Attraction to showcase more regions — Little East Coast now open
IAN STALKER
Toronto tourist attraction Little Canada can certainly enable people to bone up on their geographical knowledge of this country.
The downtown attraction, which opened a few years ago and is steadily adding displays that showcase different parts of this broad nation, now features Little Toronto, Little Niagara, Little Golden Horseshoe, Little Ottawa and Gatineau, Petit Québec and its most recent creation, Little East Coast.
And president Brad Ford says the attraction isn’t just entertaining but is educational as well.
“Little Canada is a truly unique experience that highlights several of the geographical, cultural and educational wonders of our nation, in an entertaining, whimsical, theatrical and engaging show,” he says.
“If you only have two hours to invest in entertainment and fun while visiting Toronto, or if you live nearby and are looking for an awesome time exploring our country that’s quite suitable for all ages, we invite you to enjoy Little Canada to be entertained, energized and inspired,” he says.
“Little Canada offers an exceptionally immersive Canadian geography perspective, and by and large, even the most educated and travelled guest comes away with something newly learned and appreciated. Our geography is astounding, really. The world is a treasure trove to travel and explore, but I know from experience that Canada ranks close to the top, if not at the top, on that global list of must-see places.”
Ford adds visitors will find Little Canada very accommodating.
“Guests can be scanned in their favourite pose, shrunken and 3D printed into their preferred destination,” he reports. “Also included in the experience, guests enjoy a behind the scenes peek at our animated world operations at our Miniature Mission Control, where we share some of the science that makes the magic come to life. We also invite guests to engage with our talented artists at our Miniature Makers Studio, and understand the astonishing creativity and innovation needed to power the intricately detailed theatrical displays.”
More displays featuring this vast land’s disparate regions will be added, with a seven-year build plan including projects touching Little Prairies, Little West Coast, Little North, Petit Montréal, Little Rockies and several builds representing Canada outside its borders.
Little North — a showcase for the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut — was to have been the next exhibit but Little Canada has delayed it, enabling it to work with Indigenous advisors “to shape the plan and creation, and we will take our time to make it extra special,” Ford says, adding Little Canada has somewhat shifted its focus westward.
“The Canadian West is dazzling, and with the successful launch and reception of Little East Coast, we will likely go west for our next inspiration.”
Meanwhile, Ford says he and his coworkers are proud to enable people to learn more about this land.
“We love Canada, and would like to celebrate as much of it as we can fit into our location opposite Dundas Square,” he says. “Our country has so much to experience, and we are excited to introduce new parts of Canada in all its natural beauty. We don’t have plans to stop building for at least seven years, but I anticipate we will look past this in the not-too-distant future.
“At our best, Canadians are, by nature and identity, quite curious, knowledgeable, respectful and friendly. Little Canada is a reflection of Canadian values. We were born from our founder’s love for all that is good in our country, discovered and admired when Jean-Louis Brenninkmeijer relocated his life and family and made Canada his home. We are optimistic that Canadians and visitors alike appreciate the humour and delight of Little Canada, the virtuous and positive, and come away reminded of why our country is undeniably special.”
