How to Host a Uniquely Canadian Wedding

The big question has been popped. Now the planning begins and you’re going over every detail, looking for an amazing location for your unforgettable day. Why not stand out from the crowd by exchanging your vows in a uniquely Canadian setting?

Parks Canada manages the finest systems of protected heritage areas in the world. Happy couples will find that the country’s national historic sites offer something that many other venues do not – a sense of history. The sites’ park-like settings and period architecture offer one-of-a-kind backdrops. All that’s missing is your personal touch.

“Canada’s national historic sites make up the rich tapestry of Canada’s cultural heritage,” says George Green, vice-president of heritage conservation and commemorations at Parks Canada. “They enable us to celebrate and experience our history in special ways.”

These unique locations are found right across the country, in large, bustling cities or quiet, rural getaways, and can host a range of ceremonies and receptions, from intimate moments for fewer than 10 to festivities for hundreds.

To give you an idea of what our national historic sites have to offer, here’s a glimpse at five locations:

Bar U Ranch National Historic Site – Nestled in the foothills of southern Alberta’s idyllic Rocky Mountains, the Bar U Ranch offers a bridge over Pekisko Creek, a cotton tree-shaded clearing, heritage buildings and a Percheron horse-drawn wagon ride, all to make your day truly memorable.

Manoir-Papineau National Historic Site – Overlooking the Ottawa River is Louis-Joseph Papineau’s mid-19th century grand manor house. The small chapel and magnificent Salon Bleu are dream locations to celebrate your wedding.

Fort Langley National Historic Site – Since the time of the fur trade, Fort Langley has served as a romantic wedding site. Located on the outskirts of Vancouver, the site’s period buildings, marquees and outdoor spaces can accommodate weddings of all sizes.

Fort Malden National Historic Site – Fort Malden’s picturesque grounds, 19th century buildings, and serene riverfront along the banks of the Detroit River in historic Amherstburg offer a venue as unique as you.

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site – Host your wedding in a venue steeped in Halifax’s rich heritage. Set atop the city’s highest point, you’ll find a Victorian-era fort with breathtaking views of the picturesque harbour.

If adding a Canadian theme sounds right for your wedding, start planning today at a national historic site. A list of locations from coast to coast to coast is available at: www.pc.gc.ca/Home/progs/lhn-nhs/index.