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ONTARIO VEGREVILLE
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Exploring Vegreville’s history Joe Machney What is presently the Town of Vegreville, was named after Valentin Vegreville, who was born in France on September 17, 1829 and died in St. Albert, July 9, 1903. The first settlers of Old Vegreville were a group of French Canadians from Kansas, USA, who had heard of the fertility of the land. The group eventually arrived at the site of Old Vegreville on April 21, 1894. By 1906, buildings were being built at the present site of what is now the Town of Vegreville. The history of Vegreville is rich with people that had made a difference in the development and growth of the town, from economics, to social, to the schools that our children populate. Since its inception, the people who have guided and who have been instrumental with the town through its development have been the Mayors and Council of Vegreville.
C.B. McLure 1946 to 1950 E.F. Morton 1951 to 1957 John Koshuta 1958 to 1969 John Symyrozum acting mayor for 1970 Virgil P. Moshansky 1970 to 1976 Oleh C. Sokoluk acting mayor for 1976 Lawrence W Ruptash 1976 to 1980 Ross Cairns 1980 to 1988 Wilfred Ursulak, John Huzil, Kay Mackenzie, David Kucherawy, Ralph Gorrie, and Terry Semeniuk served as acting mayors for 1988 and 1989. Kay Mackenzie 1989 to 1995 David Kucherawy 1996 to 2004 Richard N. Coleman 2004 to 2013 Myron Hayduk 2013 to present Vegreville 2017 Main Street (Mazankowski Way)
Vegreville 1906 Main Street
Historical facts about Vegreville
1906: The original Alberta Hotel was built. 1908: The Rolland M. Boswell Hospital was The Mayors of Vegreville Wm Clements, 1906 to 1908 James McNeil 1909 A.H. Goodwin 1910 to 1914 A.S. Maxwell 1915 J.B. Holden 1915 to 1918 Chas Gordon 1919 to 1923 A.W. Fraser 1923 to 1925 J.B. Holden 1926 to 1945
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erected under the supervision of the House Mission Society of the Presbyterian Church. 1911: The Vegreville General Hospital officially opened. 1921: The Vegreville High School was built. 1930: The new post office of Vegreville opened in November. 1953: The first baby born at St. Joseph’s General Hospital was born on New Year’s
Day, Little Miss Nakonechny. 1956: The first CNR station was completed in Vegreville. 1962: Prime Minister Diefenbaker payed a visit to the Queen Elizabeth School in Vegreville. 1973: Premier Peter Lougheed cuts the ceremonial ribbon to open the Civic Complex in Vegreville. 1975: “The Pysanka (Easter Egg) symbolizes harmony, vitality and culture of the community and is dedicated as a tribute to the One Hundredth Anniversary of the RCMP who brought peace and security to the largest multi-cultural settlement in all of Canada,” were the words spoken in Ukrainian and French, during the dedication ceremonies held at the unveiling of the Pysanka. 1978: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip visit Vegreville. 1989: A fire reduces Prince Edward Hotel and two other buildings to rubble. 1995: Daymond Langkow of Vegreville who was selected fifth overall in the NHL Entry Draft in Edmonton was chosen by the Tampa Bay Lightning. 1999: Brent Severyn brings Stanley Cup to Vegreville when the Dallas Stars won it this year. 2014: Main Street is named Mazankowski Way after Rt. Hon. Don Mazankowski. 2014: Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the Pysanka and hosted the first annual vEGGfest. 2015: On May 27 of this year the Vegreville Observer printed its last issue. 2017: Canada celebrates 150 years and Vegreville celebrates its 111th year anniversary.
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ONTARIO CANADA
Canada Fun Facts
• Canada has the longest coastline of any country in the world at 243,977 kilometres – 151,600 miles. • Montreal is the world’s second largest French speaking city after Paris. • Six cities in Canada have a population of over 1 million: Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa. • Canada is lucky to have 9% of the world’s renewable water supply! • The largest non-polar ice field in the world can be found in the St. Elias Mountains, Yukon Territory. It covers an area of 40,570 square kilometres of which 16,900 square kilometres are located in Canada, the remainder being in Alaska. • Canada has six time zones. • The longest highway in the world is the Trans-Canada Highway which is over 7,604 kilometres (4,725 miles) in length. • The world’s most northerly sand dunes are in Athabasca Provincial Park in northwest Saskatchewan. They are 30 metres high. • Half of the country is covered with forests, which should come as no surprise considering one-tenth of the world’s forests are here. • The highest mountain in Canada is Mount Logan, Yukon Territory, 5959
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metres (19,551 feet). • Wasaga beach is the longest fresh water beach in the world. • Despite being a huge country, Canada has the fourth lowest population density in the world, with only three people living per square kilometre! • The coldest temperature ever recorded in Canada was -63C (-81.4F) on February 3, 1957 in Snag, Yukon. • Alert, in Nunavut Territory, is the northernmost permanent settlement in the world. • The highest waterfall in Canada is Della Falls, British Columbia, 440 metres high (1,444 feet). • Canadians like to finish a sentence with the word Eh. • If you want to make an American smile, ask a Canadian to say Out And About. It works every time. • 280,681 new permanent residents were welcomed to Canada in 2010. That number does not include temporary workers or foreign students. • Canadians call the one dollar coin the loonie. When in full production, 15 million loonies can be produced per day. • 17% of Canadians are daily smokers. • The average Canadian watches 21 hours of television per week. 128,000 Canadian households have TV’s in the bathroom. • The age at first marriage for men is 29 years, 27.4 years for women. • The baseball glove was invented in Canada in 1883. • Canada has hosted the Olympic Games three times; 1976 in Montreal, 1988 in
Calgary and 2010 in Vancouver. • Canadian sports icons include Wayne Gretzky (hockey), Steve Nash (basketball), Mike Weir (golf) and Cassie Campbell (women’s hockey). • Whistler, British Columbia is consistently ranked as one of the best places in North America for downhill skiing. • Canadian inventions include the game Trivial Pursuit (Scott Abbot and Chris Haney), the telephone (Alexander Graham Bell), basketball (James Naismeth) and the s no w mo b i l e ( Jo s e ph - A r m a nd Bombardier). • Thomas Ahearn invented the electric cooking range in 1882. • Graeme Ferguson co-invented IMAX. There are over 500 IMAX theaters in 45 countries. • Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas was first isolated at the University of Toronto in 1921-22 by Dr. Frederick Banting and Charles Best. • James Till and Ernest McCulloch are credited with the discovery of the stem cell. • John Cabot was the first explorer to reach Canada in 1497. • The east coast of Canada was settled by Vikings in approximately 1000 AD. It’s definitely worth a visit to L’Anse aux Meadows. • Newfoundland didn’t become a province until 1949.
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Һ Һ OFFICIALLY CANADIAN SINCE...
1867
Before Ontario was Ontario, it was part of the colony of Quebec, which was home to both French and English settlers. Unsurprisingly, religious, linguistic and social differences soon divided the area’s growing population. Both groups, eager to self-govern according to their own political views, parted ways via the Constitution Act of 1791. The Act split the Quebec colony in two: the French-speaking Catholics claimed the eastern portion, Lower Canada, and the British Loyalists and American settlers took Upper Canada, Ontario’s predecessor. Lieutenant-Governor John Graves Simcoe was the first leader of the new Upper Canadian society. Things went smoothly at first, but the War of 1812 set off a chain of events fuelled by political instability and rebellions on both sides of the new border. In February 1841, less than a century after their divorce, Upper and Lower Canada reunited to form the Province of Canada out of economic necessity; but the communities retained their distinct character. When talks of Confederation began, both sides were at the table, with George-Étienne Cartier representing the French speakers and John A. Macdonald, the former residents of Upper Canada. The Province of Canada was divided into Quebec and Ontario in early 1867. Together, but as separate provinces, they joined the new Dominion of Canada on July 1 of that same year. Many Fathers of Confederation were from Ontario, including Sir Alexander Campbell, James Cockburn, George Brown and the first Canadian prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald.
