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Images from across Canada
July 1 is Canada Day, a national statutory holiday celebrating Canada’s birthday. On July 1, 1867, the British North America Act, now known as the Constitution Act, created Canada as a self-governing federation. July 1 became a statutory holiday in 1879 and was known as “Dominion Day” until 1982, when it officially changed to Canada Day.
Communities across the country host organized celebrations on Canada Day, citizenship ceremonies for new citizens and outdoor events such as parades, festivals and concerts culminating in a fireworks display at dark. The largest celebration occurs on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, where thousands of people attired in red and white gather to hear concerts, participate in activities and view fireworks.
Canadians who don’t attend these organized events may celebrate in a more quiet manner, getting together with family and friends or spending the day at the lake. I spent part of my Canada Day looking through old photographs. It was not Canada Day nor thoughts of Canada which prompted my nostalgic viewing, but as I came across photos from travel across the country, I was reminded how beautiful and diverse our country is.
I share some of these photographs, a few of which date back to pre-digital days and now have an almost surreal faded old postcard look.
We start in the east, with mile 0 of the Trans-Canada Highway
St. John’s, Newfoundland
Prince Edward Island
Lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia
Petit-Champlain district in Quebec City
Tapping maple trees at a sugar shack north of Montreal
Parliament Building in Ottawa
The CN Tower in Toronto
View of Toronto from the CN Tower
Kleinburg, a village north of Toronto known for boutiques and cafes
and home to McMichael Canadian Art Collection, a gallery with emphasis on the Group of Seven artists
Niagara Falls
Trout Lake in western Ontario
Storm rolling into Falcon Lake in eastern Manitoba
Canadian Museum for Human Rights and the Winnipeg skyline
Canola field on the Canadian prairie
Prairie winter scene
Badlands around Drumheller in east-central Alberta
Waterton Lakes National Park in southwest Alberta
Vineyard in Kelowna, British Columbia
Kitsilano Beach with the Vancouver skyline in the background
Fall colours at Stanley Park in Vancouver
Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island
Sunset over Brentwood Bay on Vancouver Island
Canada is a large and varied country. The sampling of photographs I’ve shared represent a small portion of the country. I feel blessed to have seen as much of the country as I have and hope to be able to experience more of it in the years to come and to return to some favourite spots as well.
What images come to mind when you think of Canada? Do you have some favourite photos?
Fireworks at Butchart Gardens
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4 Comments
Anita and Richard @ No Particular Place To Go
July 6, 2015 at 6:42 amWe just spent several days with Canadian friends here in Portugal who shared their extra maple leaf pins for us to wear and be honorary Canadians for the day. Canada has much to be proud of and thanks for sharing such a wide array of photos showing what a diverse nation it is! My favorites were of the Badlands and Trout Lake.
Donna Janke
July 6, 2015 at 9:55 amAnita, we rented a cottage for a couple weeks in the summer several times years ago when my daughter and step-daughters were young. I remember one summer coming there shortly after an overseas trip and being reminded that no matter where I travelled some of the prettiest spots were close to home.
jacquiegum
July 6, 2015 at 7:07 amThis is a wonderful showcase of your country, Donna. They have so much to be proud of, not the least of which is its citizens. Brentwood Bay looks so peaceful and beautiful.Thanks for sharing these
Donna Janke
July 6, 2015 at 9:56 amThanks Jacquie. My sister lives in Brentwood Bay and it is a beautiful spot.