Great Places in Canada
Visitors to this site say that these are great places in Canada. What is your favourite place in Canada? Search the nominations submitted so far, and place your vote!
If your favourite place isn't on our website, consider nominating it!
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City Market, Saint John
Saint John, NB
Public Space
The City Market first opened for business in the heart of Uptown Saint John in 1876. It is an indoor space that occupies a full city block and is located on King Square, one of the City’s most important greenspaces...More
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London Road Neighbourhood
Lethbridge, AB
Neighbourhood
Developed between the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, the London Road Neighbourhood is one of the most well established neighbourhoods in Lethbridge and is centrally located adjacent to Downtown. London Road is home to over 3,500 residents, and this population has remained very stable throughout the years due to a good balance of post-secondary students, young families, and senior citizens...More
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Beacon Hill Park
Victoria, BC
Public Space
The crown jewel in Victoria's park system, Beacon Hill Park is an oasis of both natural and landscaped beauty. The park is a spectacular, publicly owned 183-acre property. Wildlife abounds in Beacon Hill Park. More than a hundred bird species occur here, along with a number of mammals such as river otters, raccoons, and squirrels. Sunfish, painted turtles, and crayfish make their homes in the waterways. The park is a perfect blend of natural and recreational features...More
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Victoria Park Neighbourhood
Kitchener, ON
Neighbourhood
The Victoria Park neighbourhood is bounded by Queen, Joseph, and Victoria Streets, as well as Highland Road and West Avenue in Kitchener, Ontario. It includes hundreds of homes as well as Victoria Park. The first home was built in 1816 and is now the Joseph Schneider House Museum and Gallery — a National Historic Site and Kitchener’s oldest building...More
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High Street
Grand Falls Windsor, NL
Street
High Street is located in the beautiful Town of Grand Falls Windsor along the Exploits River. Situated in the downtown core of the Town, High Street is the main source of economic, civic, and recreational activity...More
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Bois-des-Esprits
Winnipeg, MB
Public Space
This is an 80-acre outdoor space that incorporates river bottom, marshland, tall grass prairie, and forest. Wildlife including deer, beavers, rabbits, squirrels, and birds live in this area. The Save our Seine organization lobbied hard in 2003 to keep this area as a natural habitat and was ultimately successful. Local wood carvers have carved dead trees throughout the space into representations of people and animals...More
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Town of Ladysmith
Ladysmith, BC
Neighbourhood
Ladysmith is located on beautiful Vancouver Island, British Columbia. It is an oceanside town with a great deal of character and has a rich history. Ladysmith is 112 years old, and the population of Ladysmith is around 7,500 people...More
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Chinatown
Ottawa, ON
Neighbourhood
Located moments from Parliament Hill and Downtown, Chinatown is a charming neighbourhood where east meets west in the heart of Canada's multicultural capital. Home to the award-winning Chinese imperial style arch. Ottawa's Chinatown welcomes visitors 365 days a year...More
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Whistler Olympic Plaza
Whistler
Public Space
Whistler Olympic Plaza is in the heart of Whistler Village. A destination in and of itself, Olympic Plaza provides a permanent outdoor venue for recreation, community celebrations, arts and culture. The long-standing intention for this space to be a vital community focal point in the Village was made real during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The transformation of the 4-acre, municipally-owned site has created a tangible legacy for public enjoyment in all seasons. At the north end of the Village stroll, visitors will discover...More
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City of Fernie
Fernie, BC
Neighbourhood
Fernie was incorporated in 1904 and now has a population of over four thousand residents. The municipality of Fernie covers a smaller footprint than the social and economic community of Fernie, as many would consider West Fernie, Fernie Alpine Resort and other outlying rural areas as part of our community...More
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Prince Arthur's Landing
Thunder Bay
Public Space
