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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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 Village
Winnipeg, MB
Neighbourhood
Osborne Village is many things to many people. This example of “good urbanism” is more than just a neighbourhood; it is a way of life...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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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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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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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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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
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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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Old Port of Montreal
Montreal, QC
Public Space
In the summer, this is a gathering and entertainment centre of Montreal. On the water of the St. Lawrence, there are piers with the Montreal Science Centre, a promenade stretching the length of the port adjacent to the old city that is a tourist destination...More
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Village de Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc
Lac-Saint-Jean, QC
Public Space
Le Lac Saint-Jean est l'une des plus belles régions touristiques du Québec. Beaucoup de rivières y sont accessibles. Celle-ci dans ce petit village est d'une beauté remarquable. Il s'agit de l'une des beautés naturelles du Lac Saint-Jean parmi plusieurs autres cours d'eau attrayant dans cette région. Vous pouvez vous y arrêter pour méditer, respirer un bon coup ou tout simplement y faire un pique-nique. Des cyclistes s'y arrêtent le temps de faire une pause...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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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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Lion's Head
Northern Bruce Peninsula, ON
Neighbourhood
Lion's Head is a village within one of the most dramatic landscape features in the province. The rugged 400-million-year-old cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment that surround this community plunge into the deep turquoise waters of Georgian Bay. This is an intriguing community that offers outdoor experiences for every enthusiast, and that is committed to maintaining a balance between development and the protection of the natural environment as part of its UNESCO World Heritage designation...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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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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Town of Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan
Gravelbourg, SK
Neighbourhood
The Town of Gravelbourg in Saskatchewan is “a Touch of Europe on the Prairies.” Gravelbourg is unique and in a rural central area. For its population of 1,300 people, it offers many amenities. The uniqueness of this town is summarized in its four pillars: Culture; Heritage; Architecture; and Spirituality...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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St. Victor Petroglyphs
St. Victor, SK
Public Space
St. Victor Petroglyphs are on the second highest spot in Saskatchewan, just south of the village of St. Victor. They’re in St. Victor Provincial Park and have been there for hundreds and hundreds of years...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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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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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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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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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
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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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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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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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The Grotto (in Bruce Peninsula National Park)
Near Tobermory, ON
Public Space
Everyone hikes to the Grotto. It’s the most popular attraction in Bruce Peninsula National Park. A big cave on the shore, it was carved out by the waves of Georgian Bay over thousands of years. From the Bruce Trail, climb down through the natural chimney in the rock of the Niagara Escarpment. It’s a pristine setting; there are no signs, lights, stairs, or handrails here. The cave itself is stunning, with sunlight from the outside revealing a brilliant underwater tunnel on the inside. You can walk along a ledge inside its cavity or swim in its cool, clear, turquoise water...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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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 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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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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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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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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Lost Lagoon in Stanley Park
Vancouver, BC
Public Space
The Lost Lagoon in Stanley Park, Vancouver is the best-kept "secret" in Canada. Thousands of people walk, run, stroll, bike, and rollerblade along the seawall of Stanley Park, yet many go past the Lost Lagoon without even knowing it exists! For those of us who enjoy its serenity and beauty, we can't wait to get back there whenever we visit...More
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Icefields Parkway (Highway 93)
Banff to Jasper, AB
Street
The natural, pristine beauty of Banff and Jasper National Parks with excellent public access along the Icefields Parkway is world-renowned. Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, Maligne Lake, Banff and Jasper townsites, are among the fabulous highlights. It is readily accessible by motorized and non-motorized methods as well as by foot. The broader community of Canadians and foreign tourists are welcome to travel the Parkway...More
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Niagara River Parkway
Niagara-on-the-Lake to Fort Erie, ON
Street
I imagine the Niagara River Parkway has existed since the Niagara Parks Commission created it along with the help of Mother Nature. Its purpose is to display the beauty that naturally exists along the Niagara River. The cities and towns, along with their citizens, do a great job improving and maintaining the simple beauty of the Niagara Parkway. It is visited many ways: hiking, walking, running, cycling, buses, planes, trains and automobiles, helicopters, motor bikes. I have even seen a Penny Farthing. There are many trails down to the water’s edge where shore fishing is enjoyed. The waterway also has much activity from paddling in the water, and even the use of small to large water vehicles (canoes, paddle boats, motor boats, power boats, sail boats, sightseeing cruises) It would be nice to have quieter boats down the river, i.e., river cruises with dancing and dining...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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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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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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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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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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Clare Street
Victoria, BC
Street
Clare Street is short, sweet, one block long and made up of 24 single family homes. It is located at the edge of the City of Victoria and the District of Oak Bay. It is home to seniors, families with children, home businesses, and a child care centre. It is a stone's throw from a busy main street, and a short walk to all the amenities. The original street was probably built 100 years ago, however most of the homes were built in the 40s...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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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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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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Marysville
Fredericton, NB
Neighbourhood
Marysville was a planned community developed at the height of the industrial revolution when it was becoming not only fashionable to provide industrial workers with better living accommodations, but also proven to be more economically efficient and profitable. Industrialists were finally realizing that providing workers with better housing resulted in more productivity from them. Alexander “Boss” Gibson planned the community so that his mansion was the epicentre of the community and was located on the west side of the Nashwaak River overlooking the cotton mill on the east side of the river. The cotton mill workers all lived in 58 duplex brick tenements beside the cotton mill. There were a number of local names to describe certain areas of the community like Brick Hill, Mud Alley, Punkin Centre, Front Row, etc. The managers, including Gibson, lived on the west side of the Nashwaak in a long row of houses locally known as Nob Hill...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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Old Montreal
Montreal, QC
Neighbourhood
Old Montreal can be measured by the number of people visiting it. It has reached millions of people, including regional residents. It is located on the waterfront and the access is easy by subway or walking from downtown Montreal. Several old buildings made the renown of this beautiful location...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
