Like citizens of most countries, we Canadians like to gripe about our home turf, but the more we travel the more we realize how fortunate we are — a stable government, a great health-care system, many freedoms, and so much more. In honour of our national holiday coming up in a few days, here is a pictorial look at a few of the things I love about Canada:

Canada Geese

I love these beautiful, majestic birds, despite how much they poop — they are a gift!

Farmers’ Markets
Fenwick Berry Farm displays some of the lush produce we are truly fortunate to be able to grow and buy

Supper Markets

These delicious outings have become popular in recent years

Welland Canal

An amazing piece of engineering that has been lowering ships from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie for over 150 years, and that continues to fascinate visitors from all over the world

The Great Lakes

These lakes are so large that friends who visited from Australia asked if they were lakes or oceans!

Maple Trees
They shelter us, provide maple syrup, and turn vivid colours in the fall

Autumn Colours

Autumn is our most spectacular and enchanting season, IMHO

A rich Indigenous heritage and culture

The Indigenous Garden at Niagara College, Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus, showing the  harmony and respect for nature that permeates Indigenous life

An abundance of bees

I’m always happy to see bees in our ecologically troubled times

Halloween

Halloween is my personal ‘happy place’, and I’m even happier that this wonderfully wacky holiday is celebrated so widely

A love of Breakfast

We can enjoy this most basic comfort meal at a wide number of restaurants

Gorgeous winter scenery

Even while we curse at winter storms, we can’t help but admire the scenery, as well as…

Mother Nature’s ice sculptures

Poetry brought to life

Music

Outdoor concerts are everywhere, and are a great way to enjoy a nice summer evening

Craft beverages

Artisanal wineries, breweries and distillers are livening up our food and beverage landscape

Miles of open road

Thousands of miles of good roads to explore, like the Trans-Canada Highway

…There are far too many things to list here — these are just a few that I happen to have photos of. I invite you to share your own personal favourites with me in honour of Canada Day!