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NOT TO BE MISSED Ottawa and Toronto are amazing places to visit, but there’s a lot more to experience in Canada’s most populous province than the CN Tower and Parliament Hill. For one, Ontario’s vast and varied festival scene is truly in a league of its own! What are you looking to celebrate? MUSIC Put on your dancing shoes! Top musical events across the province include Burlington’s Sound of Music Festival, the TD Ottawa Jazz Festival, Jazz Sudbury, and the one-of-a-kind Collingwood Elvis Festival. FILM TIFF — the Toronto International Film Festival — may be the biggest event of its kind in the province, but there are loads of other fantastic movie-centric celebrations to check out in Ontario. Canadian creations take centre stage during the Kingston Canadian Film Festival, while the Windsor International Film Festival features flicks from both sides of the border and beyond. Ottawa hosts the world’s largest Animation Film Festival, and Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival has a soft spot for French-language movies.
make our country so unique. London’s TD Sunfest, Markham’s Jambana One World Festival, and Belleville’s Waterfront and Ethnic Festival all have an international focus, while the Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games and the Toronto Caribbean Festival, among others, shine the spotlight on one heritage in particular. FOOD AND DRINK Hungry? Sink your teeth into some barbecued goodness at Canada’s Largest Ribfest in Burlington. For a healthier alternative, try Carrot Fest in Bradford or the LaSalle Strawberry Festival. Thirsty? Wine lovers can sample the latest from Ontario’s wine country during Pelham Summerfest, while beer enthusiasts can head to Peterborough’s Kawartha Craft Beer Festival for a fresh pint of local ale.
In 2008, a French-language version of the current licence plate was released. It features the translated slogan Tant à découvrir.
THEATRE Stratford is the Ontarian mecca for fans of the stage. The Stratford Festival hosts a massive lineup of musicals, children’s plays, pantomimes and classic pieces over the span of seven months. If you’re in the area between April and October, attending at least one performance is an absolute must.
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OFFICIAL MOTTO Ut incepit Fidelis sic permanet (Loyal she began, loyal she remains)
DID YOU KNOW? • Spanning more than a million kilometres, Ontario — Canada’s second-largest province — is larger than the countries of France and Spain combined. • In addition to pop-stars (think Bieber and Drake), rock bands (like Rush and The Tragically Hip) and hockey greats (hello Wayne Gretzky), Ontario has given the world an impressive crop of comedy icons, including Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, Jim Carrey and Mike Meyers. • The name Ontario is thought to derive from either the Huron word for “great lake” or the Iroquoian word for “beautiful water.” Both are incredibly appropriate seeing as the province contains more than 250,000 freshwater lakes. • The Bruce Nuclear Generating Station, located on the eastern shore of Lake Huron, is the world’s largest nuclear power plant. • When Ottawa’s section of the Rideau Canal freezes over, it becomes the world’s longest outdoor skating rink.
• If you don’t want the Hilton selling your horse, you’d better pay for your room. Ontario law still has a clause allowing innkeepers to auction off the horse of anyone who attempts to snooze and split.
MULTICULTURAL DISCOVERIES Celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday by getting to know the diverse cultures that
• 1973–1981: Keep it beautiful • 1982–present: Yours to discover
ONTARIO
DEMONYM People from Ontario are called Ontarians
PROVINCIAL NICKNAMES • The Heartland Province • The Province of Opportunity
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OFFICIALLY CANADIAN SINCE...
1867
Conservative premier Charles Tupper led the way for Nova Scotia — then a prosperous colony of approximately 350,000 people — to become one of the original provinces to join Confederation in 1867. He was a strong proponent of both a Maritime union and British North American union, in large part due to his belief that Nova Scotia would flourish if connected to other colonies by an inter-colonial railway. Talks for both types of union began in 1864 at the Charlottetown Conference, but whereas the idea of a Maritime union was tabled, a confederation between the colonies was considered worth pursuing. Terms for the union were soon after debated at a second conference in Quebec City. As a result, 72 guidelines were outlined in a document known as the Quebec Resolutions. Many Nova Scotians were vehemently opposed to the intended terms, especially those of financial nature. However, Charles Tupper led a majority government and was therefore able to pass the Quebec Resolutions through legislature.
NOT TO BE MISSED FRESH ATLANTIC SEAFOOD Nova Scotia is a treasure trove of eats from the sea. Fresh oysters, lobster dishes, seafood chowder, Atlantic salmon, and of course, Digby scallops — especially if you happen to be in Digby — are a must for any seafood aficionado visiting the province. CELTIC MUSIC AND DANCING Fiddling and Cape Breton style step dancing are abundantly practised in Nova Scotia. Experience them both at the Antigonish Highland Games the first week in July or at the Celtic Colours International music festival in October. Alternatively, many pubs in the province often host live performances. CABOT TRAIL Considered one of the world’s best road trips, driving the Cabot Trail — a 300-kilometre loop around Cape Breton — allows you to experience dramatic oceanside views, sparkling waterfalls, beautiful beaches, rocky cliffs and more. Cycling the loop is even
more amazing (ideal times are June and September), but be prepared for steep inclines en route. LIGHTHOUSES Peggy’s Point lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove may be the most famous, but it’s far from the only. Nova Scotia has 160 lighthouses — more than any other province in Canada. Many of them are open to the public and others simply make for a picturesque picnic spot. BAY OF FUNDY Experiencing the tides and abundant marine life of this unique location can be exhilarating or calming, depending on how you choose to take it in. Tidal bore rafting will make your pulse race and viewing the tides from Cape Split involves a vigorous — but so-worthit — 16-kilometre hike. Alternatively, kayaking the waters or experiencing them at sea level from Harbourville or Parrsboro are more placid ways to enjoy this natural wonder.
Royal assent for Confederation was given at the London Conference in 1866, and on July 1, 1867 the new legislation took effect.
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DID YOU KNOW? • There are 13 Mi’kmaq nations inhabiting Nova Scotia today, but their history in the area dates back 13,000 years. Over 1,500 place names in the province are of Mi’kmaq origin. • Nova Scotia is home to North America’s only tidal power plant. It harnesses power from the Bay of Fundy, which produces the world’s highest tidal ranges. • Pirates were a serious threat in early Nova Scotia, and their crimes were ordered by law to be punished by public hanging (the final such execution occurred in Halifax in 1844). However, pirate lore including tales of buried treasure and ghostly happenings are common throughout the province into present times. • There’s more Gaelic spoken in Nova Scotia than there is in Scotland. The province houses North America’s only Gaelic College, and it also boasts the world’s largest ceilidh fiddle. • North America’s first ferry — powered by eight horses — was established between Halifax and Dartmouth. Our country’s first ferry crime occurred on this very route when a drunk got aboard and stabbed all eight horses. • Some other firsts include: first divorce granted in the colonies (1750), first ever covered hockey rink (1863), first public library in Canada (1864), and the first Canadian hurricane warning system (1987). • Little more than a generation ago, Africville, a black community composed of former slaves and black Loyalists, flourished in the Bedford Basin. In the mid-1960s, it was demolished and the former residents were required to disperse to other regions. A public apology for the forced eviction was issued in 2010 by the Halifax mayor.
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Canada’s Ocean Playground
NOVA SCOTIA
DEMONYM Those who hail from Nova Scotia are called Nova Scotians, but the term Bluenose or Bluenoser is also common. The nickname dates back to at least the late 18th century and may be derived from the blue-skinned potatoes grown in the Annapolis Valley that were once a strong component of the local diet.
PROVINCIAL NICKNAMES • The Sea Bound Coast • The Land of Evangeline • Acadia (to the French) • Mi’kma’ki (to the Mi’kmaq)
OFFICIAL MOTTO Munit haec et altera vincit (One defends and the other conquers)
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PHOTO : DENNIS JARVIS
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Һ Һ OFFICIALLY CANADIAN SINCE...
1867
Quebec and Ontario jointly made up a single province at the time of Confederation called the Province of Canada, a union that developed in 1840 in response to rising rebellions in Upper Canada (Ontario) and Lower Canada (Quebec). But things weren’t going well. In particular, governing with a single parliament run by multiple parties was a challenge. Confederation was a way to resolve this issue, as it would separate the Province of Canada into two provinces — Quebec and Ontario — and join it with other British North American colonies to form a new, federally governed country in which local issues could be provincially managed. Co-premier Sir George-Étienne Cartier from Canada East was a strong supporter of Confederation. In addition to the reorganization of government structures, he cited the Intercolonial Railway, economic stimulus and the protection of French Canadian interests as reasons to create the new union. While not everyone agreed (dissenters of Confederation were plentiful), Quebec officially joined the Dominion of Canada with Ontario, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick on July 1, 1867.
