Canada, a country best known for its vast terrains and diverse cities, has a long history that is worth learning about. A visit through the historical landmarks is, therefore, important if one is to fully understand the culture of the country. Well then, grab your walking shoes, pack your questions, and let us explore together – through history!
- Fortress of Louisbourg, Nova Scotia: Visit an authentic 18th-century French fortress that was painstakingly restored to its original state. Stroll down the streets and alleys, step inside furnished homes occupied by costumed historical re-enactors, the locals. Picture soldiers exercising in the yard, hear the scent of freshly baked bread coming from the kitchen, embrace the heartbeat of times that were. See musket firing demonstrations and meet soldiers, citizens, and craftsmen who once lived in this imposing building.
- Citadel of Quebec, Quebec City: This star-shaped fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was strategically situated on the cliff overlooking Quebec City and the St. Lawrence River. Discover the underground tunnels that are up to 350 years old, and watch soldiers in action to demonstrate how the fort has protected Quebec City from invasions in the past. Discover more about the importance of this fortification and its contribution towards the formation of Canada.
- Old Quebec, Quebec City: Explore the essence of Europe in North America’s only walled city. Walk through a picturesque town featuring 17th-century architecture with its cafés, shops, and artists. Visit Notre-Dame Basilica that has the grand stained glass windows and high ceilings and get a feel of the old world charm. Quartier Petit Champlain is a historical area packed with shops, cafes, and street performers, also charming and unique. Here, one can buy souvenirs of regional manufacture and taste dishes of the national cuisine of Quebec.
- Old Montreal, Quebec: Colonial French influence is seen in the cobblestone roads, horse-drawn carriages, and buildings of historical significance. Visit the Notre-Dame Basilica, an excellent example of the gothic revival style of architecture, and discover the finer points of its design. Have a walk around the crowded area of the Bonsecours Market where artists and producers present their works and goods. Discover more about the city’s history at the Montreal History Centre, where visitors can touch interactives that illustrate Montreal’s past.
- Rideau Canal, Ontario: This 19th-century canal has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site being an important transportation artery that connected Ottawa, the capital of Canada, and Kingston. Go on a slow boat ride and see how locks and swing bridges were constructed to facilitate movements across the various water levels. Ride through the spectacular trail which borders the canal; this is a perfect way to have a quiet and serene cycling experience. Take a packed lunch with you and spend some serene time embracing the wild beauty of the area.
- Batoche National Historic Site, Saskatchewan: Travel back in time to 1885 and see the aftermath of the Métis’ rebellion. Some of them are the Métis home, the store, and the school which helps the visitors to get acquainted with the life of the Métis people during this period in the history of Canada. Discover Métis people’s rebellion against the Canadian government and extend your knowledge about the Canadian multicultural history. Visit and step on the territories where people fought for their rights and learn the stories of their fight.
- L’Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland and Labrador: Step back in time to learn the history of the Vikings who arrived in North America around 1000 AD. Discover the secrets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and learn about the beginnings of Canada exploration. Follow the path of these Norse sailors and try to grasp the distance they sailed across the Atlantic, and the dreams they had. For those who want to get acquainted with the Viking people better, there is a recreated Viking camp available.
- SGang Gwaay (Ninstints), British Columbia: Discover the astounding mystery of the Haida Gwaii Mortuary Poles that were erected in the eighteenth century. These carved and painted cedar giants were intended to represent family members and as a symbol of the Haida culture and art. Discover their role in the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Centre. Get enthralled by the craftsmanship and meanings engraved into these colossal structures and learn more about the Haida people.
These are just some of the highlights of Canadian history. For history lovers, there is York Factory National Historic Site in Manitoba for the fur trade and Barkerville Historic Town that depicts the gold rush in British Columbia. Steam engines are exhibited in the Alberta Railway Museum for rail enthusiasts and for those interested in military, there is the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.
Whether your history interests are antiquity, medieval, renaissance, or whatever, there’s something for you in Canada. Therefore, get ready and let the explorer in you come out by packing your bag and traveling through time across this great and diverse country. Learn Canada’s history like never before and feel the spirit of history come alive through any of the historical sites in Canada.
