Canada's Most Important Historical Landmarks

A relatively new country, Canada's landmarks differ from the ancient structures found in Europe. That doesn't mean there isn't plenty to see though, from fortified cities to Gothic Revival castles, there are many places to visit that offer insight into the country's unique history. Here are 20 of our favorite historic sites that define Canada's past. 

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1. Old Quebec City

Old Quebec City is the cultural center of Quebec and the birthplace of French North America. In the 17th century, explorer Samuel de Champlain founded the fortified city which features countless well-preserved buildings from that era.

Màirí Souter on Wikimedia

2. L'Anse aux Meadows

This archaeological site in Newfoundland was a Norse settlement from about 1,000 years ago, well before Christopher Columbus's expedition in 1492. The site, first excavated in the 1960s, is likely connected to Viking explorer Lief Erikson.

Gordon Leggett on Wikimedia

3. Diefenbunker

Diefenbunker is a huge underground bunker 30 kilometers from Canada's capital city, Ottawa, intended to shelter key political and military figures from a nuclear attack. It's Canada's most important surviving Cold War site.

SamuelDuval on Wikimedia

4. Pier 21

The former ocean liner and immigration shed in Halifax, Nove Scotia was the receiving station for about 1 million immigrants to Canada from 1928 to 1971. It now serves as the Canadian Museum of Immigration. 

Chris Lund/National Film Board of Canada (Crown Copyright) on Wikimedia

5. Rideau Canal

Ottawa's Rideau Canal was built by the British in Canada at the beginning of the 19th century to defend from an American invasion. The canal, made up of 47 masonry locks and 52 dams, was one of the greatest feats of engineering when it was constructed. 

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6. Parliament Hill

Parliament Hill, adorned by the distinctive Peace Tower, serves as the home of Canada's federal government. The original buildings were constructed in the 1860s, coinciding with the drafting of the constitution. A fire burned down most of the complex in 1916 and they were rebuilt in the 1920s, modelled after the British parliament buildings.

Saffron Blaze on Wikimedia

7. Château Frontenac

Château Frontenac is one of the most iconic buildings in Quebec City, characteristic for its medieval-style architecture. It was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in the late 19th century as an effort to attract luxury tourism to Canada. It continues to function as a hotel today.

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8. Fort Henry National Historic Site

This fort in Kingston, Ontario was built to defend the Kingston Royal Naval Dockyard and the entrance to the Rideau Canal from an American invasion during the war of 1812. Today, historical reenactments bring history to life here where visitors gain insight into British Canada's military background.

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9. Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

Perched on a hilltop overlooking the city is the Halifax Citadel, a star-shaped fort. Like many of Canada's historic military sites, it was built to defend against a potential American invasion during the War of 1812. It was occupied by British forces until 1906, then used by the Canadian military for various purposes in WWI and WWII before becoming a historic site. 

Amber Mac75 on Wikimedia

10. Signal Hill 

The strategically-located Signal Hill in St. John's, Newfoundland, with its vantage point on the Atlantic has been used as a lookout point since the 17th century. It was most famously the site of the final battle of the Seven Years' War when the British defeated the French for control of the region.

Martin Durocher on Wikimedia

11. Haida Gwaii

This group of islands off the coast of British Columbia is the ancestral home of the Haida nation, an Indigenous group. The islands house historic totem poles, lodges, and unique wildlife. 

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12. Casa Loma

Toronto's Casa Loma is a huge castle built in the early 20th century in Gothic Revival style. It was commissioned by wealthy financier Sir Henry Pellatt to showcase his wealth and influence. He ironically had to abandon it due to financial issues.

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13. Dundurn Castle

Hamilton's Dundurn Castle is a 19th century neoclassical mansion commissioned by Sir Allan Napier MacNab, the former premier of Ontario. Lavish rooms, pristine gardens, and ornate design features depict the lifestyle of the wealthy Canadian elite of the era.

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14. Old Montreal

This historic center of Montreal was founded in the 17th century making it one of the oldest urban areas in North America. It's remarkable for its cobblestone streets lined by historic landmarks including the Old Port and Notre-Dame Basilica.

Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA on Wikimedia

15. Distillery District

Toronto's historic Distillery District is the original site of Gooderham and Worts whiskey distillery, established in 1832. It was one of the largest distilleries in the British Empire and now operates as a pedestrian-only quarter of the city, featuring cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and plenty of old world charm.

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16. Fort York

Fort York in Toronto was built at the end of the 18th century in preparation for an American invasion during the War of 1812, serving as headquarters for the Canadian army. It was the site of the Battle of York in 1813 during which the Americans captured the fort, triggering the British to retaliate by storming Washington D.C.

Vlad Litvinov from Toronto on Wikimedia

17. Notre-Dame Basilica

Montreal's Notre-Dame Basilica, completed in 1829 is a marvel of design and architecture, known for its stunning intricate woodwork and majestic stained glass windows. The building's resemblance to Paris's cathedral of the same name stands as a symbol of the French-Canadian connection.

Diego Delso on Wikimedia

18. Dawson City

This historic town in the Yukon was the central hub of the Klondike Gold Rush, one of the largest migration events in North America. Visitors to the town will feel like they've travelled back in time amongst the many well-preserved early 20th century buildings.

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19. Frog Lake

Alberta's Frog Lake is the site of a battle between the Cree resistance fighters and Canadian settlers, in response to the harsh conditions being imposed on the Cree by the government. The site serves as a memorial for those who fell and symbolizes a significant point in Indigenous history.

Grapher78 on Wikimedia

20. Rideau Hall

Rideau Hall in Ottawa has served as the official residence of the Governor General of Canada since 1867. It represents Canada's tie to the British monarchy and is the site of various ceremonies and public events.

Suwannee.payne on Wikimedia