QUEBEC DID YOU KNOW?
NOT TO BE MISSED No matter where you are in Quebec, French influence is dominant and makes travelling in this province a unique adventure. A rich history, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture are all part of the joys of visiting La Belle Province.
of Abraham, where the British defeated the French in 1759, deserve a visit, and touring the Citadel is a must. The Château Frontenac is said to be the most photographed hotel in the world and is also a National Historic Site of Canada.
FESTIVALS Quebec is well known for its joie de vivre and hosts some of the oldest, biggest and best festivals in the country. Among the most famous are the Just for Laughs comedy festival, the Montreal International Jazz Festival, the Quebec City Winter Carnival, the Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu Hot Air Balloon Festival, and the International Fireworks Competition near Montmorency Falls.
MONTREAL Possibly the most cosmopolitan city in Canada, Montreal is a thriving metropolis with a blend of North American charm and European sophistication. Traditional advice will steer you towards places like Old Montreal (the historic district), the Botanical Gardens (one of the world’s largest and most splendid) and the top of Mount Royal for a view of the Montreal skyline. However, if you want to do it like the locals, consider sipping drinks on a terrasse (patio) in the Plateau district, shopping in the Mile End, and taking in a show downtown (comedy, music, theatre, etc.).
FRENCH-CANADIAN CUISINE Poutine (french fries topped with cheese curds and fresh gravy) may be the dish most people pledge to sample when they visit Quebec, but there are others to be tasted. Cretons is a traditional pork spread seasoned with cinnamon, savory and cloves that Quebecers enjoy on toast with their breakfast. Tourtière (a meat pie), pea soup, and pancakes doused with Quebec Maple Syrup are also local favourites. QUEBEC CITY The only walled city in North America (outside of Mexico), Quebec City is a beacon for Canadian history lovers. The old town has quaint cobblestone streets and museums aplenty. The Plains
BREATHTAKING VIEWS Quebec has many scenic vistas and beautiful landscapes to explore. The Gaspé Peninsula, where sea cliffs hug the shore of the St. Lawrence River, lures many visitors every year, with the quintessential selfie including Percé Rock. Saguenay Fjord National Park is another spot of incredible beauty with acres of forests, rugged mountains and, of course, the fjord itself, to enjoy. For white sandy beaches, head to the Magdalen Islands, a Quebec archipelago specked with red cliffs and alluring coves in the Maritimes. Quebec City
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• Quebec is the world’s largest producer of maple syrup. Its 48 million taps make 72% of the global share, which in 2016 amounted to 148,200,000 pounds of syrup.
• In 2012, a portion of Quebec’s reserved store of syrup (worth $18 million) was stolen. Three of the men involved in the socalled Maple Syrup Heist were ultimately apprehended and convicted. • The name “Quebec” is derived from the Algonquin word “Kebec,” which means where the river narrows. • At 1.5 million km2, or roughly three times the size of France, Quebec is Canada’s largest province. • The following were invented in Quebec: peanut butter (1884), the Ski-Doo (1959) and Trivial Pursuit (1979). • Quebec is home to Canada’s oldest brewery. The Molson Coors Brewing Company (formerly Molson Brewery) was founded in 1786 in Montreal, where it proudly stands to this day. • Quebec is the largest producer of electricity in Canada, with more than 95% of this power being hydroelectric. The province’s 61 dams have a capacity of 38,400 megawatts.
Je me souviens (I remember)
DEMONYM People from Quebec are called Québécois, and sometimes Quebecers in English
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PROVINCIAL NICKNAME La Belle Province
OFFICIAL MOTTO Je me souviens
• Approximately 95% of Québécois speak French. Montreal is the world’s secondlargest French speaking city.
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Һ Һ OFFICIALLY CANADIAN SINCE...
1867
One of the four original provinces, New Brunswick joined the Dominion of Canada in 1867. Protection, mobility and economic prosperity were the driving forces behind this revolutionary merge. Colonists, including Confederation trailblazer and government leader Samuel Leonard Tilley, believed a wider national union would further elevate New Brunswick’s local economy by providing a larger market for goods and a link to the other colonies via the Intercolonial Railway system. At the same time, fear of invasion reigned thick in the air as the American Civil War brewed in the south. With talk of the U.S. wanting to expand northward into New Brunswick, the majority of Maritime leaders believed their best defensive tactic was to become one with the Province of Canada (formerly Upper and Lower Canada). Although this decision didn’t enjoy widespread agreement across the colony— many settlers feared their interests would be overshadowed in the greater Canadian context—the bid for Confederation prevailed, and New Brunswick became distinctly Canadian on July 1, 1867.
NEW BRUNSWICK
NOT TO BE MISSED With the best snow conditions in Atlantic Canada, some of the highest tides in the world, an abundance of natural habitats and a distinct continental climate, New Brunswick offers year-round outdoor adventures second to none.
DID YOU KNOW?
Get in touch with your Acadian joie de vivre in one of New Brunswick’s most renowned cultural hubs: le Pays de la Sagouine. Located in the heart of Acadie, le Pays de la Sagouine allows travellers to discover the sights and sounds of Acadian culture through theatre, comedy, music, dance and traditional fare.
POPULAR ATTRACTIONS One of the marine wonders of the world, the Bay of Fundy promises a true coastal experience. Bike along the Fundy Trail, watch the highest tides in the world recede from high up on Hopewell Rocks, rappel down craggy cliffs or head out on a once-in-a-lifetime whale-watching expedition.
Travelling in the winter? With thousands of kilometres of ski and snowmobile trails spanning the province, New Brunswick offers the winter expedition of a lifetime. And if you’re one to venture off the beaten path, a trip to the magical ice caves deep in the Midland forests is well worth the trek.
Do you love to fish? The Miramichi River is one of the world’s most famous sites for salmon fishing. Flanked by pristine forests, the mighty Miramichi offers beautiful campgrounds, colourful trails and the best fly-fishing the world has to offer.
Finally, you don’t have to travel to the tropics for beautiful sandy beaches and warm ocean waters. Considered one of North America’s finest shorelines, Parlee Beach Provincial Park is known to have the warmest salt waters north of Virginia.
• New Brunswick is the only province in Canada that is officially bilingual. While the majority of the population is Englishspeaking of Anglo and Celtic ancestry, there is also a prominent Francophone minority (about 33%), chiefly of Acadian origin. Just over 2% of the population belongs to a visible minority. • Home to the McCain empire, the small town of Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick, is the french fry capital of the world. In fact, one-third of the world’s french fries come from New Brunswick. • Established in 1785, the University of New Brunswick was the first official English-speaking university in Canada and one of the first public universities in all of North America. • An eastern seaside province, New Brunswick has some of the best whale watching the world over. In fact, come summertime, up to 15 different species of whales can be spotted in the waters surrounding the Bay of Fundy.
• Speaking of the Bay of Fundy, it has the highest tides in the world, with waters rising at a rapid rate of one metre per hour. In fact, the force of the incoming tide is so overpowering that it causes the connecting St. John River to flow backwards twice a day, every day.
PROVINCIAL NICKNAMES • Picture Province • The Loyalist Province WHO WERE THE LOYALISTS? Many English Canadians in New Brunswick share a bloodline with the American colonists known as Loyalists who supported the British cause during the American Revolution (1775–83). Their loyalty to the mother country led them to flee northward to British North America, where many settled in and around the St. John River Valley. This Loyalist influx — which comprised farmers, labourers and tradespeople of various cultural backgrounds, including former Black slaves — provided momentum for the creation of New Brunswick.
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LICENCE PLATE SLOGANS
Hopewell Rocks
OFFICIAL MOTTO Spem Reduxit (Hope Was Restored)
DEMONYM People from New Brunswick are called New Brunswickers
• 1954 – 1971: Picture Province • 2010 – 2011: Be… in this place. Être… ici on le peut.
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Һ Һ OFFICIALLY CANADIAN SINCE...
