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!

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

Landscape

See the winners

Queen Street

Streets

Queen Street

Fredericton, NB

Osborne Village

Neighbourhoods

Osborne Village

Winnipeg, MB

Cape Forchu Lighthouse

Public Spaces

Cape Forchu Lighthouse

Yarmouth, NS

Nomination Deadline

You can nominate great places until January 31, 2012. You can vote for your favourite place until February 29, 2012.