Beyond the Ordinary: Unveiling Canada's Quirkiest Urban Destinations
Canada is a country offering plenty of unconventional urban hubs where you can get a taste of a unique and offbeat experience. From unusual libraries and bookstores to strange landmarks and even a cat sanctuary, it's time to explore some of Canada's quirkiest urban destinations.
Halifax’s Central Library is an architectural gem.
Venturing into Canada's Unconventional Urban Hubs
When it comes to uncovering Canada's unconventional urban gems, there are a handful of cities that truly shine. One of these remarkable cities is Victoria, nestled on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Renowned for its enchanting architecture, stunning gardens and lively arts scene, Victoria offers a delightful blend of history and eccentricity. From the iconic Empress Hotel to the vibrant houses of Fisherman's Wharf, there is an abundance of unique sights waiting to be explored.
Winnipeg’s Exchange District is home to several blocks of late 19th and early 20th century buildings with shops, restaurants and cafes.
Another extraordinary urban gem that deserves your attention is Winnipeg, the capital city of Manitoba. With its rich cultural heritage and thriving arts community, Winnipeg is a hidden treasure for those in search of offbeat experiences.
The Exchange District, adorned with its meticulously preserved historic buildings, is an absolute must-visit for architecture enthusiasts.
Moreover, the city boasts a vibrant music and theatre scene, with a multitude of festivals and events happening all year round.
From Classics to Curiosities: Unusual Libraries and Bookstores
If you're a book lover in search of a unique experience, Canada has a plethora of extraordinary libraries and bookstores waiting to be explored. In the charming city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, lies the Halifax Central Library, a true architectural marvel that has transformed into a vibrant cultural hub for the community. With its breathtaking design, rooftop terrace and extensive book collection, this place is an absolute must-visit for any bibliophile.
Meanwhile, in the bustling city of Toronto, there's a quirky bookstore called The Monkey's Paw that you simply can't miss. Known for its collection of "vintage and unusual books", this hidden gem is a treasure trove for book enthusiasts seeking something out of the ordinary. The book vending machine "Biblio-Mat" is what makes this place truly special. Prepare to be amazed as this remarkable contraption dispenses a randomly selected vintage volume. Who knows what literary gem awaits you? It's like stepping back in time with every turn of the knob.
The Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library is classic example of brutalist achitecture.
For those with a passion for history and rare books, the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library in Toronto is an absolute gem.
Nestled within the University of Toronto, it proudly stands as the largest rare book library in Canada and is renowned worldwide.
With over 700,000 volumes, including invaluable literary works and historical documents, this institution is a paradise for both book lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Delve into a vast array of subjects, from literature and art to science and religion. Embark on a journey through time and knowledge.
Experience the Unusual: Peculiar Casinos in Canada
For those looking for more excitement, Canada's gambling scene also has a few odd and unusual places you can visit. If you usually like to play at a Canadian online casino, then you will surely like to visit some of these physical establishments and try your hand:
Casino de Montreal: Located in Montreal, Quebec, this casino is known for its unusual architecture. Housed in the former French Pavilion from Expo 67, the casino features a futuristic design with interconnected buildings and a large glass dome. It offers a wide range of gaming options, including table games, slot machines and poker.
Barriere Lake - The peculiar thing about this casino is that it is only open from the 15th of April to December 20th each year. It is located in a tiny city called Maniwaki and has been around since October 17th 1984. If you want to visit this neat place, you will have to travel an hour and a half by plane or helicopter, making it quite the adventure to even get there.
Casino Regina: Located in Regina, Saskatchewan, this casino is housed in a historic building that was once a grand railway station. The casino has preserved the architectural charm of the building, creating a unique and elegant gambling environment. It offers a variety of gaming options, including table games, slots and a poker room.
These peculiar casinos in Canada provide not only a chance to try your luck but also an opportunity to experience something out of the ordinary.
Feline Heaven: RAPS Cat Sanctuary Canada
For cat lovers, a visit to the RAPS Cat Sanctuary in Canada is an absolute must. Located in Richmond, British Columbia, this unique sanctuary is dedicated to providing a safe and loving environment for abandoned and stray cats. With over 500 cats in residence, it's a paradise for feline enthusiasts who can spend their time cuddling and playing with these adorable creatures.
In Calgary’s trendy Kensington Village you can visit the Regal Cat Cafe.
The dedicated team at RAPS works tirelessly to ensure that each cat receives proper care, including medical attention, nutritious food and plenty of love and attention. The sanctuary is designed to mimic a home environment, with cozy spaces for the cats to relax and play. There are also outdoor enclosures where the cats can enjoy fresh air and sunshine.
RAPS believes in the importance of socialisation, so the cats are given plenty of opportunities to interact with humans and other feline companions.
In addition to providing a temporary home for cats, RAPS also focuses on finding permanent and loving homes for them. They carefully screen potential adopters to ensure that each cat is placed in a suitable environment where they will be loved and cared for. RAPS Cat Sanctuary Canada is truly a feline heaven that provides a second chance at life for cats in need. Their dedication to the well-being of these animals is commendable and they serve as an inspiration to others in the rescue and adoption community.