Canada is the second largest country in the world and is blessed with some incredible natural wonders. But what about man-made structures? Well, look below to see my list of Canada’s best man-made wonders. Look for a photo album which is due to follow shortly.
1. CN Tower, Toronto. This symbol of the city of Toronto, until last year, was the tallest free-standing structure in the world, at over 1800 feet. It opened to the public in 1976 and is Toronto’s most popular tourist attraction.
2. Notre Dame Basilica, Montreal. The interior of this glorious church in the old part of the city has drawn millions of visitors to see the back-lit area around the altar with it blues and purples. The church dates to the mid-1800’s and was once the largest church in North America.
3. Parliament Complex, Ottawa. The buildings on Parliament Hill in Ottawa stand proud as a symbol of the emergence of Canada on the world stage. The Centre Block, a Gothic-revival structure, especially conveys this attitude with its tall Peace Tower rising majestically from the landscape.
4. Fortress of Louisbourg, Nova Scotia. This open-air museum, located on the Cape Breton peninsula, portrays a snapshot of life in the French colony in the 1740’s, just before the siege, in 1758, that resulted in the fort’s destruction by the British in 1760. Approximately one-quarter of the original complex has been reconstructed. Local residents dress in period apparel and simulate the community of Louisbourg at work and play.
5. Chateau Frontenac, Old Quebec. This elegant hotel, originally built for the Canadian Pacific Railway, sits on a promontory above the St Lawrence River in the upper section of the old part of the city and is the unchallenged symbol of the city. It is close to the famous Plains of Abraham, where British forces defeated the French General, Montcalm, in 1759, and took over the city. The hotel’s patio provides access to Dufferin Terrace, a walk along the historic section of cliffs which define the upper town.
6. Parliament Buildings of British Columbia, Victoria. These elegant and impressive late-nineteenth-century Neo-baroque buildings face the inner harbor of the city, making a great first impression for visitors, by boat, to the capital. A statue of Queen Victoria, for whom the city is named, stands on the front lawn.
7. Cabot Trail, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. This incredible, scenic highway traverses the edges of Cape Breton Island, in the northern part of Nova Scotia. It offers coastal views during most of its 200 mile length, but also cuts through the Cape Breton Highlands to provide dramatic mountain scenery as well. It is considered one of the best scenic highways in the world and draws thousands of tourists to this fairly remote area of Canada.
Other sites considered:
Olympic Stadium, Montreal
Annapolis Royal Gardens, Nova Scotia
Chateau Lake Louise, Banff, Alberta
Butchart Gardens, Victoria, British Columbia
