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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Samson Trail
New Glasgow, NS
Public Space
The Samson Trail, located along the banks of the picturesque East River, is a 4 km groomed trail built along the bed of Canada's first iron railroad. The trail is lined with Victorian style lampposts providing visitors and residents alike with a scenic vista that offers the freshness of nature's blooms in spring, spectacular sunsets in summer, a tapestry of color in autumn, and a serene winter beauty. A walk along the Samson Trail is sure to nourish your spirit, no matter what the season...More
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St. John's Ecclesiastical District
St. John's, NL
Neighbourhood
This is a nationally recognized area in downtown St. John's (recognized by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada in 2010). The national designation has formal boundaries, but the neighbourhood has more informal boundaries. The buildings date to the mid 1800s, but the area has been settled since the 1500s. There are several thousand people who live, work, and worship here...More
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Victoria Park
Charlottetown, PEI
Public Space
Victoria Park is located in downtown Charlottetown at the mouth of the Charlottetown Harbour. The 40-acre historic property was vested to the City of Charlottetown by Queen Victoria. In June 1873, the Crown...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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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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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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Liberty Street Linear Park
Toronto
Public Space
Located in the creative and vibrant neighborhood of Liberty Village, Liberty Street Linear Park is located on the north side of Liberty Street between Fraser Ave. and Jefferson Ave. The Liberty Village neighbourhood is a mixed-use community with live/work buildings, offices, residential and retail shops contained in a mix of building types including townhouses, towers and mid-rise buildings. A number of heritage buildings in the area have been retained, reflecting the neighbourhood's past. Liberty Street Linear Park is a public space that contributes to the beauty and open space in the community, as well as, serving as a gathering place and north-south pedestrian connection. The park occupies the strip of land between a large parking lot next to Lamport Stadium, and the neighbourhood's main thoroughfare, East Liberty Street. On Liberty Street, between Fraser Avenue and Jefferson Avenue, paving stones, benches, sod and ground cover, low-level ambient lighting and an irrigation system for the vegetation were installed. The plan created “rooms” along an extended wall area, which encourages sitting, eating lunch or holding meetings...More
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Heartland Forest
Niagara Falls, ON
Public Space
This location is deserving of an award as it is a barrier-free (fully wheelchair accessible) nature trail with a wheelchair accessible treehouse AND playground. It is also FREE ... there is absolutely no cost to visit and walk amongst the protected forest and wetland areas. At any time you can see a variety of animal and plant species. It is just gorgeous there...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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White Rock Beach
White Rock, BC
Neighbourhood
White Rock Beach is the waterfront area of the City of White Rock in the southwest corner of the lower mainland of British Columbia, bordering Washington State. The White Rock Beach district runs along Marine Drive and overlooks the warm, shallow waters of Semiahmoo Bay. The borders of this area are defined somewhat informally by approximately 8 km of sandy beach, with a 2.5 km waterfront promenade. The actual city of White Rock is 45 minutes from Vancouver, BC and minutes from the Canada/USA border. The city dates back to the turn of the 20th century (1900) and has a population of 18,250...More
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Granville Street
Vancouver, BC
Street
Granville Street is known as the entertainment district of Downtown Vancouver and is home to numerous shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. During the 1950s, Granville Street attracted many tourists to one of the world's largest displays of neon signs. In the middle of the 20th century, the Downtown portion of Granville Street had become a flourishing centre for entertainment, known for its cinemas (built along the "Theatre Row," from the Granville Bridge to where Granville Street intersects Robson Street), restaurants, clubs, and the Vogue and Orpheum theatres...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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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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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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Brewer Park Oval
Ottawa, ON
Public Space
Brewer Park Oval is a 400-metre Olympic sized speed skating track located in downtown Ottawa across from Carleton University. It is a volunteer, community-run outdoor ice surface. It is an all-natural ice surface that is built as soon as the weather permits, usually around Christmas, and then maintained until it melts in March...More
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Miller Point Peace Park
Dayspring (near Bridgewater), NS
Public Space
Along the LaHave River is a beautiful park for strolling, sitting, having a picnic or walking your dog, Beautiful trees, flowers and river scenery...More
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Queen Street
Niagara-On-The-Lake, ON
Street
Noted for its beautifully maintained heritage buildings, the town is the site of the province's first newspaper, the first lending library, the first parliament of the region, and the first historical museum . It is now a favorite tourist destination, not only for such historic sites but also for the world-renowned Shaw Festival , the lovely parks, and the area's vineyards and wineries...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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The South March Highlands
Ottawa, ON
Public Space
Just 20 minutes from Parliament Hill, this is Ottawa's Great Forest: an old-growth paradise that is recreationally enjoyed and spiritually revered. It has untapped ecotourism potential, but threatened by urban sprawl. Spanning over a thousand hectares, this Canadian Shield ecosystem is more than a billion years old. Rich in wetlands and mature forest, it is home to more than 654 species, including 18 species that are at risk of becoming extinct...More
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Wascana Park
Regina, SK
Public Space
Wascana Park is a large public park in Regina, Saskatchewan. It has existed for as long as I can remember -- an early, albeit not my first, memory of it is attending wonderful birthday parties that were held at some of its numerous BBQ or picnic spots. It is one of the largest urban parks and is broken down into many areas, some of which are still not developed...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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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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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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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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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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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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Cathedral Grove
