Canora's Tourism Attractions
As a result of being situated in "The Heart of Good Spirit Country", tourism has become a more important aspect of Canora's development. The town is centrally-located among and minutes away from several rivers, lakes and attractions, including the Whitesand and Assiniboine rivers, Crystal, Good Spirit and Madge lakes, the National Doukhobour Heritage Village and Forts Pelly and Livingstone.
Canora is smack dab in the middle of some of the best
fishing and hunting in the province. Snowmobile and ATV enthusiasts are also
drawn to the area for its proximity and accessibility to many scenic trails
and riding opportunities.
Canora boasts two week long festivals that celebrate both winter
and summer in Saskatchewan. The various daily activities draw in
tourists from all over the region. We welcome
you to come out and join us at one of these festivals!
Canora in Bloom
Canora in Bloom is Canora's infamous annual summer festival and
attracts many tourists to town. Running mid July, the event truly
reflects the Town's great community spirit with numerous groups and
volunteers coming forward to organize the week long festivities. From
All-You-Can-Eat-Perogies, to a pancake breakfast, hot dog dinner, pie and
coffee, and a Steak & Lobster dinner, you certainly can't go hungry during
this week.
An evening garden tour, combined with a fun swim, street dance, summer fun spot, night golf, and an old fashioned picnic, are just a few of the fabulous events that make up Canora in Bloom.
Winter Lights Festival
Canora hosts a popular annual community event known as the Winter
Lights Festival, celebrating Winter in Saskatchewan. The festival has
become a highly anticipated tradition featuring a family Skate with Santa,
hot cocoa and caroling, a youth dance, a family movie night, pancake
breakfast with Santa, and an evening parade followed by a community bonfire
and a spectacular fireworks display.
The event is fueled by community spirit and centers around the beautiful
Christmas light displays decorating Main Street throughout the winter
months. The Winter Lights Festival is a true display of a community
working together as local committees and volunteers dedicate time and funds
to ensure its success. The young, elderly, and families, all enjoy
this fabulous festival.
Welcome statue
Everyone entering the community from the east or south is greeted by "Lesia",
a 25-foot statue dressed in a traditional Ukrainian costume. Located
along Norway Road, she displays the traditional Slavic greeting of bread and salt.
Created by Canora residents Nicholas P. Lewchuk and his son, Orest; Lesia was officially unveiled by Governor General Edward Schreyer on September 3, 1980.
Tourist booth
Adjacent to Lesia, the welcome statue, is Canora's tourist booth
where friendly volunteers can answer all of your questions regarding the
community or give you directions to the nearest point of interest.
Museums
Canora Station House Museum
Canora Station House Museum is located at 100 Railway Avenue and is open
daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., July to September.
The facility is the oldest Class 2 railway station still operating in Saskatchewan and displays CN Rail memorabilia, pioneer artifacts, a rural school room, an original long-distance telephone switchboard, a mounted bald eagle, local souvenirs and tourist information.
Churchill tour information is available at the museum and Via Rail service to Winnipeg and Churchill is available three times a week each way.
For more information, contact stn.house.museum@sasktel.net or (306)563-4591.
Ukrainian Heritage Museum
Ukrainian Heritage Museum is located at 215 Main Street and features a
heritage resource centre, Ukrainian encyclopedias, Ukrainian art and
folklore and ethnic music scores for various instruments.
Ukrainian Orthodox Heritage Church
Ukrainian Orthodox Heritage Church at 710 Main Street showcases restored
Kievan Byzantine architecture, including stained glass.
Originally constructed in 1928 the church served its congregation until 1963. It was designated a heritage site in 1984 and under went a major restoration that was completed in 2000.
Walking tour
Canora has created a self-directed walking tour of six major sites,
including the welcome statue,
Antique People, Station House Museum, Toy and Autograph
Museum, Ukrainian Heritage Museum and Ukrainian Orthodox Heritage Church.
Walking tour brochures are available at the town office and various locations throughout the community.
Canora Hospital site
Located on Pacific Street, just north of Daniels Drive, is a cairn
dedicated to Canora's first hospital.
Mary Waddell of Peterborough, Ont., donated $25,000 to the Presbyterian Church for construction of a hospital in her husband's name. In 1913, the Hugh Waddell Memorial Hospital was built on land donated by Christian R. Graham. It was erected by the Presbyterian Home Mission Society, one of two mission hospitals in Saskatchewan.
Admitting patients in March, the hospital was officially opened on June 18, 1914, with 60 beds. It operated as a mission hospital until 1944 when it was purchased by the Canora Union Hospital Board. In 1950, a new wing was added, increasing its capacity to 82 beds.
The hospital closed on July 4, 1968, and a commemorative cairn was erected in 2000.
Canada's Only Toy and Autograph Museum
Located at 118 Main Street, Canada's Only Toy and Autograph Museum features a one-of-a-kind collection of toys and autographed photos.
118 Main Street
The building was constructed in 1902 by the Winnipeg Western Land Corporation for Christian Rhodes Graham Jr. of Des Moines, Iowa. Graham was half owner of the town site, with the railway owning the other half.
Canora grew from this site, which is marked by a plaque.
Campgrounds
The campgrounds, located at the north end of Nelson Street, feature nine electric and two non-electric sites with provisions for obtaining potable water and a sewer dump.
The on-site Sports Service Centre contains washrooms and showers for campers which are cleaned daily. The service centre also contains an abundance of information about the attractions and recreational opportunities in Canora and surrounding district.
Snowmobiling
Canora is located on the provincial snowmobile trail and is one of the urban municipalities in Saskatchewan that allows snowmobiles to be driven in town.
Please contact the town office for more information and regulations regarding the operation of snowmobiles in town.
Copyright © 2004 [Town of Canora] All rights reserved.
