In a nation inhabited by centuries-old indigenous residents and later settled by early pioneers, Canada has an incredible wealth of history and remarkable stories to tell. And similar to the history of the United States, Canada was also a nation fought over for years by rival European countries.
An absolute treasure trove of historical events and iconic landmarks can be found between Canada’s Pacific and Atlantic coasts, which attracts visitors worldwide to see how these events helped to shape Canada into the great nation it is today.
With so much history peppered across Canada’s incredible provinces, we thought we’d help by hand-picking our top five historical destinations you need to see this year.
Fort Henry is a 19th-century fort that pridefully sits on top of Point Henry in the heart of Kingston in Eastern Ontario. Designed to protect Point Frederick naval dockyard, Fort Henry was a vital Queen Victoria’s British Army garrisons until their withdrawal in 1870.
Modern-day Fort Henry tours take visitors inside the fortification’s wooden gates and back in time. Tourists to Fort Henry can witness the panoramic views over Kingston and the Rideau Canal and get the chance to see what life was like as a 19th Century soldier.
Tourists can also watch regular precision military demonstrations by the Fort Henry Guards, designed to entertain crowds of all ages. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not take one of The Haunted Walk tours for an evening of ghost hunting around the fort?
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The Ramparts of Quebec is a National Historic Site of Canada (NHSC) that surrounds the city of Quebec and towers over the St. Lawrence River. These famous ramparts, also known as the Quebec Fortifications, are Canada’s only surviving historic city defenses today.
Built originally by the French in the early 17th Century, the defensive walls were fortified further by the English after defeating them in the Battle of the Plains of Abraham in 1759. Visitors can walk around the 4.6 km perimeter, with the Ramparts of Quebec providing an intriguing 360-degree view over Quebec City.
While you’re in town, we also recommend visiting the encircled military installation, The Citadelle of Quebec, and the 17th Century, Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral in the heart of Old Quebec.
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Originally named Fort Brisebois, this historic fort was established in 1875 by the North West Mounted Police, or as they are affectionately known these days, The Mounties. Sandwiched between the Elbow and Bow Rivers, this Mounties outpost was created to patrol local ranches and native communities, while also trying to disrupt the whiskey smuggling trade along the Bow River.
Gradually the city of Calgary grew up around Fort Calgary, although it increased rapidly after the completion of the railroad by the Canadian Pacific Railway after 1881. Visitors to Fort Calgary can see first-hand an exact replica of the fort’s original barracks, along with an audio walking tour and onsite museum.
While you’re in Calgary, explore Banff National Park and visit the calming turquoise waters of Lake Louise, with its incredible Rocky Mountain backdrops.
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Set in possibly the most serene setting of all of Canada’s historical buildings, the British Columbia Parliament Buildings are perfectly placed overlooking Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Located on the southern end of Vancouver Island, the home of the British Columbian Legislative Assembly dominates the horizon, set inside its stunning 12.5-acre grounds.
Construction of the Parliament Buildings originally started in 1893, however it took a further five years to complete before eventually opening in 1898. Public tours inside these grand buildings are available seven days a week during summer and weekdays only during winter.
Other attractions for visitors to Victoria are the excellent Butchart Gardens or a whale and wildlife watching tour around the Vancouver Island shores.
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Our final historical destination is based in Canada’s capital, Ottawa, and takes the form of a symbolic memorial of the contribution of fallen members of the Canadian Armed Forces personnel. A solid, towering granite arch, with sculptured metal figures of soldiers responding to the call of duty and ‘The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier’ at the foot of the monument.
Also known as ‘The Response,’ this impressive memorial is also a remarkable sight after dark. Every night the Canadian National War Memorial lights up, casting the shadows of the soldiers below, which forms a striking image upon the internal arch walls.
Exploring further, the Canadian War Museum is located nearby to the Canadian National War Memorial. Together, these two attractions were built to commemorate the fallen heroes from World Wars I & II, and the Korean War.
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