Relatively speaking, Canada is one of the world’s youngest countries, as it officially became a nation back in 1867. However, it’s the second-biggest country on the globe in size and still has quite a rich and interesting history. It’s also home to 956 National Historic sites. These are some of the most popular ones along with the year they became designated by the country’s historian.

1. Butchart Gardens, Victoria, British Columbia

(photo by denverjeffrey)

These colourful botanical gardens were recognized in 2004. They attract more than a million visitors a year.

2. Athabasca Pass, Jasper National Park, Alberta

(photo by kytoms )

The pass was recognized in 1973. It was a portion of the main route for fur traders as they travelled between Canada and the Pacific coast.

3. Fairmont Château Frontenac, Quebec City, Quebec

(photo by mrpepper27)

This popular Quebec City hotel was recognized in 1980. It was constructed in 1893 as a way to promote luxury tourism. Old Quebec is still known as a walled city.

4. Dundurn Castle, Hamilton, Ontario

(photo by darioproductions )

The popular Dundurn Castle was recognized in 1984. The picturesque villa is believed to be the province’s first home to have running water and gas lighting.

5. The Forks, Winnipeg, Manitoba

(photo by eewolff)

This area was recognized in 1974. It’s a historical western Canadian site and is known as the first permanent settlement for Europeans in the country’s western region.

6. Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario

(photo by stevecourson)

This huge provincial park was recognized in 1992. It’s the biggest and oldest provincial park in Ontarioand is home to about 2,500 lakes.

7. Bonsecours Market, Montreal, Quebec

(photo by whereyallgoingnow)

This civic building was erected in the middle of the 19th century and was recognized in 1984. It was closed as a farmer’s market back in 1963 and was supposed to be demolished. However, it’s now used as a multi-purpose facility.

8. Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff, Alberta

(photo by ozboi-nz )

Banff’s most famous hotel was recognized in 1988. It was a popular spot for various celebrities in the 1930s. One of its most famous guests was Queen Elizabeth II.

9. Rideau Canal, Ottawa, Ontario

(photo by eewolff)

Ottawa’s Rideau Canal was recognized back in 1925. It’s about 125 miles long and is popular with boaters in the summers. It features 45 locks, with most of them still being hand-operated. During the winters, a part of the canal in downtown Ottawa becomes the longest ice skating rink in the world.

10. Wanuskewin, Saskatchewan

(photo by andydunn)

Wanuskewin is a 140-acre native reserve that was recognized in 1986. There are many archaeological sites here that can be traced back as far as 6,000 years. It offers a lot of cultural history regarding the Northern Plains First Nations people.

11. Montreal Forum, Montreal, Quebec

(photo by wischfamily)

Ice hockey fans will recognize the famous Montreal Forum as the former home to the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens. The arena, which was recognized in 1997, was also home to many concerts and other sporting events.

12. Fisgard Lighthouse, Colwood, British Columbia

(photo by mgsbird)

Built by the British in 1860 and recognized as a historical site in 1958, this was the first permanent lighthouse on Canada’s west coast.

13. Stanley Park, British Columbia

(photo by hyougushi)

This beautiful park was recognized in 1988. It was named in honor of Lord Stanley, who was Canada’s Governor General in 1888.

14. Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo Jump, Fort Macleod, Alberta

(photo by  canadianlookin)

This historical site must have one of the most unique names in the world. It was recognized in 1968 and is one of the largest, best preserved, and oldest buffalo jumps in existence. In 1981 it also became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

15. Hartland Covered Bridge, Hartland, New Brunswick

(photo by JarvisEye)

At 1282 feet in length, this is the longest covered bridge on the planet. It was recognized as a historical site in 1977.

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