It is no secret that Canadians have been through a lot this year- that’s why it’s especially important to celebrate Canada’s heritage. This year, the National Trust introduced a new #CanadianVisitList contest to celebrate historic places and awarded $3,000 in cash prizes! The National Trust introduced #CanadianVisitList contest to keep the excitement of exploring Canada’s […]
Historic Places Days is a platform for individuals and organizations to showcase the places and stories important to them in their own words. As the presenter, the National Trust for Canada recognizes that Canada’s history and heritage is complex and contentious, dominated by settler perspectives, and that individually or collectively the stories may lack diversity. We are working hard with our partners to enrich our awareness of our collective past. We welcome your input on how we can work together to be more inclusive now and in the future.
This Year’s Theme: Communication Through Place and Time
This year’s theme, Communication Through Place and Time, invites us to explore how people have shared ideas, stories, skills and knowledge across generations—and how historic places have made those connections possible. From oral traditions, crafts, and handwritten letters to telegraphs, telephones, and digital media, places have always been at the heart of how we communicate.
The theme also marks the 150th anniversary of the first telephone call, patented in Canada by Alexander Graham Bell, an invention that transformed how distance and time shape human connection.
Together, these stories remind us that historic places are not just where history happened, but where conversations – past, present, and future – continue to unfold.
VisitExperience the history
This summer we invite you to time travel by virtually visiting historic places across Canada. Hundreds of sites are waiting to be discovered. Every place, a story: choose yours.
WinParticipate in contests
Our contests take place from June 25 until July 20 2025, with the National Trust for Canada giving away a total of $5000, in support of Historic Places Days. Check out our Contests Page for more information!
ShowRegister a historic place
Participating sites receive national exposure and access to resources for organizing events and attracting new audiences. If you own or operate a historic site, registration is open all year—so why wait? Register today!
Places To Explore
Choose a historic site below to discover more details or view all our places.
Canadian Northern Railway Trestle
Edson, Alberta
The CNoR trestle remains remind us of the importance of the railway in early communities.
View Place | Get Directions
Fisgard Lighthouse
Victoria, British Columbia
It helped guide mariners to Esquimalt Harbour, and the base for the Royal Navy.
View Place | Get Directions
Heritage Perth Downtown Walking Tour
Perth, Ontario
Discover the historical stone architecture and must-see destinations in Perth with the Dri
View Place | Get Directions
Vancouver Block
Vancouver, British Columbia
A landmark on the Vancouver skyline since 1912.
View Place | Get Directions
Events To Enjoy
Choose an event below to discover more details or view all our events.
Capital Healers: Ottawa’s Healthcare Story
Bytown Museum
17 May, 2024 - 1 March, 2026 | During open hours
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