Prince Arthur's Landing is located on the North Shore of Lake Superior in the City of Thunder Bay. The newly renovated waterfront now includes an outdoor skating rink that becomes a splash pad in the summer. The historic CP Rail Baggage Building was renovated to become an artisan space that will be used as a workshop for artists and a place to sell their wares...More
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Bowen Park
Nanaimo, BC
Public Space
Bowen Park is located just north of downtown Nanaimo, BC. The 36-hectare parcel of land is minutes away from downtown and could be called the heart of the city. The land was a gift to Nanaimo back in 1855. It was officially registered as a park in 1931, but development of amenities in the park didn't really begin until the early 50s. Throughout its history, Bowen Park has had the support of local citizens. It was the Nanaimo Rotary Club that dedicated itself to improving the park in the early days. Members raised funds, in-kind donations of supplies, equipment, and manpower to clear roadways and build picnic shelters. It was the site of many civic events in what was back then the 4th largest city in BC...More
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The Dog Park - "Dogs in the Hood"
Kingston, ON
Public Space
This dog park is one of four off leash parks in the city of Kingston On and is located next to a public library and adjacent to the Cataraqui River in east Kingston. The dog park is accessed by a paved walkway making it accessible to people with handicaps. A fence surrounds it, and dogs and their masters enter through a set of gates. Bench seating is provided for the people while water, "poop bags," and waste bins are provided for the dogs. Once inside the park, dogs can run and play in open space with other dogs or walk the sawdust trail with their people friends...More
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Maligne Canyon Hike
Jasper, AB
Public Space
Maligne Canyon is located in Jasper National Park. There is a one to two hour hike that you can do that has six bridges in total and is approximately 3.5 km long one way. Although there are six, my favorite place to start this hike is at the fifth bridge (there is a beautiful picnic area there, and it cuts a little bit of time off your hike). There are a number of springs, where water flows beneath you under limestone boulders. When you are hiking upstream, you will find that the springs become more frequent and dramatic. The Maligne valley narrows to a canyon as you reach the fourth bridge and the views get even better! The sound of the canyon is so amazing and this is one of my favorite places to go in Jasper! Make sure you wear comfortable hiking/running shoes and dress appropriately. Don't forget your camera and binoculars too...More
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Powell River's Historic Townsite
Powell River, BC
Neighbourhood
"This is the coastal town that they forgot to close down," goes the lyric from 'Everyday Is Like Sunday,' one of Morrissey's early great hits. It's also the theme song for Powell River community radio host Bad Karen's Friday night show of the same name...More
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Town of Creighton
Creighton, SK
Neighbourhood
Creighton, named after the prospector Thomas Creighton, is primarily known as a mining town. 1,500 people call it home. Creighton sits on the Precambrian Shield in northern Saskatchewan at the end of the Hanson Lake Road, surrounded by the magic of the boreal forest. In the winter, you can walk down Creighton Avenue and stroke the sun dogs. You can stop and watch ptarmigan dining on the willow. The stars are heavy above town. Here, you can look out your window and watch the northern lights dance...More
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LaHave River
Near Bridgewater, NS
Neighbourhood
This neighbourhood is located near the beautiful town of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. There have been people living here and fishing for a living for many, many years. At one time, there was a fish plant here but it has since closed. This area is a favourite spot for tourists because it is so picturesque and there is much history here. I grew up about 80 miles from here so it has always been one of my favourite parts of Canada, and that is saying a lot. I have travelled by plane and motor vehicle across this scenic country more times than I can remember...More
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Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park
Kakabeka Falls, ON
Public Space
Kakabeka Falls is a waterfall on the Kaministiquia River, located beside the village of Kakabeka Falls in the municipality of Oliver Paipoonge, Ontario, 30 km west of the city of Thunder Bay. The name "Kakabeka" comes from the Ojibwe word gakaabikaa "waterfall over a cliff". The falls has a drop of 40 m, cascading into a gorge carved out of the Precambrian Shield by meltwater following the last glacial maximum. Because of its size and ease of access, it has been consequently nicknamed "the Niagara of the North"...More
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Memorial University of Newfoundland Botanical Garden