Near Port Alberni, BC
Public Space
Cathedral Grove is an interpretive forest located close to Port Alberni that shows the flora and fauna of the surrounding area. The story goes that while logging the area BC fallers came upon Cathedral Grove and because of the enormity of the trees, refused to fall them. It features some of the biggest trees in Canada, and is open to visitors 24/7. Parks Canada, as well as numerous community groups, help with maintenance and informative tours of Cathedral Grove. It’s a very big tourist draw, which helps the surrounding communitie...More
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Old Ottawa South Neighbourhood
Ottawa, ON
Neighbourhood
Old Ottawa South (OOS) is a vibrant urban community in the heart of Canada's capital of Ottawa with a population of approximately 3,000 households (about 10,000 residents). The area developed as an early suburb at the turn of the last century, and was annexed by the City in 1907...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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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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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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Yonge Street
Toronto, ON
Street
Yonge Street is a historic main shopping street in Toronto. It's the Times Square of Canada, a singular melting pot with unparalleled history (especially music history). Tons of musicians come to mind: Ronnie Hawkins, The Band, Gordon Lightfoot even wrote a song about the street. It's remained a great pedestrian stroll with vibrant storefronts and buildings (for the most part) kept to a human scale. There really is something for everyone on Yonge Street; it's the biggest and best example of large-scale urbanism come to Canad...More
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Parkdale
Toronto, ON
Neighbourhood
Parkdale is located in the southwest of downtown Toronto. It's a residential and commercial neighbourhood adjacent to the Roncesvalles and High Park neighbourhoods, and it includes the historic Sunnyside waterfront park. Currently home to about 50,000 people, Parkdale was founded as an independent settlement in 1850, eventually joining Toronto in 1889...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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Richmond Olympic Oval
Richmond, BC
Public Space
The Richmond Oval was the venue that held the speed skating events and the official anti-doping lab during the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. It is a 33,750-m² facility, including a 20,000 m² main floor that includes a 400 m refrigerated track. It is built on a location beside the Fraser River and is the first Olympic venue that visitors can see as they fly into Vancouver...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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Minden Boardwalk
Minden, ON
Public Space
The Township of Minden Hills invites everyone to come out and enjoy the completed Minden Riverwalk pathway along the beautiful Gull River running through downtown Minden, along with the newly completed Boardwalk, constructed through the existing Minden Walking Trail. It displays flora and fauna of the area while providing a comfortable walking environment for residents and visitors to Minden...More
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Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market
Halifax, NS
Public Space
The Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market opened in August 2010 along the city's waterfront, in a state-of-the-art, eco-friendly building. It has more than 4000 square metres, almost double the size of its previous location. In addition to the spacious vendor areas and storefronts, the Market boasts harbour views, a rooftop garden, a “living wall” (a wall of plantlife for air filtration), wind turbines, and outdoor meeting and shopping areas...More
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Queen Street
Fredericton, NB
Street
Queen Street has been Fredericton’s main East-West street since the city of Fredericton was founded in 1783. After the first buildings were erected along the Saint John River—namely those forming the Military Compound such as the officers’ quarters, barracks, guard house, and training grounds—a street was traced running parallel to the river behind the compound that joined these buildings and spaces with each other. On the other side of the street, houses and shops were built, creating a continuous row of two- to three-storey buildings establishing the beginnings of the economic life of the town. This was Queen Street...More
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Mississauga Celebration Square
Mississauga, ON
Public Space
Located outside of Mississauga City Hall in the downtown core, Mississauga Civic Square opened in 1987. In 2011, $40 million was spent to revitalize the space, which was reopened and rebranded as Mississauga Celebration Square...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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The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Vancouver, BC
Public Space
The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is the first of its kind outside China. It is a haven for quiet in the big city. It is made of natural woods, stones, plants, and the light affects it differently at different times of day. There are separate room-like areas which give you privacy. The walls are high, keeping out the noise. You feel at peace, can meditate, and just reflect -- it is gorgeous (take a virtual tour online)...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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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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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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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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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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Rainbow Stage Theatre in Kildonan Park
Winnipeg, MB
Public Space
Rainbow Stage is an outdoor theatre situated in the heart of Kildonan Park in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The theatre has been around since 1953, making it the oldest of its kind in Canada. It seats over 2,000 patrons who are protected from the elements by a large triodetic dome that covers the seating area. In 2011, a mural was designed and painted along the building’s exterior to provide the venue with a fresh new look. The finished product was spectacular and received raved reviews from its visitors.Rainbow Stage Theatre is used primarily to provide Winnipeg with professional musical theatre productions during the summer. It is also used for a number of other community-related events during the year, which typically focus on the arts and culture...More
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Cultus Lake Park
Cultus Lake, BC
Public Space
Cultus Lake Park is the lower mainland of BC's best-kept secret! It is only about one hour away from Vancouver, yet you are in the country...More