1870
Like most of the Prairies, Manitoba began its journey to provincehood as part of Rupert’s Land, a sprawling territory that was owned by the Hudson’s Bay Company for nearly two centuries before being sold to Canada in 1868. In 1867, a man named Thomas Spence had attempted to create the Republic of Manitobah; however, poor organization and a complete lack of recognition — or even interest — from authorities in London prompted the state’s swift demise. Despite his disappointing democratic debut, Spence remained in politics and went on to serve on the council for Métis leader Louis Riel’s provisional government. Riel had established the group during the Red River Rebellion in reaction to the federal government’s complete disregard for Métis concerns. From the actions of Riel and his supporters — including Spence — emerged the Manitoba Act, a final step toward the creation of the Province of Manitoba. The act came into effect on July 15, 1870, officialising the status of Manitoba and its 15,000 residents within the Canadian Constitution.
DEMONYM People from Manitoba are called Manitobans OFFICIAL MOTTO Gloriosus et Liber (Glorious and free) PROVINCIAL NICKNAMES • The Keystone Province • The Postage Stamp Province • Land of 100,000 Lakes POSTAGE STAMP PROVINCE? Manitoba started out small: the original province was square-shaped and a mere 1/18th of its current size, thus earning its philatelic nickname.
MANITOBA
NOT TO BE MISSED Travelling to Manitoba? This Prairie gem truly is a joy to discover. Whether you’re a wilderness fanatic or a cultural connoisseur, Canada’s central province has a little something for everyone. FANTASTIC FESTIVALS From February’s Festival du Voyageur (Western Canada’s biggest winter celebration) to Folklorama in August (the world’s longestrunning multicultural festival) Manitoba’s yearround roster of special events ensures that no matter when you visit, you’ll come across a party — or several! — to attend. MARVELLOUS MUSEUMS History buffs, science lovers and art aficionados are in for a treat. Manitoba is home to an impressive array of museums, historic sites and galleries, including Canada’s only national museum outside Ottawa: the new Canadian Museum of Human Rights in Winnipeg. Awesome architecture: Manitoba’s capital city is chock-full of architectural gems, from heritage buildings in Exchange District National Historic Site to modern wonders like the Esplanade Riel pedestrian bridge and the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Prehistoric pursuits: Come visit Bruce (the world’s largest publicly displayed Mosasaur) and see North America’s most extensive collection of marine fossils at the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre in Morden. Prairie pioneering: Step into the skilfully restored 1895 home of Sir Hugh John Macdonald at Dalnavert Museum; discover a turn-of-the-century Russian settlement at Mennonite Heritage Village; or explore more than 25 historic buildings at Fort la Reine Museum.
DID YOU KNOW?
WONDROUS WILDERNESS There’s no shortage of ways to explore Manitoba’s unique nature! • Hike through the odd-but-beautiful Spirit Sands of Spruce Woods Provincial Park • Cycle along the Assiniboine River or make some feathered friends on the Bacon Ridge Birding Trail • Trek the rugged Pisew Falls to Kwasitchewan Falls Hiking Trail to see the highest waterfall in the province • Climb the limestone cliffs in Steep Rock • Shred the slopes at Springhill Winter Sports Park • Ski or snowshoe the sparkling trails of Riding Mountain National Park • Paddle the crystal-clear lakes of Nopiming Provincial Park, or through the granite-clad Caddy Lake Tunnels in Whiteshell • Duck into the Clearwater Lake Caves to see how 400 million years of geological activity can shape the landscape • Skate along the world’s longest naturally frozen ice trail, the Red River Mutual Trail • Lounge on Lake Winnipeg’s Grand Beach, one of the top-rated sandy spots in the country The new Canadian Museum of Human Rights.
• The city of Churchill in Northern Manitoba is the polar bear capital of the world. The animals are so common that local police advise against dressing as polar bears for Halloween so as to not be confused with the real deal.
• In 1959 Winnipeg became the first city in Canada to implement an emergency phone number. • Some of the most iconic names in Canadian rock hail from Manitoba, including the Guess Who, Neil Young, Tom Cochrane and Bachman Turner Overdrive. • Manitobans donate more to charitable causes per capita than residents of any other province. • The University of Manitoba, founded in 1877, is Western Canada’s oldest university. Its first graduating class, in 1880, comprised a single person. • The town of Gimli is home to the largest Icelandic community outside Iceland. If you’re there in August, be sure to check out Islendingadagurinn, the annual Icelandic Festival! • Winnipeg is home to Canada’s oldest dance company (the Royal Winnipeg Ballet), outdoor theatre (Rainbow Stage) and French-language theatre (Le Cercle Molière).
LICENCE PLATE SLOGANS • 1971–1975: Sunny Manitoba, 100,000 Lakes • 1976–present: Friendly Manitoba
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1870
Canada purchased the expansive area owned by the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) — Rupert’s Land and North-Western Territory — after six months of gruelling negotiations that took place in London. As a freshly formed nation, Canada was eager to expand its borders both north and west, and simultaneously wanted to prevent the U.S. from further expanding (they’d already purchased Alaska from Russia a few years earlier). Britain supported these efforts and helped facilitate the transfer. The lands acquired more than tripled Canada’s size. They encompassed all of modern-day Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut, as well as most of Northern Ontario and Quebec. The land was purchased in 1869 for £300,000, and HBC kept the titles to various trading posts and 5 per cent of the territory (mostly farmland in the prairies).
NOT TO BE MISSED THE NORTHERN LIGHTS The Aurora Borealis are visible in the Northwest Territories up to 250 days a year. Being located directly under the auroral oval allows for prime viewing, and low humidity and limited light pollution are also advantages. The Northern Lights are most likely to be spotted in August and September and again from November to April, with peaks in the conditions that create the lights occurring every eleven years. DOGSLEDDING TOURS At one time in the Northwest Territories, the only way to travel over land in winter was by dogsled. Nowadays, snowmobiling, driving and flying have replaced this ancient method of getting around Canada’s northernmost places. However, dogsledding hasn’t completely disappeared. It’s become a popular winter sport, and competitive races are held every year. Visitors to the N.W.T. can experience dogsledding as multi-day tours or short jaunts into the winter wilderness. NAHANNI NATIONAL PARK For unspoiled wilderness, few places on earth can compare to Nahanni National Park. This
DID YOU KNOW?
UNESCO World Heritage Site has soaring mountain cliffs, cathedral-like canyons, rushing rivers, ancient caves, spectacular waterfalls (Virginia falls), and luxurious hotsprings. Rafting, canoeing, camping and hiking are just some of the ways this pristine park can be explored.
• The Northwest Territories has 11 officially recognized languages: English, French, Inuktitut, Inuvialuktun, Inuinnaqtun, North Slavey, South Slavey, Cree, Tlinchon/Dogrib, Gwich’in and Chipewyan. Citizens have the right to use any of these languages in legislative proceedings and territorial courts.
GREAT NORTH ARTS FESTIVAL Every summer in the town of Inuvik, visual artists, performers, locals and visitors alike gather over a period of 10 days to appreciate the diverse artistic traditions of the North. Inuit, First Nations and Metis peoples display their creative talents, and workshops in traditional mediums such as beading, weaving, soapstone and more are a great way to have a more hands on experience. Live performances, primarily music and dancing, are also on offer.
• The N.W.T. is home to both the largest and deepest lake in Canada. Great Bear Lake has a surface area of 31,153 km2, and Great Slave Lake has a maximum depth of 614 metres. • This territory is the world’s second biggest producer of diamonds. The diamonds are of superior quality than those found in Africa.
THE SALT PLAINS Near Fort Smith in Wood Buffalo National Park (Canada’s largest national park), salt bubbles up from springs over a 200-kilometre expanse of desert-like plains. Salt-tolerant plants thrive in the area and wildlife lingering nearby is frequently spotted.
• The Northwest Territories holds the largest amount of pingos — naturally occurring mounds of earth-covered ice — in the world.
• The N.W.T. has no political parties. Instead, the territory’s government is made up of individuals who are voted in by their individual names rather than party affiliation. At a federal level, N.W.T. elected officials are assigned to whichever party is currently in power.
PHOTO: ADAM JONES, PH.D./GLOBAL PHOTO ARCHIVE/FLICKR
OFFICIALLY CANADIAN SINCE...
NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
However, the actual takeover was postponed due to the Red River Rebellion led by Louis Riel. As a result, appropriation only commenced on July 15, 1870. Upon Canada’s acquisition of the new region, the entire area — minus a small squaresized lot around Winnipeg that was pronounced the province of Manitoba — became known as the North-West Territories.
LICENCE PLATE SLOGAN • Yellowknife is the coldest city in Canada with an annual mean temperature of -5.4 °C. In the north, it’s not uncommon for winter temperatures to dip down to -50 °C.
Spectacular (plate is shaped like a polar bear)
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DEMONYM People from the Northwest Territories are called Northwest Territorians, or N.W.T.ers for short.
TERRITORIAL NICKNAMES • Canada’s Last Frontier • North of Sixty • Land of the Polar Bear • Nunatsiaq (beautiful land in Inuktitut)
• Ragged Ass Road in Yellowknife was so named by prospector Lou Rocher. While the name sounds rather vulgar, the original street name, Privy Road, wasn’t much better.
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BRITISH COLUMBIA
Һ Һ
1871
Two members of the North West Company, Simon Fraser and David Thompson, established the first European settlement in present-day British Columbia during the early 1800s. The region was mainly used for the fur trade and remained largely undeveloped for the next 50 years or so, contrasting with the rapid development underway in Eastern Canada. In 1849 the British government invested in colonizing the area, and James Douglas became the first governor of the colony of Vancouver Island in 1851. Things were relatively calm during the next few years, but this quiet period came to an abrupt halt when gold was discovered along the lower Fraser River in 1858. Gold-seekers flocked to the area and eventually formed a second colony, this one on the mainland, called British Columbia. In 1871, the 12,000 non-Aboriginal residents of the Vancouver Island and British Columbia colonies agreed to join Canada as a single province, on the condition that the federal government build a transcontinental railroad to link them to the economic mainstays of the east. British Columbia entered Confederation on July 20, 1871; 15 years later, the much-delayed Canadian Pacific Railway finally reached the province’s southwest coast.
NOT TO BE MISSED If you’re headed out West to explore beautiful British Columbia, expect the experience to be a memorable one. This Pacific Northwest paradise has it all: ocean breezes, mountain views, incredible food, world-class wine, rich history, vibrant culture and year-round festivals and events — not to mention Canada’s warmest weather. During your visit, you could: • Spend a few hours exploring Canada’s first and oldest Chinatown in Victoria, or its biggest in Vancouver. • Skinny dip at Wreck Beach. • Swim in the warmest freshwater lake in Canada, Osoyoos Lake. • Experience the West Coast Special: skiing and golfing on the same day. • Enjoy the booming craft beer scene at one of 100+ breweries and brew pubs. Alternatively, join the fun during Vancouver Craft Beer Week, the Great Canadian Beer Festival or the Okanagan Fest-of-Ale. • Travel back to the gold rush era at Barkerville Historic Town.
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• Discover the province’s diverse Aboriginal heritage at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, the Haida Village Centre or the Nk’mip Desert Cultural Centre. • Embrace the pristine remoteness of the Great Bear Rainforest, the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest and only place where it’s possible to glimpse a majestic Spirit bear. • Take in the majesty of Canada’s highest waterfall at Strathcona Provincial Park, on Vancouver Island. At 440 metres, Della Falls is eight times taller than Ontario’s Niagara Falls! • Learn about Arctic exploration at the Vancouver Maritime Museum, prehistory at the Dinosaur Discovery Gallery, or the fur trade era at Fort Langley National Historic Site. • Tour one or several of BC’s 200+ wineries, located mainly in the gorgeous Okanagan Valley. • Attend the annual International Bathtub Race in Nanaimo. Participants must make their way to the finish line while staying afloat in a modified bathtub. It’s quite the sight to behold!
• British Columbia is one of North America’s largest film production centres. The province’s stunning scenery was featured in the Twilight series, The Hurt Locker, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, among many other movies and TV shows. • Rumour has it that from 1947 to 1986 it was illegal to sell a stove in Vancouver — but only on Wednesdays. • Nessie who? Okanagan Lake is the purported home of B.C.’s own sea monster, named Ogopogo. CREDIT: LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES CANADA / COPYRIGHT: CANADA POST CORPORATION
OFFICIALLY CANADIAN SINCE...
• B.C. has a surprising collection of roadside attractions, including the world’s largest tin soldier, push lawnmower, chainsaw, hockey stick and cross-country skis. • Sasquatch sightings abound in B.C., and there’s even a provin-
cial park named after the elusive hairy creature located in one of its rumoured hangouts. Campers beware!
LICENCE PLATE SLOGANS
• The electric oven, egg carton and walkie-talkie were all invented in British Columbia.
DEMONYM People from B.C. are called British Columbians Beautiful British Columbia
PROVINCIAL NICKNAME The Pacific Province
A special Olympic licence plate inscribed “The Best Place On Earth” was available between 2007 and 2010 in celebration of the Vancouver Winter Olympics
OFFICIAL MOTTO Splendor sine occasu (Splendour without diminishment) Osoyoos Lake
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Һ Һ OFFICIALLY CANADIAN SINCE...
1873
Construction of a railroad on Prince Edward Island left the colony with a crippling debt. Confederation was the solution to this financial disaster, as well as an answer to the so-called Land Question (a highly contentious issue involving the system of land ownership on the Island). Canada agreed to pay out the railway debt and buy land from absentee landlords, and further promised to implement and maintain a year-round communication link with the Island. On July 1, 1873, it became official: P.E.I. was the seventh province to enter the Canadian Confederation. The occasion was observed in Charlottetown with a small ceremony and celebration. However, all of this occurred less than ten years after the Charlottetown Conference, during which the Maritime colonies and the Province of Canada (Quebec and Ontario) first began to put together the ideas that led to Confederation. Unlike the other colonies involved, Prince Edward Island ultimately declined to partake in the union, feeling that the terms were disagreeable. Still, P.E.I.’s original involvement in the preliminary talks led to the province touting itself as the birthplace of Confederation.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
NOT TO BE MISSED FRESH, WILD LOBSTER P.E.I. has not one but two lobster seasons: the first runs from May to June and the second, from August to October. The Maritime delicacy can be enjoyed at numerous restaurants on the Island or picked up at a grocery store alive or cooked. However, for a more hands-on experience, consider participating in a floating lobster boil. You’ll go out on a boat, learn about lobster fishing, help haul in traps and ultimately enjoy a lobster feast with all the trimmings aboard the vessel. GREEN GABLES HERITAGE PLACE This iconic literary landmark is located in a National Park and a must-see for visitors to the Island. The National Historic Site in Cavendish is the inspiration and setting behind Lucy Maud Montgomery’s worldfamous novel, Anne of Green Gables. Guests are able to tour the house itself (styled to reflect Victorian-era realities) and the external grounds as well. SANDY BEACHES Prince Edward Island has over 800 kilometres of sandy beaches. Basin Head is known for its singing sand (a mysterious phenomenon not entirely understood),
DID YOU KNOW?
Cavendish Beach — often rated one of the best in Canada — will allow you to partake in all your favourite beach activities with those famed red cliffs to keep you company, and Jacques Cartier Beach is perfect for beach camping.
• The province actually consists of more than one island — Prince Edward Island, and a few dozen much smaller islands. Some of these minor islands are deserted, others are privately owned and a few are occupied by the Mi’kmaq peoples.
CONFEDERATION TRAIL In 1990, the railway lines in P.E.I. stopped running and all the tracks were dismantled. The newly freed passageway became a recreational trail that can be cycled, jogged, walked, or snowmobiled. The 273-kilometre gravel path crosses the Island from end to end, with additional trails branching off the main line. Some of these branches permit horseback riders. Exploring the trail is a great way to take in the beauty of Prince Edward Island.
• Prince Edward Island produces a quarter of Canada’s potatoes. Spuds have been grown on the Island since the 18th century. • P.E.I. is the smallest Canadian province, in both size and population. However, it’s also the most densely populated (approximately 24 people per square kilometre).
