My Hometown: Love Letters to Communities Across Canada
Updated: Feb. 12, 2020
It's a question as old as time: what makes your hometown truly special? We asked Our Canada readers to take a few snaps of the unique places that put their hometowns on the map, and they delivered! These captures represent Canada at its most quaint.
Sherbooke, Quebec
It’s no wonder Sherbrooke offers such vivid autumn colours—after all, Quebec’s sixth-largest city is home to 193 parks and green spaces. As evidenced in this photo by Sherbrooke native Russ Hayes, the city is stunning in its simplicity.
Read up on the intriguing history of Quebec’s log homes!
Ottawa, Ontario
In this shot, Ottawa native Paula Brown captured the view from Plaza Bridge overlooking the Rideau Locks, which lead to the Ottawa River. These locks are so much more than relics of past technology, however—they played a key role in the birth of a vibrant, prosperous Canadian city!
Add these great day trips from Ottawa to your itinerary.
Tancook Island, Nova Scotia
Photographer Rosa Cross writes: “Behold the Tancook Island Wharf! This is our link to the mainland docks, thanks to William G. Ernst, our island passenger ferry. This wharf is also the port for our fishing fleet!”
Read about how a trip to Nova Scotia strengthened this father-son bond.
Devon, Alberta
Located on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, Devon, Alberta is a perfect mix of small-town charm and larger-than-life scenery. In this shot, Devon native Joyce Stolte captured two of her grandsons along the famed waterway.
Feed your wanderlust with this bucket list trip to Alberta!
Petawawa, Ontario
“The fast-flowing waters of the Petawawa River was once the scene of timber drives by our ancestors,” writes photographer Robb Gorr.
Chatham, Ontario
Photographer Sue Thompson writes: “Located off of historical Talbot Trail, which hugs the north shore of Lake Erie in Chatham-Kent, is where you can find the most photographed home in southwestern Ontario.”
Check out these stunning photos of barns across Canada.
Regina, Saskatchewan
The Canadian Western Agribition occurs every November-December in Regina, Saskatchewan. A celebration of farming, Indigenous culture, food, and the rodeo, the Agribition is the largest livestock show in Canada! Thank you to Sean Xiao He for sharing this stunning capture.
Learn why Saskatoon is Canada’s next great culinary destination.
Olds, Alberta
Every winter, writes Veronica Reist, the residents of Olds, Alberta help build a few recreations in the town’s Heritage Village. If it looks this beautiful in the daytime, we’d love to see it at night!
Cobourg, Ontario
Speaking of hidden gems, have you ever ventured to Cobourg, Ontario? “We are so lucky to spend our time riding through these gorgeous fields,” writes photographer Ann Lane.
Red Deer, Alberta
“Three Mile Bend Park is a wonderful place to walk dogs off leash, bird watch, fish and just enjoy the river and scenery,” writes photographer Deb Sandau.
These stunning shots showcase the beauty of the Canadian winter!
