13 Little-Known Facts About Canada’s Most Famous Landmarks
From the CN Tower to the Chateau Frontenac, there's more to these iconic Canadian landmarks than meets the eye!
The tallest landmark in Canada…
…was named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Toronto’s beloved CN Tower shares its impressive status with the Channel Tunnel, the Empire State Building, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Panama Canal, the Itaipu Dam and the Netherlands North Sea Protection Works. ASCE’s award cites the CN Tower, and its six companions as the greatest civil engineering achievements of the 20th century. Read on for more fascinating facts about Canada’s landmarks.
Did you know Niagara Falls…
…has seen its fair share of daredevils? In 1901, a foolhardy American schoolteacher named Annie Taylor became the first person to plunge over the iconic Canadian landmark in a barrel. The 63-year-old woman survived her dangerous stunt, and warned others not to follow in her reckless footsteps. Unfortunately, her wise words have fallen on deaf ears. Adrenaline junkies using barrels, rubber balls, jet-skis—even a kayak—continue to gamble with their lives in the quest to challenge the Falls.
Ready to see this Canadian landmark with fresh eyes? Here 10 unique things to do in Niagara Falls.
Did you know Château Frontenac…
…is one of the world’s most elegant and luxurious hotels? Designated a National Historic Site of Canada and a United Nations Heritage Site, the Château resembles an enchanting European castle. Since its inception in the late 19th century, the hotel has welcomed many esteemed guests, including King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, Charles Lindberg and Princess Grace of Monaco. (Find out more Canadian hotels that have hosted royal guests.) Film director Alfred Hitchcock adored the Château so much that he featured the hotel in his 1953 Hollywood thriller, I Confess.
These great Canadian hotels are worth adding to your bucket list.
Did you know the Canadian Rockies…
…have earned the nickname the “Serengeti of North America?” The mountains hold the distinction of being home to a spectacular array of wildlife including grizzly bears, black bears, foxes, wolverines, coyotes, lynx, wolves, moose, mountain goats, elk, mule deer, caribou, bison and white-tailed deer.
Here are the 10 national parks every Canadian needs to visit.
Did you know Confederation Bridge…
…spans 12.9 kilometres, making this engineering marvel the world’s longest bridge constructed over ice-covered waters? Before the bridge’s unveiling in 1997, the only way to reach Prince Edward Island was via ferry or airplane. Now crossing the Northumberland Strait is a breeze—it only takes drivers 10 minutes to get to the other side.
From the luminous waters of Lake Louise to Quebec’s Ice Hotel, we’re counting down the greatest attractions in Canada.
Did you know at Parliament Hill in Ottawa…
…there’s a Changing of the Guard ceremony that normally takes place daily throughout the summer? Cancelled this year but set to resume in 2023, this beloved tradition sees the Ceremonial Guard of the Canadian Forces dressed in scarlet tunics and furry Busby hats, with performances from regimental bands and pipers at the foot of the Parliament buildings.
Think you’ve seen everything our nation’s capital has to offer? Check out these great day trips from Ottawa.
Did you know Habitat 67…
…is like an out of control game of Tetris? Built by architect Moshe Safdie, this unique apartment complex consisting of prefabricated concrete pieces was originally a pavilion for Expo ’67. Today, Habitat 67 is one of the most photographed landmarks in Montréal, appearing in music videos, on album covers and on the silver screen.
Here’s what one Maritimer wishes he’d known before moving to Montreal.
Did you know the Bay of Fundy…
…is privy to one of the most remarkable sights in the world: mammoth 15-metre high tides? It may come as a surprise to many that the world’s largest, most amazing tides roll home right here in Canada. More than 100 billion tonnes of water rush in and out of the Bay during one tidal episode. Just one! For visitors and locals alike, the magical disappearance (and reappearance!) of so much water makes the Bay of Fundy an essential experience on the east coast of Canada.
Did you know Canada Place…
…contributes aurally to Vancouver’s daily soundtrack? Each day at noon, the Heritage Horns at Canada Place ring aloud with the first four notes of the national anthem, O Canada.
Find out the fascinating true story behind O Canada.
Did you know Peggy’s Cove…
…punches above its weight? While thousands of visitors pour into the Nova Scotia village each year, Peggy’s Cove possesses a remarkably small population of approximately 46 people—a number that fluctuates yearly when summer residents return to the area.
Can’t get enough of the east coast? Discover more great day trips from Halifax.
Did you know Signal Hill…
…made communications history in December 1901? Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal here. Sent from Cornwall, England, the Morse code message Marconi received on the hill sparked the beginning of the world’s love affair with communications technology.
Check out more historical landmarks every Canadian needs to visit.
Did you know West Edmonton Mall…
…still wears the crown as the largest mall in North America? Built by the Ghermezian brothers between the years of 1981 and 1998, the West Edmonton Mall contains 800 stores and services, a hotel, the world’s largest indoor amusement park (including the world’s largest indoor triple loop rollercoaster), the world’s largest indoor wave pool, and an NHL-size ice arena. At 5.3-million square feet, it stretches for 48 city blocks—rivaling the size of a small city—and dwarfs the 4.2-million square feet of Bloomington, Minnesota’s Mall of America.
Check out the 10 best amusement parks in Canada.
Did you know the Royal Canadian Mint…
…is headquartered in the Prairies? Canada’s nickels, dimes, quarters, loonies and toonies are all made at the impressive Winnipeg HQ of the Royal Canadian Mint. And not stopping with Canuck change, the Mint also crafts coins for 60 other governments around the globe, too.
Now that you know these fascinating facts about Canada’s landmarks, discover the 10 places in Canada every Canadian needs to visit.
