Summer is winding down in Canada, and many people are coming back from trips to foreign countries like the U.S., Mexico or France.
Long-time Gazette columnist Jared Milne passed away in September 2024 after a battle with cancer. This is the last column he submitted to the Gazette before he passed away.
Summer is winding down in Canada, and many people are coming back from trips to foreign countries like the U.S., Mexico or France. There’s nothing wrong with that, of course, but there are just as many fascinating sights and attractions here in Canada. Some of my favourites include:
- The World Famous Gopher Hole Museum in Torrington, Alberta. This museum features local groundhogs in many humorous scenarios, complete with little costumes and props that’re made by hand or purchased at dollar stores. It’s a fascinating look into small-town life in Alberta, and it’s incredibly popular. The last time I went there, something like eight cars of tourists came and went while I was there.
- Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park in southern Alberta next to the Milk River. The park includes beautiful rock formations, a walking trail describing much of the local wildlife and plants, and an overview of the Milk River. It also contains some incredible information about the Indigenous Blackfoot people who originally lived in the area, including a museum describing their stories and cultural artifacts.
- The tour of the federal Parliament in Ottawa. There are fascinating stories about the architecture and wall-carvings, paintings of all the Prime Ministers and other significant historical figures, and even a visit to the House of Commons.
- The Citadelle in Quebec City. These military buildings were constructed more than 300 years ago by the old French colonial regime. When Britain received New France after winning the Seven Years’ War, it retained the buildings for its own military’s use. Even today, the Citadelle is still being used by the Canadian Department of Defence. Some of the buildings also serve as a museum describing Canada’s military history, including the pre-Confederation British and French military uniforms.
- Green Gables Heritage Place in Charlottetown. Anne of Green Gables is one of the most iconic fictional characters to ever come out of Canada, and visitors can get an up-close look at author Lucy Maud Montgomery’s background and what led her to write the timeless novel series. A must for Canadian literature fans.
- The Grain Elevators here in St. Albert. Grain elevators are an iconic part of the Prairies’ heritage, but most of them have been torn down or deteriorated over the last few decades. St. Albert’s grain elevators have been carefully preserved by local heritage groups, as have some of the related buildings like the stations for the trains that transported the grain.
Instead of traveling overseas for vacation, people should consider staying in Canada and exploring the many, many interesting and beautiful cultural and natural sites that exist across the country. The examples I cited are just the tip of the iceberg. It’s a great way to see the beauty of our country, and to understand the different points of view of people across Canada.
It’s a great way to understand more about each other…
…and to learn more about Canada itself.