VICTORIA ROW The cobbled streets of Victoria Row in Charlottetown offer an abundance of cafés, restaurants, art galleries (including the Confederation Centre of the Arts), live musical performances and shops selling local products to explore. Victorian-era architecture gives the area a rustic charm, and historic buildings (such as Province House) can be toured.
• Prince Edward Island was briefly part of Nova Scotia. In 1763, after French territories in North America were officially ceded to the British, the two colonies were joined. Six years later, after much lobbying by Island proprietors, P.E.I. became its own colony once again.
• The Island has no major lakes or rivers (only ponds, brooks and streams); residents are therefore dependent on naturally filtered groundwater for drinking.
• Confederation Bridge, which links Prince Edward Island to New Brunswick by road, first opened in 1997. It’s 12.9 kilometres long, curved to keep drivers alert, and takes about 10 minutes to cross.
PROVINCIAL NICKNAMES • Île Saint-Jean was the province’s name prior to 1799 • Garden of the Gulf • Eilean a’ Phrionnsa (Island of the Prince in Gaelic) • Epekwitk (Resting on the Waves in Mi’kmaq) • Birthplace of Confederation or Cradle of Confederation DEMONYM People from P.E.I. are called Prince Edward Islanders, or simply Islanders OFFICIAL MOTTO Parva sub ingenti (The small under the protection of the great)
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LICENCE PLATE SLOGAN Birthplace of Confederation
• The musical rendition of Anne of Green Gables (first performed in 1965) is officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest running annual musical theatre production in the world.
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Һ Һ OFFICIALLY CANADIAN SINCE...
1898
The discovery of gold near Dawson City in 1896 triggered an era of unbridled mining activity known as the Klondike Gold Rush. People from all over the continent ventured to the Canadian North in hopes of snagging a slice of the gilded pie. The region was originally part of the Northwest Territories, but this sudden influx of gold-seekers — as many as 100,000, according to some estimates — prompted the government to make Yukon a distinct federal territory in 1898. For context, the following events also took place in Canada in the year 1898: • A nationwide vote found 278,380 Canadians in favour of prohibition and 264,690 against. Every province voted dry except Quebec. The result was deemed too close for Parliament to take any action. • Canada Post released the world’s first Christmas-themed stamp. • The first locomotive was put in operation on the White Pass and Yukon Railway. • Emma Casgrain from Quebec became Canada’s first female dentist.
NOT TO BE MISSED Remote, but far from desolate, this offthe-beaten-path slice of Canada’s north delights visitors and locals alike with culinary discoveries, state-of-the-art museums and year-round festivals and events. If you’re planning to visit Yukon, make sure your to-do list includes: • A visit to the MacBride Museum of Yukon History and the Tachäl Dhäl Visitor Centre for a look at the territory’s fascinating heritage • A trip to the Northern Lights Centre, hopefully followed by a glimpse of the real deal • A dip in the Takhini Hot Springs • A dogsledding adventure, weather permitting • A hike along one of Yukon’s iconic trails (like the Cottonwood) There’s no “best time” to visit Yukon, as every season brings something unique to experience. Spring (April and May) marks nature’s
awakening. Migrating swans start to arrive and wildflowers begin to show their colours, but skiers and snowboarders still have time left to spend on the slopes. Summer (June to August) is the season of hot days and round-the-clock sunshine. The gorgeous — and short-lived — warm weather provides the perfect setting for festivals, events and impromptu parties. Fall (September and October) transforms the Yukon’s lush summer greenery into a spectacular red-and-gold masterpiece. Temperatures are cool, but not overly so, creating excellent hiking conditions minus the insects. Winter (November to March) is cold but bright. In addition to providing the right conditions for dog sledding and other traditional pursuits, it’s the best time of year to view the northern lights in all their splendour.
TERRITORIAL NICKNAME Land of the Midnight Sun
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DID YOU KNOW? • Originally called “Yukon Territory”; the official name was shortened to simply “Yukon” in 2002. • Whitehorse is the current territorial capital (and home to over 75% of Yukon’s population), but it wasn’t the first: Dawson City held that title until 1952. • With 38,200 residents, it’s the least populated of all the provinces and territories. • Every second year, adventurous athletes take on the Yukon 1000, a 1,000-mile canoe race along the Yukon River between Whitehorse and the Dalton Highway. Competitors paddle up to 18 hours a day over the course of 7 to 12 days. • Yukon Quest is another 1,000-mile race beginning in Whitehorse — this time during the winter. Participants travel on dog sled for 10 to 16 days until they reach Fairbanks, Alaska. • The lowest temperature ever documented in continental North America was recorded in the village of Snag, Yukon, on February 3, 1947. Local thermometers plummeted to a brisk -60 °C — 105 degrees below the Canadian record high of 45 °C set in Yellow Grass, Saskatchewan. • The Northern Pacific Railroad released the Klondiker’s List in 1897. The list, which outlined the supplies needed to support a prospector in Yukon for one year, included 150 lbs. of bacon, 400 lbs. of flour, 5 yards of mosquito netting, and a 10’ x 12’ tent intended to sleep four.
LICENCE PLATE SLOGANS
• 1954–1969: Land of the Midnight Sun • 1970–1976: Home of the Klondike • 1977–present: The Klondike
YUKON
• Between 1896 and 2013, an estimated 14 million ounces of gold was mined in Yukon. At current market price, the total bounty would be worth an unfathomable $20,800,000,000 — that’s 20 billion 800 million!
OFFICIAL MOTTO Yukon is one of only two Canadian jurisdictions without an official motto (neighbouring Northwest Territories is the other). However, this is about to change. Earlier this year, the Royal Canadian Legion in Whitehorse asked citizens to submit their motto ideas as part of a contest. The winning entry, Remembering our Past, Embracing our Future, was submitted by legion member Darcy Grossinger and has since been approved by the Yukon Legislature. The new motto will become official on Canada Day 2017 after receiving final approval from Ottawa.
DEMONYM People from Yukon are called Yukoners, but the nickname Sourdoughs is often used colloquially. The moniker was originally given to Gold Rush miners for whom sourdough bread was crucial to surviving the harsh Yukon winters.
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Һ Һ OFFICIALLY CANADIAN SINCE...
1905
Originally established as a provisional district of the North-West Territories in 1882, Alberta joined Confederation in 1905, along with Saskatchewan. With the fur trade in rapid decline during the 1850s and 60s, British North American leaders started exploiting the land’s agricultural potential. By the end of the 19th century, the Canadian West had undergone exponential change. In addition to experiencing an agricultural boom, the territories west of Ontario also saw urban development thanks to an increase in logging camps, mining centres and railway construction sites. In 1883, the Canadian Pacific Railway reached Calgary, opening the floodgates to Alberta’s fertile, wheat-bearing lands. Furthermore, with the United States demonstrating true expansionist aims since the time of Confederation, Canada began asserting its presence in the Prairie Provinces by sending the Royal Mounted Police westward to presentday Lethbridge, where they founded Fort Macleod.
ALBERTA
NOT TO BE MISSED A compelling destination for visitors worldwide, Alberta offers everything from breathtaking landscapes to unforgettable cultural experiences. It’s a province you’ll definitely want to put on your list of Canadian must-sees! NATIONAL PARKS Home to five of Canada’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Alberta has no shortage of natural attractions. Named one of 2017’s Top Travel Destinations by the National Geographic, Banff National Park is every traveller’s dream. Camped between the rugged peaks of the Canadian Rockies, Banff offers exquisite hiking trails and soothing hot springs. And don’t forget to stop at Lake Louise to marvel at some of the most turquoise waters you’ll have ever seen! FESTIVALS Do you have festival fever? From world-famous rodeos to mind-blowing fringe festivals, Alberta’s city centres are nothing short of entertaining. Dubbed the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” the Calgary Stampede is where ridin’, ropin’ and ranglin’ take centre stage.
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Held every July, this 10-day celebration of western culture and hospitality features rodeos, parades, concerts, crop competitions and pancakes galore! An estimated 200,000 free pancakes are served during the Calgary Stampede each year. But that’s not all! The Edmonton International Fringe Festival — the oldest and largest fringe theatre festival in North America — provides festivalgoers with a range of eclectic performances to enjoy: stand up comedy, improvisational theatre, poetry reading, storytelling, etc. Held every August, the festival advocates freedom of expression and provides a platform for artists to share their work, uncensored. EXCURSIONS Do you live for open-air adventures? Alberta is the perfect stop for thrill-seekers, no matter which time of year! Trek along the glaciers in the Columbia Icefield; straddle the Rocky Mountains’ Great Divide on snowshoe; canoe down the Bow River in Banff like the fur traders of Canada’s past; or climb to new heights up Mount Norquay’s Via Ferrata (Iron Road).
