Capturing History: Celebrating Canada’s Favorite Historic Sites
Over the years, Canadians have been inspired to share their favorite heritage sites through photos and selfies as part of Historic Places Days. These photos, accompanied by personal stories, highlight what makes these places special—from moments of reflection and connections to culture and family history, to creating new memories at old landmarks.
This year, we’re excited to continue this tradition with our 2024 theme: Food and Garden Experiences. We invite you to join us by sharing your own photos and videos. Dive in, celebrate our heritage, and make your mark on this year’s Historic Places Days!
Cabot Tower, St. John’s, NL
“When I came to Newfoundland two years ago as an international student, Cabot Tower is the first historic site I visited. Robert Tilley, a 71-year-old Newfoundlander, my first friend in Newfoundland, toured me around Cabot Tower. The photo I submit was taken in June, 2020. Robert posed in this photo with a headlamp, and the Milky Way is behind him. Cabot Tower is also a demonstration of our friendship.” -Ting Ting Chen
Stanley Park Totem Poles, Vancouver, BC
“This collection of Totem Poles started at Lumberman’s Arch in Brockton Point, Stanley Park in the 1920’s. They’re significant and important to me as I humbly and gratefully acknowledge that I live and work on the traditional, ancestral and incensed territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations. Walking by the Totem Poles remind me of all that I have and all the nature and life around me is an impact of colonialism and I am grateful.” -Natalie Van Apeeldoorn
Basin Head Fisheries Museum, Souris, PEI
“The Basin Head Fisheries Museum reminds me of many memories of beach days growing up in Prince Edward Island. Walking past it each time we visit Basin Head beach is a subtle reminder of the importance of PEI’s fishing industry. Having introduced many friends and family “from away” to Basin Head beach, the architecture stands as a representation of Island culture and history.” -Kaleigh Mackay from Charlottetown PEI
Lake Superior Provincial Park: Mishipeshu, Agawa Rocks Pictographs, Wawa, ON
“There is a spirituality around this site. These pictographs are a connection for me to the original peoples of this area, a connection so rare in Ontario.”
-Christopher Hills from Seaforth, ON
Fort Point Lighthouse, Liverpool, NS
“All Nova Scotia lighthouses are special to me, but this one in particular is a success story because of the care and attention it has received from the community and municipal council. It is sound condition, and a joy to tour, as it features stories and folklore in various mediums throughout the building. My kids and I love to stop here and enjoy the views and snacks from the lantern.”
Kings Landing, Prince William, NB
“Victorian Ladies Chatelaine Sewing Tools. If you’re a fan of Downton Abbey, you may have noticed Mrs. Hughes wearing one. This one was spotted at Kings Landing Historical Settlement, Prince William, NB, Canada.” -Leslie from Prince William, NB
Canmore Museum Canmore, AB
Highlight of the trip was indigenous stories and learning from Îyârhe Nakoda
cultural interpreters about their history, culture and traditions in the tipi! -Saad from Canmore, AB
Hurtubise House, Westmount, QC
“Shortly after my grandmother passed away, we discovered a letter in her possession informing her that the Hurtubise House, once owned by her ancestors, was now a government heritage site. I immediately knew I had to see it and learn all about it. The land, now in Montreal’s wealthy Westmount community, was bought in 1699 by one of the first Hurtubise in Canada, and it is now Westmount’s oldest home, having been built in 1739. It is an honour to me that the Quebec government has decided to make this small piece of my family history accessible to everyone!” -Melissa from Ottawa, ON
The Exchange District, Winnipeg, MB
“The Exchange District is one of my favourite places with the history, architecture and calmness of the neighborhood. It makes me think of the stories the buildings have seen and heard, of the amazing people who have come before me. I remember all the wonderful times I’ve had wandering through with friends and family, and all the great people (and new friends) I’ve met. It makes me feel like I’m living in another age, even for a moment.” -Patricia Garrod from Winnipeg, MB
Radville CN Station Museum, SK
“Growing up, I watched my grandparents dedicate countless hours to the preservation and improvement of the station, so it has always had a special place in my heart. However, now that I have been lucky enough to work here for the past two summers, I appreciate it even more. Something about being physically present in the building transports me back to a time when my town was young. The building itself represents the reason my town even exists – the railway. The artifacts in the museum are more than just things, they represent the people whose hard work established the town that is my home today.” -Julia from Saskatchewan
