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30 Canadians Reveal What They’re Most Thankful For

During 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.

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Canadian Snowbirds flyingPhoto: Alan Cheng

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.

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Sunset and silhouettePhoto: Tammy Green

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.

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TulipPhoto: Joyce Stolte

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!

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Pier in Petawawa, OntarioPhoto: Robbie Gorr

Hometowns

Robbie Gorr is most thankful for his underrated hometown of Petawawa, Ontario.

Learn about the fascinating history of Petrolia, Ontario.

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Quirky front yard and gardenPhoto: Barbara Schmidt

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.

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Spotted owlPhoto: Maryalice Wood

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.

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Zoom chat between family membersPhoto: Paula Brown

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.

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Cute smiling girlPhoto: Anne Jarvis

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.

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Teenage boy celebrating his birthdayPhoto: Christine Cobel

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.

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Water bomber demonstrationPhoto: Frank Koenig

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.

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Travelling in South Africa during the 1970sPhoto: Mike Lane

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.

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Pack of deerPhoto: Susan Muehmer

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.

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Canadian flagPhoto: Pamela Buck

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!

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Chocolate Labrador dogPhoto: Lynn Mabley

Dogs

“My chocolate Lab fills my days with love,” writes Lynn Mabley of Hinton, Alberta.

Check out these adorable pets from across Canada!

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SunsetPhoto: Debbie Browne

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.

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Montreal winterPhoto: Lakshmi Anand

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.

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Colourful flowersPhoto: Jacquie Gartman

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.

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KayakingPhoto: Christine Souka

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.

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Baby deerPhoto: MaryLin Howard

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.

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Photo collectionPhoto: Deb Sandau

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.

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Happy smiling familyPhoto: Deborah Garrison

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.

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Farm landscapePhoto: Krystle Del-Ben

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.

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Lavender fieldsPhoto: Norma Keith

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.

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Road trip among friendsPhoto: Heidi Sanita

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.

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Fall/autumn coloursPhoto: Shirleen Lanthier

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.

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Two best friendsPhoto: Cathy Gauthier

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.

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Cute little girl smiling and laughing while running on a sidewalkPhoto: Ann Lane

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.

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DucklingsPhoto: Olivia Lane

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.

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Persian cat on a windowsillPhoto: Deborah Hattie

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.

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Beautiful, smiling elderly womanPhoto: Susan Norberg

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.

Originally Published on ourcanada.ca