30 Canadians Reveal What They’re Most Thankful For
Updated: Oct. 08, 2021During trying times, it's important to count our blessings. We asked our readers, "What are you thankful for?" From important people to places with special meaning, find out what inspires an attitude of gratitude for these 30 Canadians.
Snowbirds
Alan Cheng of Scarborough, Ontario, writes: “Thanks to the Snowbirds for brightening up our skies with their aerobatic skills!” We couldn’t agree more.
Sunsets
“Here’s my daughter and her two sons watching the sunset in May,” writes Tammy Green of Harrington Harbour, Quebec. “It was taken from the top of our little island!”
Get inspired with 30+ stunning sunset pictures that will take your breath away.
Tulips
Joyce Stolte of Edmonton is thankful for the flower that symbolizes the arrival of spring.
Check out this spectacular gallery of flower photography from across Canada!
Hometowns
Robbie Gorr is most thankful for his underrated hometown of Petawawa, Ontario.
Learn about the fascinating history of Petrolia, Ontario.
Gardens
Along with her garden, Barbara Schmidt of Kelowna, B.C., is also thankful for her wonderful husband and large family, as well as her cute dog Casper!
Read about this adventurous Canadian road trip with two dogs and a cat.
Barred owls
“These barred owls thrill us every time we see or hear them,” writes Maryalice Wood of Langley, B.C. “They make us appreciate how wonderful nature really is!”
Here’s what it’s like photographing birds in the dead of winter.
Family
“This is my 70th birthday—celebrated with Shelly and our granddaughters remotely,” writes Paula Brown of Ottawa. Happy belated, Paula!
You’ll be blown away by these 30 extreme weather pictures from across Canada.
Grandchildren
According to Anne Jarvis of Victoria, B.C., her granddaughter is a precious gem of life.
Read about these Canadian collectors and their quirky collections.
Birthdays
Christine Cobel’s teenage son, seen here adding candles to his birthday cake, was born on May 1. Thanks for sharing, Christine!
You’ll love these incredible bird photography from across Canada.
Wildfire crews
Frank Koenig of Morinville, Alberta, snapped this pic of a water bomber demo in Lac La Biche. “I’m thankful for these planes in the fight against forest fires.”
Check out these inspiring stories from the Fort McMurray wildfire.
Memories of travel
“I was able to travel all over the world when I was in my 20s,” writes Mike Lane of Saanichton, B.C. “The 1970s was the golden age of overland travel, and buses could take you from London to Kathmandu, or from Johannesburg to Algiers. It was glorious!”
Inspire your wanderlust with these dream vacation photos.
Peaceful moments
Susan Muehmer of Delaware, Ontario, couldn’t have picked a more peaceful moment!
Don’t miss this gallery of incredible candid photography from across Canada.
Canadian landscapes
Pamela Buck snapped this patriotic pic on Colombia Beach in Vancouver Island.
Here are the places in Canada every Canadian needs to visit!
Dogs
“My chocolate Lab fills my days with love,” writes Lynn Mabley of Hinton, Alberta.
Check out these adorable pets from across Canada!
Sunrises
“I’m not only thankful that the sun rises every morning,” writes Debbie Browne of Spruce Grove, Alberta, “but that I’m able to enjoy it from my window too.”
Check out these pro tips on how to master the art of silhouette photography.
Canadian winters
For many Canadians, including Lakshmi Anand of Toronto, winter is the best season.
Don’t miss these stunning shots that showcase the beauty of the Canadian winter.
Apple blossoms
“I’m thankful for the apple blossoms on the Pacific Gala tree,” writes Jacquie Gartman of Oliver, B.C. “It’s great knowing the new crop is on the way!”
Don’t miss this glorious gallery of your best “in the backyard” photography.
Open spaces
Christine Souka of Mackenzie, B.C., is most grateful for this jaw-dropping view.
Check out this gallery of awe-inspiring Canadian Rockies photography.
Nature
“What a wonderful surprise I came upon while on a walk in a local marsh: the beautiful sight of a newborn white-tailed deer fawn,” writes MaryLin Howard of Blenheim, Ontario.
Find out what it’s like photographing deer in rutting season.
Cameras
“I’m thankful for my camera,” writes Deb Sandau of Red Deer, Alberta. “Though I may not be able to see all of those I love or travel to new places, I’m lucky enough to have these on my wall to remind me of good times.”
You’ll find more of Deb’s photos in this fantastic roundup of “making a splash” photography.
Family time
“I’m grateful for the time I get to spend with my daughter and grandson,” writes Deborah Garrison of Rocky View County, Alberta. “We adopted my daughter when she was three. I’m so grateful for her, and I’m proud to call her my best friend.”
Check out this vintage gallery of what family time looked like 100 years ago.
Bright colours
“I’m thankful for the beautiful colours in our own backyard,” writes Krystle Del-Ben of Leamington, Ontario. “This photo represents the beauty of Canada and all it has to offer!”
Nothing screams “Canadian countryside” like a shot of a beautiful barn. On that note, check out these beautiful photos of barns across the country.
Lavender fields
You don’t need to leave the country to visit a lavender field, as noted by this pretty photo from Norma Keith of Baltimore, Ontario.
Admire more of Norma’s striking shots in this gallery of “lookalikes” photography.
Road trips
Heidi Sanita of Pickering, Ontario, snapped this pic while on the road with her longtime pals.
Check out the most quirky roadside attractions across Canada.
Autumn scenery
Many people love autumn for the cooler weather, bonfires and Halloween. For Shirleen Lanthier of Cornwall, Ontario, however, it’s all about the changing colours of the leaves!
Don’t miss these stunning photos that celebrate autumn in Canada.
Best friends
Cathy Gauthier of Magnetawan, Ontario, first met her best friend 30 years ago. “I never, ever had a best friend until her,” she writes. “I learned about compassion and goodness from her, and I don’t know where I’d be without her.”
You find more of Cathy’s fantastic photography in this tribute to Canadian cottage life.
The laughter of children
“I’m thankful to see the simple happiness of childhood,” writes Ann Lane of Cobourg, Ontario.
These Our Canada readers expertly captured their children having fun in the great outdoors.
The arrival of spring
The best thing about spring—other than the warmer weather, of course—is the return of migrating animals. Thanks for sharing, Olivia!
Don’t miss these great Canadian bird stories.
Cats
Deborah Hattie and her Persian cat, Reddi-Belle, spend their days entertaining each other!
Read the heartwarming story of one Our Canada contributor’s special bond with a cat.
Mothers
“My mom lives in a senior’s facility and while I talk to her on the phone everyday, I hadn’t seen her in person for almost two months,” writes Susan Norberg of Eckville, Alberta. “It was very special to finally see her face-to-face at 89 years young!”
Next, check out these photos that showcase maternal love in the natural world.
