Looking for a historical trip into Canada’s past? Here are just five trips worth trying across the country.
Explore the sights of Old Quebec
Quebec City is often described as a ‘taste of Europe in North America’. Old Quebec is the most historic district and it’s here you’ll find some of the oldest and most famous sights. Chateau Frontenac is the biggest attraction – this late 19th Century castle is one of the most photographed hotels in the world. The Musee des Ursulines is also a popular attraction dedicated to the nun settlers of Canada and their influence on the education system. Other historical sights include the Citadelle de Quebec, Augustine’s Monastery and Fort Saint Louis archaeological site. Hotels in Old Quebec can be expensive although you can save money by visiting out of season in Autumn or Spring.
Visit the Viking settlement L’Anse Aux Meadows
Whilst Christopher Columbus is often cited as being the first European to discover North America, evidence shows that the Vikings beat him to it by 500 years landing in Newfoundland from Iceland. L’Anse Aux Meadows is the site where they landed and attempted to set up a colony – here you can explore the remains of the first settlers buildings and see various archaeological finds. Several other smaller Norse sites have since been discovered in the region, which you can also visit.
Take a tour of Medalta in Medicine Hat
Medalta is a converted factory that has been dedicated to the industrial history of Canada. It’s full of many interesting and interactive attractions from hands-on pottery classes to collections of artifacts making it perfect for a family trip. There are plenty of accommodations in Medicine Hat. Those visiting this city should also take a trip to one of the many breweries and explore the Arts and Heritage Centre for some added history.
Delve into prehistory at Dinosaur Provincial Park
Located a two-and-a-half hour drive away from Calgary, this archaeological site is ideal for dinosaur lovers. Many important fossils have been unearthed here including 35 species of dinosaur. On top of being an impressive historical site, it’s one of the most scenic natural places in Canada located in the heart of Alberta’s Badlands. It’s possible to stay in a campsite nearby and wake up to the amazing vistas.
Travel through time at The Royal Ontario Museum
When it comes to museums, The Royal Ontario Museum in Southern Ontario is often heralded as the best in the country. There are over six million exhibits to be found here from impressive dinosaur bones to huge preserved totem poles. The museum constantly has new exhibitions on so that it’s constantly fresh for return visitors. This museum is best combined with a city break in Toronto, which itself has no shortage of historical attractions from Casa Loma to the historic Distillery district.