St. John's, NL
Public Space
Established in 1971, the Memorial University of Newfoundland Botanical Garden is located at 306 Mount Scio Road, situated on the north side of St. John’s. The Garden encompasses 110 acres, mostly a managed and interpreted nature reserve featuring a large natural pond, fens, streams, mature boreal forest, and an old forest-fire regeneration area. The Garden also has 5 acres of cultivated gardens including heritage gardens, wildlife friendly gardens, shade gardens, medicinal gardens, cottage gardens, rock gardens, vegetable gardens, and alpine house. The Garden’s field centre features indoor interpretive displays about various aspects of gardening and natural history as well as hosting a variety of art shows featuring local artists’ images of nature. Their gift shop and café will complete any visit to this great place...More
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Officers' Square
Fredericton, NB
Public Space
For 230 years and counting, Officers’ Square has been Fredericton’s main public gathering space. Back in its heyday, it started off as the soldiers’ training grounds and was located adjacent to the military barracks. Gradually, it has come to form a part of a whole row of public, civic, and institutional uses along Queen Street, the historic core´s main axis. Officers´ Square lies in the centre of this historic and cultural area, equidistant from City Hall to the west as it is to the Provincial Parliament Building to the east...More
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Roncesvalles Village
Toronto, ON
Neighbourhood
Roncesvalles Village is located in west Toronto, just east of High Park. It has semi-formal boundaries due to local geography and urban features. Roncesvalles Village is bounded by High Park on the west, Lake Ontario/Queen Street to the south, Lansdowne/rail corridor to the east, and Bloor Street to the north. The neighbourhood is approximately 100 years old; many houses, churches and commercial buildings in this neighbourhood were built between 1909 and 1914. According to the 2006 census, Roncesvalles Village had a population of approximately 16,000. This has probably increased by about 1000 since then...More
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Komoka Provincial Park
London, ON
Public Space
This provincial park straddles the municipal boundaries of the City of London and Municipality of Middlesex Centre. Land acquisition began in the early 1970s, and 198 hectares were regulated in 1989 under the former Provincial Parks Act. The park protects a portion of the Thames River, a Canadian Heritage River in addition to significant natural heritage features including species at risk...More
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Main Street
Summerland, BC
Street
Located in the heart of downtown, Main Street is roughly four blocks long, with Rosedale Ave and Victoria Rd at either end. The street is over 100 years old...More
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West Montrose Covered Bridge
Waterloo, ON
Public Space
The bridge was built in 1881 and underwent major repairs in 1999. Light traffic is still crossing the bridge daily including horse and buggies. The bridge is often referred to as "The Kissing Bridge" because it is enclosed and the soft light provides a feeling of intimacy for the romantic...More
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The Lunenburg Heritage Society Bandstand
Lunenburg, NS
Public Space
The Lunenburg Heritage Society Bandstand sits in the centre of the Town of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. The current bandstand is an exact replica of the original built in 1889 and was rebuilt in 1987 by the Lunenburg Heritage Society. It is located at the junction of Cumberland and King Streets – next to the Town Hall. The great wooden structure was re-created with great attention to detail and is a favorite of townspeople and visitors to the town...More
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Central Library
Vancouver, BC
Public Space
The Vancouver Central Library was constructed in the shape of a coliseum; however, in keeping with the theme of books, its walls are also slightly offset and actually wrap around the square, enticing the visitor into its centre. The public, exterior spaces are wonderful places to people-watch, relax, and take photos. The interior, glassed concourse level protects you from the often-rainy elements and gives you a grand, unobstructed view of the six floors housing the books, stacks, and staff of the Vancouver Central Library...More
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Ducks Unlimited Trail, "Miner's Marsh"
Kentville, NS
Public Space
