Whether you are travelling to Canada for the first time or have been there many times, there are plenty of historical monuments that you can visit. Some of these include the Hartland Covered Bridge, Kejimkujik National Park in Nova Scotia, Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site, Rideau Canal, and Saint Joseph’s Oratory.
Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site
Located in Beauport, Quebec, the Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site offers a peek into the rich military history of Canada’s oldest province. The site features several historic fortifications, including barracks, guard posts, and actual fortifications, all built over the course of three centuries. The site also features a 4.6 km long wall that encircles the city.
The old fortifications were built in the early 1600s by French colonists. They were upgraded in 1745, with a new design by Gaspard-Joseph Chaussegros de Lery.
Saint Joseph’s Oratory
Located on Mount Royal, Saint Joseph’s Oratory is one of the most important religious landmarks in Canada. It is a national historic site, and is a must-see in Montreal. It was built in the Beaux-Arts style and is an Italian Renaissance-inspired structure. It is the largest church in Canada and the second-largest dome in the world.
The Oratory is open to the public. Visitors can attend Mass, tour the museum, and enjoy light lunches and breakfasts at the cafeteria. There are also guided tours in July and August.
Hartland Covered Bridge
Located in New Brunswick, Canada, Hartland Covered Bridge is a landmark of Canadian history and culture. It’s a barn-like covered bridge that spans the Saint John River. It’s also known as the Longest Covered Bridge in the World.
When it was built, the 390-m bridge was an engineering marvel. It used six small Howe Truss piers to connect the two banks of the Satin John River.
The Hartland Bridge Company was formed in the late 1800s by citizens on both sides of the river. The company was privately owned. The company promised a toll-free bridge. It opened in July 1901. During that time, it was the only way to cross the river.
Fisgard Lighthouse
Located on a rocky promontory off the southeast coast of Vancouver Island, Fisgard Lighthouse serves as a beacon for mariners and is a popular destination for sightseeing. The lighthouse is open to the public and offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the Olympic Mountains. There are also a number of exhibits and displays inside the lighthouse. You can learn about the history of the lighthouse, explore the 19th century schooner that once operated from the site, and see a number of interactive video programs.
Yousuf Karsh Bust
Known for his portraits of famous people, Yousuf Karsh was a Canadian-Armenian photographer who was one of the most influential photographers of the twentieth century. He is credited with capturing defining images of many of the world’s most iconic figures, including Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein, Helen Keller, and Muhammad Ali.
Born in Armenia in 1902, Yousuf Karsh escaped his home country during a genocide, migrated to Canada, and began a career in photography. His work has been exhibited in galleries all over the world and is permanently displayed in major archival collections.
Parliament Hill
Located in Ottawa, Canada, Parliament Hill is the place where the federal government of Canada sits. Its three main buildings are the Centre Block, the East Block, and the West Block. These buildings are home to many of the country’s elected officials and representatives.
The West Block is where the Senate and the House of Commons meet. The House of Commons is a large building with a green chamber that features stained glass windows. The House of Commons has 308 members, all of whom are elected. The Senate has 105 appointed members.
Rideau Canal
UNESCO designated the Rideau Canal as a World Heritage Site in 2007. The 202 km long waterway links Ottawa River with Lake Ontario, demonstrating European technology on a large scale. It is the oldest continuously operated waterway in North America.
The waterway incorporates many lakes, dams, locks, rapids, and old towns. Its surface area is equivalent to 90 Olympic ice hockey rinks.
Aside from being a historical landmark, the Rideau Canal also played an important role in Canadian defense during the War of 1812. It was constructed to protect British ships en route to the United States. However, traffic on the canal dwindled as more powerful steamships were built.
Kejimkujik National Park in Nova Scotia
Located on the Atlantic coast, Kejimkujik National Park is a national park in Nova Scotia. This area offers visitors opportunities to see wildlife, beaches, and lakes. There are many different hiking trails to choose from in this area. There are also several canoe excursions to explore the waterways.
The Mi’kmaq people have lived in the region for thousands of years. They are descendants of Woodland Indians. These people were known to use portage routes to get from place to place.