• Alberta is home to the “Dinosaur Capital of the World.” Situated in the middle of a colossal fossil-bearing canyon in the Drumheller Valley, the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology houses more than 130,000 fossils and numerous specimens from Alberta’s badlands. In fact, Alberta is known to have one of the greatest diversities of Late Cretaceous dinosaur fossils on Earth. • The West Edmonton Mall in the province’s capital is the largest shopping centre in North America. It covers an area of 5.3 million square feet and boasts over 800 shops, an indoor theme park and a fullservice theatre, among other amenities. • In 2015, the southern city of Medicine Hat announced it had built enough micro homes to end chronic homelessness within its borders. • Instead of a key to the city, dignitaries visiting Calgary receive a white felt cowboy hat: a coveted Smithbilt, no less. • Patricia Lake in Jasper, Alberta was the site of Operation Habbakuk, a top-secret WWII military project to build a prototype aircraft carrier out of ice. The theory was that ‘ice ships’ could bypass magnetic mines undetected. Safe to say that the operation floundered.
However, for a government that possessed almost all the powers and responsibilities of a province in its own right, Alberta, like its sister territories, lacked the financial resources to build schools and advance public works. It became clear to politicians like Sir Frederick William Haultain — an active member of the territorial legislature — that provincial status was the only way to achieve strong political power similar to that enjoyed by the existing Canadian provinces. In the early 1900s, Haultain fought tirelessly to obtain provincial self-government, and although he always advocated for one single province, in the end, Canada welcomed two: Alberta and its eastern neighbour, Saskatchewan. Lake Louise
LICENCE PLATE SLOGAN DEMONYM People from Alberta are called Albertans Wild Rose Country
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OFFICIAL MOTTO Fortis et Liber (Strong and free)
PROVINCIAL NICKNAMES • Wild Rose Country • The Princess Province • The Energy Province • Texas North
A ROYAL NAMESAKE Did you know that Alberta was named in honour of Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, the fourth daughter of history’s most famous monarch, Queen Victoria, and the wife of John Campbell, former Governor General of Canada?
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Һ Һ OFFICIALLY CANADIAN SINCE...
1905
In the late 19th century, the European population in the part of Canada we now call Saskatchewan was rapidly growing. The Dominion Lands Act (a law which granted free land to settlers who established homesteads in the Prairies) was a large factor in their arrival. First Nations leaders in the area had signed away their land rights in the Numbered Treaties, and were attempting to make the switch from a nomadic way of life to an agricultural one. However, when the treaties were broken, rebellions ensued and the rallied First Nations in the region were forcibly quelled so that Canadian expansion might continue. At the turn of the century, the area was administered as a part of the North-West Territories, which then included all of present-day Northwest Territories, Yukon, Nunavut, Alberta and Saskatchewan, as well as large parts of Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec. But with the Prairie population mushrooming, a more localized government began to make sense. In 1900, local leaders began petitioning for provincial status, and in 1905 the North-West Territories was cut up to create two new provinces: Saskatchewan and Alberta.
SASKATCHEWAN
NOT TO BE MISSED Saskatchewan may be best known for its Prairie charm, but don’t let this reputation fool you: the province is also a refuge of crystalline lakes and rivers, dense and wild forests, stunning sandscapes, rocky cliffs and exotic tundra. The province’s varied beauty is the main lure for travellers. MANITOU LAKE Saskatchewan has over 100,000 lakes, but southeast of Saskatoon you’ll find the province’s own version of the Dead Sea. Formed out of receding glaciers and fed by underground springs, Manitou Lake has an extraordinarily high content of mineral salt (three times saltier than the ocean), which makes it exceedingly buoyant. The lake is said to have healing powers, and there are even stories of Assiniboine individuals in the 19th century who went to the lake and were healed of smallpox. There’s a spa and hotel on site to accommodate visitors. MOOSE JAW TUNNELS At the beginning of the 20th century, officials planned to have the city of Moose Jaw run on steam power. An extensive system of tunnels was thereby dug out and then abandoned when the project was brought to an unexpected halt. Afterwards, the tunnels were
DID YOU KNOW?
put to use by local criminals. During Prohibition, bootleggers used the passageways to store and transport liquor, and the channels even had their own speakeasies. Chinese immigrants facing racial discrimination also used them to evade persecution. BIG MUDDY BADLANDS On the southern border of Saskatchewan near Coronach you’ll find the Big Muddy badlands, an area where outlaws of the Wild West once hid out. Ancient buttes, sandstone caves and wide-open expanses define the area. A guided tour will grant you access to areas normally off limits to visitors, such as ceremonial circles, rock effigies and outlaw caves. ATHABASCA SAND DUNES The most northerly sand dunes in the world are spread across a 100-kilometre stretch around Lake Athabasca. The Sand Dunes are estimated to be 8,000 years old and home to a number of plant species not found anywhere else. The area is hauntingly beautiful but also remote. Access is only possible by boat or floatplane. Other stunning sandscapes in Saskatchewan include the Great Sandhills and the sand dunes at Douglas Provincial Park.
• In 2012, Canadians voted Saskatchewan as the least beautiful province in the country. Saskatchewanians were livid and retaliated by flooding the internet with pictures of their most stunning landscapes. • Saskatchewan is the only province that doesn’t observe daylight saving time. • Saskatchewan is the name of the principal river running through the province and an anglicised version of a Cree word, kisiskâciwanisîpiy, meaning swiftly flowing river. • Saskatchewan produces more NHL hockey players per capita than any other province. Seventeen Saskatchewan-born players (including Gordie Howe) have been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. • In 1947, Saskatchewan became the first province to implement Medicare. • You may already know that Saskatchewan is Canada’s largest producer of wheat, but the province also produces most of our country’s mustard, chickpeas, dry peas and lentils.
Big Muddy Badlands
LICENCE PLATE SLOGAN
• Saskatchewan has more days of sunshine per year than any other Canadian province. The sunniest town is Estevan, which boasts an annual average of 2,540 hours of sunlight.
Land of Living Skies
DEMONYM People from Saskatchewan are called Saskatchewanians and sometimes nicknamed Flat-landers
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PROVINCIAL NICKNAMES • Land of the Living Skies • The Bread Basket of Canada • The Wheat Province • The Land of Seed and Honey
OFFICIAL MOTTO Multis e gentibus vires (From many peoples, strength)
• Saskatchewan is one of the most tornadoactive parts of Canada. Most years, 12 to 18 will hit the region. In 1912, the worst tornado in Canadian history — the Regina Cyclone — struck the province’s capital, claiming 28 lives and rendering 2,500 people homeless.
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Һ Һ OFFICIALLY CANADIAN SINCE...
1949
Oh, Newfoundland: Canada’s historical paradox. Did you know that England’s oldest overseas colony was actually an independent country before joining Canadian ranks in 1949? In fact, Newfoundland’s decision to join Canada contradicted the province’s lengthy history. Many decades before, Newfoundlanders brazenly rejected Confederation in favour of a destiny alongside Canada, rather than within it. LOOKING BACK… In 1907, Newfoundland acquired Dominion status from the UK, which put the now-province on equal ground with Canada. The two countries self-governed side by side until 1933. Faced with unsustainable government debt following the First World War, rapidly declining fish prices and the astronomical cost of maintaining a trans-island railway, Newfoundland was forced to give up its independence in exchange for the Crown’s support.