Our Ducks Unlimited site, known as "Miner's Marsh" is located just seconds from the downtown core of Kentville. It was officially opened in August of 2010 after 7 years of planning, land negotiation, trail work, grant applications, conservation work, environmental permit applications, and bridge installation. The site includes 1.7 km of walking trails, interpretive signage, picnic areas, benches, viewing stands, and a 100-foot bridge across the Cornwallis River. Amenities at the site are all made to complement the natural landscape of the property, including the color of the bridge, which was designed to blend into the marsh rather than stand out. Crusher dust is used on the trail; viewing stands and boardwalks are constructed from wood. The site is a protected wetland featuring wooded areas, marshland, and ponds. The site is also complemented by the Cornwallis River that runs directly through it and along the north side. The marsh is home to hundreds of species wildlife including ducks, muskrats, frogs, fish, and herons...More
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Osborne Street
Winnipeg, MB
Street
You can have it all...on Osborne Street...More
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Lake Koocanusa
BC
Public Space
It is a lake in British Columbia where the waters are clean and crisp. It is a great place to camp with the kids and is full of memories for many people. It is called Koocanusa because it is a river that is dammed, the Kootney river, hence the KOO part of the name; it is partly in CANada and the other part is in the USA.. That is why it is called KOO CAN USA...More
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Rails End Gallery and Arts Centre
Haliburton, ON
Public Space
Rails End Gallery and Arts Centre is a public art gallery located in Haliburton's historic railway station. In 1980, a group of committed artists and arts-minded individuals were granted use of the decommissioned station by the township. The Gallery is the steward of this grand old building, which now houses two exhibition spaces and a gallery shop. The 1878 structure retains its original look from the outside, and many inside features such as the original ticket window and "wire from here" sign remain. The building has a wood frame exterior, cedar shingles, and the painted exterior is true to what would they would have been in the heyday of the lumber trade in Haliburton County. Today, the economy of the area is driven by tourism and a thriving arts community centred on the Gallery and Haliburton School of The Arts (founded by the same intrepid group that secured the railway station for the gallery)...More
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Plateau Mont-Royal
Montreal, QC
Neighbourhood
The Plateau is an inner city neighborhood in Montreal. To many, it is defined as a destination for Montreal's best restaurants and nightclubs, but knowing the history of over 100 years as a working class residential neighborhood for primarily French-speaking citizens of Montreal, today it is a vibrant place to live, work and play. Le Plateau Mont-Royal is a definite destination for all WestJet travelers visiting Montreal. It represents the true "Esprit" of what Montreal is, was, and will be...More
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Cape Forchu Lighthouse
Yarmouth, NS
Public Space
Located at the tip of scenic Cape Forchu, approximately ten minutes from the Town of Yarmouth, the Cape Forchu Lighthouse is home to the first “applecore” style lighthouse with its 75 feet of statuesque beauty and 19 acres of pristine grounds. This towering beacon sits atop picturesque volcanic rocks, and has guided vessels safely into the Yarmouth Harbour since 1840. The light keeper's home is a duplex that housed both the light keeper and his assistant and their families. Today it's a museum, and a Tea Room is located in the kitchen and dining area. The fog building is still functional, but must be sounded manually. Cape Forchu is Nova Scotia's only intact lightstation open to the public. All the others have lost one or more keeper's houses and outbuilding...More
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Victoria Park
Truro, NS
Public Space
A true gem in the heart of Truro! Victoria Park is one of Truro's greatest assets – a natural woodland park of roughly 400 acres in the centre of town. Lepper Brook, with its two sets of waterfalls, flows through a steep tree covered rocky gorge. Several walking trails follow along the brook, allowing a close view of this unique setting. The first set of falls is named after the distinguished Joseph Howe who admired them during a visit in 1830. The next are the Waddell Falls, named after Susan Waddell Stevens, who donated the first land in 1888 containing the falls and gorge, thus beginning this park for the enjoyment of Truro citizens...More
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Nathan Phillips Square
Toronto, ON
Public Space
Nathan Phillips Square is an outdoor plaza located immediately in front of Toronto City Hall, on the northwest corner of Queen and Bay Streets. The square opened in 1965.The square is paved with concrete surrounding a reflecting pool that serves as a skating rink in winter months. It is a free gathering place for leisure and community events...More
