considered to be water bodies. Wetlands normally have fresh water, but there are also many salt-water wetlands near ocean shorelines. Canada has many different types of wetlands, such as bogs, fens, swamps, marshes and shallow waters. Each wetland class displays characteristics which set them apart biologically and hydrologically. A brief definition of major wetland types is given here, but for more detail, consult the glossary by pressing the key at the bottom of the page.
Bogs are peatlands covered with mosses, low shrubs, and even trees.
A fen is fed by either a stream or ground water. A fen is less acidic and generally richer in nutrients than a bog. A fen Peatlands Swamps are wetlands whose water is either in pools or is flowing very slowly. A swamp Shallow waters are wetland areas with water two metres in depth or less. Except when they are dried out to expose mud flats, they do not have exposed vegetation.