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
NOT TO BE MISSED Every year, travellers near and far are drawn to Canada’s eastern edge for its inspiring natural beauty and rich culture — a product of Newfoundland’s English, French, Irish and Aboriginal heritage. OUTDOOR ADVENTURES Between ancient rock formations, rugged coastlines, thick boreal forests and teeming herds of wildlife (caribou, seabirds, moose, black bears, humpback whales, etc.), Newfoundland’s wild, natural beauty surrounds you at every turn. With its four national parks, 18 wilderness and ecological reserves, and numerous botanical gardens, there are many ways to revel in Newfoundland’s natural glory. Stand on top of the world at Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; travel back in time to where the Vikings settled some 1,000 years ago at L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site; get up close to a 10,000-year-old glacial giant drifting down Iceberg Alley; or opt for a pri-
mitive camping experience among the unspoiled forests of Terra Nova National Park. CULTURAL EXPERIENCES If you’re searching for live music and rousing theatre performances, then Newfoundland should soar to the top of your list of travel destinations. Home to some of the country’s finest writers, musicians, actors and comedians, there’s no shortage of festivals and events in Newfoundland, especially during the summer months! Set in the heart of the winding colourful streets of St. John’s, the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival in August is the most attended cultural event of the season. And if you’re a history buff, you won’t want to miss the Gros Morne Theatre Festival, which kicks off in June, as it brings Newfoundland and Labrador’s vibrant past to life. Between lighthouse picnics, art gallery tours and walking festivals, Newfoundland is brimming with cultural experiences for every type of traveller!
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• Approximately 94% of the province’s total population resides on the island of Newfoundland, and half of that population lives in St. John’s. • St. John’s is the provincial capital and the oldest city in all of North America. Explorer John Cabot became the first European to sail into the harbour in 1497, although this tidbit of history has been hotly contested. According to archaeological findings and the ancient tales of the Norse Sagas, the infamous Vikings may have been the first Europeans to make land in the New World, settling in Newfoundland and Labrador (or Vinland, as they called it) over one thousand years ago.
• While the rest of Canada lives and breathes hockey, Newfoundlanders go crazy for... rugby! (Although they also like a good game of soccer.) Swilers Rugby Park in St. John’s is the biggest rugby stadium in all of Canada, with a maximum capacity of 6,500 people. This difference in sports culture is due in part to the province’s long history under British rule.
Was Newfoundland to join the Confederation or return to self-government? After two consecutive referendums, Newfoundland became the tenth province to enter the Canadian Confederation on March 31, 1949, and in December 2001, an amendment was made to the Constitution to change the province’s official name to Newfoundland and Labrador.
1993–2001: A World of Difference
• There are more varieties of English spoken in Newfoundland and Labrador than anywhere else in the world. In fact, the province has its own English-language dictionary and encyclopedia, the Dictionary of Newfoundland English.
Gros Morne National Park
At the dawn of the Second World War, however, Newfoundland began to prosper anew, and locals aspired to break from English rule once more. But political leader Joseph “Joey” R. Smallwood, the last Father of Confederation, strongly believed a wider union with Canada would lift the province and its people out of poverty by providing a social safety net and paving the way for industrialization.
LICENCE PLATE SLOGAN
DID YOU KNOW?
DEMONYM People from Newfoundland and Labrador are officially called Newfoundlanders, but the colloquial term Newfie is often used in Canada to refer to the province’s locals. Considered a slur from its past use by American and Canadian military personnel stationed in the province who used the term loosely in their jokes, “Newfie” is sometimes perceived as being offensive. However, many Newfoundlanders would argue that it’s actually a source of pride. OFFICIAL MOTTO: Prime Regnum Dei (Seek Ye first the kingdom of God)
• In addition to being some of the friendliest people on Earth, Newfoundlanders are known for their knack for storytelling.
PROVINCIAL NICKNAMES • The Rock (in reference to the Island of Newfoundland) • The Big Land (in reference to Labrador)
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Һ Һ OFFICIALLY CANADIAN SINCE...
1999
On April 1, 1999, new boundaries were drawn in Canada’s North. Carved out of the central and eastern areas of the Northwest Territories, Nunavut — which means “our land” in Inuktitut — finally became a distinct Canadian territory after years of tireless negotiations. IN A NUTSHELL The creation of Nunavut was the outcome of the largest Aboriginal land claims agreement in Canadian history. A surge in oil, gas and mineral exploration in the North during the 70s forced the Inuit to organize in response to the fast-paced economic developments affecting their land. (The Inuit and First Nations peoples have a spiritual connection to the land, animals and sea, and believe resources must be used wisely as a show of respect.) A traditional hunter-gatherer society, the Inuit sought self-governance as a means to protect their cultural well-being. After years of re-negotiating treaties, the Canadian government finally enacted the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement in 1993, which gave the Inuit a slice of the North and bestowed them with various rights, including wildlife and resource management. The birth of Canada’s newest, largest and northernmost territory resulted in the first major change to the country’s geo-political map since the inclusion of Newfoundland in 1949.
NOT TO BE MISSED For a lot of travellers, Canada’s vast North is still uncharted territory. But don’t let its brisk northern weather and snow-filled landscapes deter you. As one of the largest unspoiled territories on Earth, Nunavut’s natural beauty promises the Arctic adventure of a lifetime! THINGS TO DO Wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting, dogsledding, snowmobiling, camping, hiking, canoeing, kayaking — there are many ways adventure-seekers can experience Canada’s true North. A land brimming with history, fauna and spectacular arctic landscapes, Nunavut has increasingly been attracting explorers from all over the globe. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Canada’s youngest territory by admiring the local wildlife (polar bears, walruses, caribou, narwhals, etc.) that gather
around the floe edge; camping under the dancing lights of the Aurora Borealis; sailing past glacial mountains aboard an arctic cruise ship; embarking on a snowmobile expedition across Nunavut’s pristine wilderness; paddling down some of the world’s most beautiful rivers; or touring vibrant communities (Arctic Bay, Igloolik, Cape Dorset, Iqaluit, etc.) to experience the Inuit way of life firsthand. CLIMATE Pack your down coats and extreme coldweather gear because Nunavut’s arctic climate can sometimes be unforgiving. Bitterly cold in the winter and cool to cold in the summer, Nunavut is home to some of the iciest communities on Earth. However, the cool days of spring bring plenty of sunshine and the low humidity in the north helps reduce the impact of the cold.
NUNAVUT DID YOU KNOW? • Nunavut is Canada’s only geo-political region that is not connected to the rest of North America by highway. In fact, Nunavut has no connecting highways; travelling between communities is largely done by aircraft, cruise ship, snowmobile and even dogsled. • Nunavut is home to the world’s northernmost permanently inhabited settlement, Alert — a cold, hard and desolate land with a population of 62. • A vast wilderness, Nunavut spreads over an area the size of Western Europe: 2,093,000 km2.
• Iqaluit is the current territorial capital and the only community within Nunavut to have received its order of status as a city. • Nunavut has the highest birthrate of Canada’s provinces and territories, with 52% of its population under the age of 25.
LICENCE PLATE SLOGAN
• All homes in Nunavut are built on stilts to avoid melting the region’s permafrost (year-round frozen subsoil).
1999–2011: Explore Canada’s Arctic DEMONYM People from Nunavut are officially referred to as Nunavummiut (Noo-na-vu-mee-uth), although the term Inuit, or its derogatory counterpart “eskimo,” is often incorrectly used to refer to any person hailing from Canada’s Great North.
• Nunavut has no local or city police, but one RCMP branch located in the territory’s capital. • In an attempt to transmit their ancestral heritage, community elders teach youth traditional skills, such as hunting, butchering and skinning of slain animals, in school. • Nunavut has more artists per capita than any other place in the world. In fact, arts and crafts make up a significant portion of the territory’s economic activity.
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OFFICIAL MOTTO (Our Land, Our Strength)
NEW PLATES, NEW IDENTITY At the time of separation, vehicles in Nunavut continued to circulate with the Northwest Territories’ iconic bear-shaped licence plate, introduced in 1970. Later, in 2011, Nunavut decided it was time to differentiate itself further from its former reliance, and a contest was launched to create new plates. Among the 200 designs submitted, it was Iqaluit resident Ron Froese’s beautiful night scene that captured the hearts of government officials. Today, Nunavut’s rectangular plates feature a polar bear, an inuksuk, three sets of northern lights for the territory’s three regions (Kitikmeot, Kivalliq and Qikiqtaaluk) and 25 stars for each of the territory’s communities. The plates bear no official slogan and feature the Inuktitut syllabics for Nunavut ( ) at the bottom.
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