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Le parc du mont Royal
Montreal, QC
Public Space
Le parc du mont Royal est un lieu de convergence pour les résidents du centre-ville de Montréal, les jeunes des grandes écoles autour du mont Royal, les aînés, les touristes du Canada et d'ailleurs, des francophones d'Outremont et des anglophones de Westmount. Diverses activités récréatives se déroulent à chaque saison autour et sur le lac des Castors. En 1874, le Québec vote la première loi pour protéger ce milieu naturel. Depuis 1938, le lac des Castors est un bassin artificiel aménagé par l'architecte-paysagiste, Frédérick Todd et son secteur a été réaménagé en 2005. Les Amis de la Montagne est un organisme citoyen qui veille à la sauvegarde de ce milieu naturel...More
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Woodfield
London, Ontario
Neighbourhood
Woodfield is a Victorian neighbourhood located in the heart of London, Ontario. This historic community is bordered by Richmond, Dundas, Adelaide, and the CPR tracks to the north. Woodfield's roughly 1,400 households fall mostly within two Heritage Districts (East and West Woodfield). Homes in Woodfield date from the 1840s, with most homes built between the late 1800s and early 1900s. Woodfield is one of the largest and finest examples of intact Victorian streetscapes in Canada...More
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Beauty Bay
Kenora, ON
Neighbourhood
Nestled alongside Black Sturgeon Lake in beautiful North-Western Ontario, Beauty Bay is located 15 minutes from downtown Kenora. Having originated in 1972 with the establishment of a golf course, Beauty Bay has grown into a residential community where families and retirees can live seasonally or year-round. This intimate and quaint community is home to approximately 125 individuals...More
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Botanical Beach (in Juan de Fuca Provincial Park
Near Port Renfrew, BC
Public Space
Botanical Beach is a beautiful spot to explore. You must first walk along a gorgeous path where the sights, sounds and smells stimulate your every sense. Once you've reached the beach, you can hear and see the waves crashing against the rocks creating huge splashes. You can enjoy a sunrise, a sunset, or simply an afternoon escape. While you're there, don't forget to explore all of the tide pools sculptured in the sandstone, which is home to many living organisms such as Purple Sea Urchins, fish, sea cucumbers, clams, and so much more. Keep your eyes peeled for whales and dolphins during their migration...More
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Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Oakville, ON
Public Space
Bronte Creek Provincial Park is conveniently located between Oakville and Burlington just north of the Queen Elizabeth Highway (QEW). Established in 1974, it boasts over 10 km of walking trails, 144 campsites, an outdoor swimming pool, children's farm and play barn, nature centre, 1900s living history museum, and 11 picnic shelters and picnic areas. In the winter, you can ice skate on the Olympic-sized outdoor surface or toboggan down any number of slopes...More
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Saint-Boniface
Winnipeg, MB
Neighbourhood
Saint-Boniface is an area of Winnipeg that includes areas such as Windsor Park, Southdale, Island Lakes, Norwood, the 'Old St-Boniface' along with other areas of the city. It's home to over 65 000 people, which includes the biggest cluster of French-speaking inhabitants outside of Quebec. In 1818, the Roman Catholic mission settled in this area but it had been an area protected under Lord Selkirk's rule...More
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King Street
Lunenburg, NS
Street
"UNESCO FRESCO" is the nickname of King Street, which is at the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. The street was established in 1753 as part of the town’s original British town plan of residential and commercial streets. King Street, along with the other streets in town, has remained unaltered since its early construction. With its colorful houses dating back to the 1830s, this street is cheerful and bright in almost any weather. Three blocks in length and the widest in the town plan, it stretches from Pelham St. near the harbor to Cumberland St., where it meets up with Lunenburg's historic parade square...More
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Algonquin Provincial Park
Ontario
Public Space
The most scenic trajectory through the park is on Highway 60 between Barry's Bay and Huntsville. The park is readily accessible from major urban centres such as Ottawa and Toronto. You can see the boreal forest and its inhabitants, including many Canadian animal icons like the beaver, spotted loon, moose, timber wolf, and the black bear without much exploratory effort...More
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Main Street
Warkworth, ON
Street
