August – National Historic Sites

History In Action

Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site
© Parks Canada / E. Le Bel

History is a major focus of Parks Canada, and here is just a glimpse of it!

• What makes a nation if not its people, places and events?  Today there are 956 national historic sites (167 administered by Parks Canada), 648 persons of national historic significance, and 417 events of national historic significance.  Click here to read more about these varied and inspiring designations, which, together, tell the greater story of Canada.

• Have you ever wondered about a day in the life of a historian?  If you think the work of Parks Canada’s historians is all dusty tomes and quiet archives, click here for a different view!

• Find out about Parks Canada’s contribution to architectural history.
  Learn how to design the ultimate fortification to withstand virtually any attack!

• Are you familiar with our This Week in History web feature? Every week, we present you an interesting historical event that occurred during that particular week. Check out these stories that relate to some of our national historic sites:   
  
  
  • 1690 – The Siege of Quebec! Frontenac encounters Sir William Phips.  
    
    
  • 1922 – North America’s telephones fall silent for one whole minute. Click here to uncover the story.
    
    
  • Monopoly!
    
    
  • Read about Vikings in Canada and L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site
    
    
  • In Pursuit of the Erebus and Terror: An Arctic Mystery
    
    
  • A Wedding at the "New château St-Louis"