Top Ten Canadian Landmarks
I love my country. If you've known (of) me for a while, you've probably noticed that I semi-frequently like to make lists about my native country, Canada. Well folks, here's another one for you. This list compiles the ten most beautiful and wonderful landmarks of Canada.
While often associated with New York and the USA, it is commonly known among people who have come to see the Falls that the best place to be is on the Canadian side of the border. All three waterfalls (the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the very small Bridal Veil Falls) can be seen quite clearly from our side, and the attractions that surround the Falls themselves are greater in number and generally more impressive.
This is not to take away any of the positive attributes of the American side, however. I have been across the border many times, and there are a fair number of wonderful parks and attractions to visit.
Many describe the CN Tower as a symbol of Canada, much like the Statue of Liberty is a symbol of the USA. The tower was, for 34 years, the tallest free-standing structure in the world and remains the tallest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere. Believe it or not, it can be struck by lightning up to fifty times per year and has the world's highest observation deck. It's worth the cost of admission, folks. I guarantee it.
It's so big that it's hard to comprehend until you're standing right below it.
It should be ranked far higher, possibly the most impressive and magnificent mountain range on Earth, with some truly incredible views.
There is little to say about this impressive mountain range other than that it is a breathtakingly gorgeous corner of the planet. The Rockies, Canada's portion of them, extend from British Columbia to Alberta and stretch over 3,000 miles (4,800 kilometres) in total, from New Mexico to British Columbia.
I only wish they were in Ontario.
Overlooking the St. Lawrence River, this magnificent grand hotel is the crowning jewel of Quebec City, the province of Quebec, and perhaps Canada as a whole. It has over 600 rooms and suites and holds the distinction of being the most photographed hotel in the world, according to Guinness World Records.
It's truly stunning (but tedious to draw, so don't try it) and hosted one of the most magnificent breakfasts I've ever had. The inside and outside are detailed and beautiful.
Over three million visitors come to Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario every year. And with its wondrous architecture, it's not hard to understand why. Even though most Canadians don't fully understand the politics behind our government, we still love to stop and admire the grand building where it all happens.
It's the largest shopping mall in North America and the fifth-largest in the world (mind you, some of the largest are almost entirely vacant). It was the largest from 1981 to 2004 and contains over 800 stores and related services. It employs over 24,000 people. It features the second-largest indoor theme park, the second-largest indoor water park, an indoor lagoon (which contains a saltwater habitat, a replica of the famous Santa María ship, and other features), an NHL-sized skating rink, mini-golf, two movie theatres (one with IMAX), a bowling alley, a recreation centre, several hotels, an indoor shooting range, nightclubs, an indoor skate park, a wedding chapel, three radio stations, and three internationally themed shopping "street" districts. That's quite a mall.
Toronto's Royal Ontario Museum (commonly referred to as the ROM) is one of North America's largest museums and attracts over one million visitors each year. It was established in 1912 and opened its doors in 1914. It was under the direct control of the University of Toronto until 1968 and has maintained close relations with it ever since.
If you're wondering what there is to see in the ROM, it is home to famously impressive collections of dinosaurs, minerals and meteorites, fossils, Near Eastern and African art, East Asian art, European history, and Canadian history. The museum also houses an extensive collection of design and fine arts, including clothing, interior, and product design, with special attention paid to Art Deco.
Located between Georgian Bay and the Ottawa River in Ontario, Algonquin is the oldest provincial park in Canada, established in 1893. It is about 7,653 square kilometres (2,955 square miles) in size and is roughly one and a half times the size of Prince Edward Island, the smallest province in Canada. It is a gorgeous place to visit at any time of year.
This list would not be complete without the addition of the Hockey Hall of Fame, located in Toronto, Ontario. It serves as both a hall of fame and a museum of the sport, containing exhibits about players, teams, records, memorabilia, trophies, and awards. The main attraction within the HHOF is the Stanley Cup, the most famous and prestigious professional sports trophy in the world.
Opening in 1997, the Confederation Bridge links the provinces of New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. It is the longest bridge in the world that crosses ice-covered water, spanning 8 miles (12.9 kilometres). Most of the bridge is forty metres above water, with a section that rises to sixty metres above water for ships to pass under. It takes about ten minutes to cross. Wow.
Formula 1 fans know it - this is a scenic riverside track used for F1 and NASCAR races.