Warkworth is a small, rural town nestled in the rolling hills of Northumberland, approximately 90 miles east of Toronto, Ontario. Although Main Street is less than a mile long, it features a vibrant community of unique stores, boutiques, studios, and a stylish coffee shop. Over the past few decades, it has grown from a simple farming community into a thriving artistic and social location that showcases many seasonal events...More
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Town of Churchill
Churchill, MB
Neighbourhood
Churchill is located on the shore of Hudson's Bay in Manitoba. It is believed that nomadic Arctic people who first populated this area in 1000 AD evolved into the Inuit. The Dene people also came into this area around 500, long before the Europeans first arrived in 1619 where only three of the 64 explorers survived their expedition. The Hudson's Bay Company had an important role in colonizing the area by setting up a permanent settlement in 1717, and named this trading post after one of Winston Churchill's ancestors, John Churchill, who was governor of this famous company and also known as the first Duke of Marlborough. Like many newly populated areas, Churchill had its share of wars, conflicts, and growing pains. Approximately 1000 people live in Churchill consisting of non-native, Aboriginal (Chipewyan and Swampy Cree), Métis, and Inuit...More
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Hecla Provincial Park
Near Riverton, MB
Public Space
The park was established in August of 1969 and opened for public use in 1975. The year 2005 marked its 30th anniversary. Hecla is 6.5 km wide and 26.5 km long. Other islands which are a part of Hecla Provincial Park include Black Island, Goose Island, Deer Island, Punk Island, and Little Punk Island. In 1926, the present Gull Harbour Lighthouse was constructed; the original one was built in 1898...More
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Central Memorial Park
Calgary, AB
Public Space
Central Memorial Park is a large public space in the heart of downtown Calgary. Redeveloped in the summer of 2010, Central Memorial Park has been rejuvenated by The City of Calgary Parks department. The major concept of this park was to recreate the landscape following the original design that was constructed approximately 100 years ago. One of the biggest elements of the recreation was the intricate pathway system, which allows visitors to access every corner of the site at any angle. The path is made up of City of Calgary trail mix and a discrete heavy aluminum edger, which overall gives the pathway a natural appearance and captures the essence of the original design. Another unique feature of this park is the annual/perennial planting bed designs, which add interest and bring a lot of attention to the seasonal plantings. A majority of the plantings were preserved from the original park and the topsoil mix was recreated to match the original composition...More
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Victoria Row (on Richmond St.)
Charlottetown, PEI
Street
Victoria Row is one of downtown Charlottetown’s gems. It’s a pedestrian street located on Richmond St., between Queen Street and Great George St. The street is approximately 800m long and can be found here on the map...More
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Assiniboine Forest
Winnipeg, MB
Public Space
It is unusual to find a forest within a city, but Winnipeg has one, specifically 700 acres of forest, marsh, and wildlife...More
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Millennium Park
Creston, BC
Public Space
Discover a pocket of paradise in the heart of the Kootenays in a town called Creston. Creston is in fact a natural paradise with a unique climate of its own. A place where the climate is mild, the views are stunning, and quality of life is the best. Creston’s outdoor Millennium Park opened in 2004, thanks to amazing efforts by the Creston Valley Rotary Club, Creston Valley citizens, service groups, and businesses. It is located on 16th Avenue South, at Dogwood Street, on land that was donated to the Town by Crestbrook Forest Industries. The park features unique landscape elements and a variety of ornamental trees. The locally designed and constructed Japanese-style garden was a generous gift from Creston’s sister city of Kaminoho, Japan...More
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Waterton Lakes National Park
Near Pincher Creek, AB
Public Space
Waterton. Where epic prairie skies meet majestic mountain grandeur. Nestled in the corner of southwest Alberta lies 505 square kilometres of rugged windswept beauty. Chinook country. The Crown of the Continent. Some of the oldest sedimentary rock in Canada forms the shining mountains that pierce the clouds in variegated red and green, surrounding deep glacier sculpted lakes and hanging valleys, where life exists as it has since the days of the Assiniboine. Their ancient hunting trails and trade routes still in use by the 400, 000 visitors Waterton attracts every year from all over the world...More
