30 Canadians Reveal What They’re Most Thankful For
During trying times, it's important to count our blessings. We asked our readers, "What are you thankful for?" From important people to places with special meaning, find out what inspires an attitude of gratitude for these 30 Canadians.
What Are You Thankful For?
Snowbirds
Alan Cheng of Scarborough, Ontario, writes: “Thanks to the Snowbirds for brightening up our skies with their aerobatic skills!” We couldn’t agree more.
Sunsets
“Here’s my daughter and her two sons watching the sunset in May,” writes Tammy Green of Harrington Harbour, Quebec. “It was taken from the top of our little island!”
Check out more sunset pictures that’ll take your breath away.
Tulips
Joyce Stolte of Edmonton is thankful for the flower that symbolizes the arrival of spring.
These stunning pictures of tulips are the next best thing to a garden tour.
Hometowns
Robbie Gorr is most thankful for his underrated hometown of Petawawa, Ontario.
These hidden gems of Ontario are yours to discover.
Gardens
Along with her garden, Barbara Schmidt of Kelowna, B.C., is also thankful for her wonderful husband and large family, as well as her cute dog Casper!
Check out this gorgeous gallery of Canadian garden photography.
Barred owls
“These barred owls thrill us every time we see or hear them,” writes Maryalice Wood of Langley, B.C. “They make us appreciate how wonderful nature really is!”
How many of these beautiful Canadian birds have you spotted on your travels?
Family
“This is my 70th birthday—celebrated with Shelly and our granddaughters remotely,” writes Paula Brown of Ottawa. Happy belated birthday!
Don’t miss Paula’s fantastic guide to winter in Ottawa.
Wildfire crews
Frank Koenig of Morinville, Alberta, snapped this pic of a water bomber demo in Lac La Biche. “I’m thankful for these planes in the fight against forest fires.”
Check out one couple’s harrowing tale of the 2021 wildfire season out west.
Memories of travel
“I was able to travel all over the world when I was in my 20s,” writes Mike Lane of Saanichton, B.C. “The 1970s was the golden age of overland travel, and buses could take you from London to Kathmandu, or from Johannesburg to Algiers. It was glorious!”
These inspirational travel photos will spark your wanderlust.
Peaceful moments
Susan Muehmer of Delaware, Ontario, couldn’t have picked a more peaceful moment!
Discover the best wildlife experiences across Canada.
Canadian landscapes
Pamela Buck snapped this patriotic pic on Columbia Beach in Vancouver Island.
Here are the best beaches in Canada, as voted by you!
Dogs
“My chocolate Lab fills my days with love,” writes Lynn Mabley of Hinton, Alberta.
This heartwarming tale proves that dogs really are man’s best friend.
Sunrises
“I’m not only thankful that the sun rises every morning,” writes Debbie Browne of Spruce Grove, Alberta, “but that I’m able to enjoy it from my window, too.”
Here, 50 Canadians reveal what their “happy place” looks like.
Canadian winters
For many Canadians, including Lakshmi Anand, winter is the best season.
Don’t miss these stunning shots that showcase the beauty of the Canadian winter.
Apple blossoms
“I’m thankful for the apple blossoms on the Pacific Gala tree,” writes Jacquie Gartman of Oliver, B.C. “It’s great knowing the new crop is on the way!”
Discover the most beautiful botanical garden in every province.
Open spaces
Christine Souka of Mackenzie, B.C., is most grateful for this jaw-dropping view. We can’t get over how still that lake’s surface is… Just a few small ripples from the kayak to disturb that mirror-like reflection.
These hidden gems of B.C. are worth exploring.
Nature
“What a wonderful surprise I came upon while on a walk in a local marsh: the beautiful sight of a newborn white-tailed deer fawn,” writes MaryLin Howard of Blenheim, Ontario.
Check out more magnificent deer photography from Ontario’s Rattray Marsh Conservation Area.
Cameras
“I’m thankful for my camera,” writes Deb Sandau of Red Deer, Alberta. “Though I may not be able to see all of those I love or travel to new places, I’m lucky enough to have these on my wall to remind me of good times.”
You’ll find more of Deb’s photography in this fantastic roundup of horse pictures.
Family time
“I’m grateful for the time I get to spend with my daughter and grandson,” writes Deborah Garrison of Rocky View County, Alberta. “We adopted my daughter when she was three. I’m so grateful for her, and I’m proud to call her my best friend.”
Here, one Our Canada contributor reveals the life lessons she learned from her daughter.
Bright colours
“I’m thankful for the beautiful colours in our own backyard,” writes Krystle Del-Ben of Leamington, Ontario. “This photo represents the beauty of Canada and all it has to offer!”
For more colourful shots of the countryside, check out this gallery celebrating the Canadian prairies.
Lavender fields
You don’t need to leave the country to visit a lavender field, as noted by this pretty photo from Norma Keith of Baltimore, Ontario.
Did you know that lavender can be useful in treating certain ailments? Find out how—along with more old-time home remedies that actually work.
Road trips
Heidi Sanita of Pickering, Ontario, snapped this pic while on the road with her longtime pals.
Discover the best road trips in Canada.
Autumn scenery
Many people love autumn for the cooler weather, bonfires and Halloween. For Shirleen Lanthier of Cornwall, Ontario, however, it’s all about the changing colours of the leaves!
Don’t miss these stunning photos showcasing autumn in Canada.
Best friends
Cathy Gauthier of Magnetawan, Ontario, met her best friend 30 years ago. “I never, ever had a best friend until her,” she writes. “I learned about compassion and goodness from her, and I don’t know where I’d be without her.”
Here’s expert advice on how to make new friends as an adult.
The laughter of children
“I’m thankful to see the simple happiness of childhood,” writes Ann Lane of Cobourg, Ontario.
Need more reasons to smile? These good news stories from around the world are sure to brighten your day.
The arrival of spring
The best thing about spring—other than the warmer weather, of course—is the return of migrating animals, and their newly-hatched offspring. Thanks for sharing, Olivia!
Here’s more beautiful Canadian bird photography.
Cats
Deborah Hattie and her Persian cat, Reddi-Belle, spend their days entertaining each other!
These sweet cat stories will warm your heart.
Mothers
“My mom lives in a senior’s facility and while I talk to her on the phone everyday, I hadn’t seen her in person for almost two months [during the pandemic],” writes Susan Norberg of Eckville, Alberta. “It was very special to finally see her face-to-face at 89 years young!”
Next, check out 50 inspirational quotes to live by.
