#1 Niagra Falls Niagara Falls would likely be considered a landmark on both sides of the border, but Canadians can

argue that Canada's Horseshoe Falls is the most defining element of Niagara's collective beauty and impact. First discovered by the journeying Samuel de Champlain in 1604, Horseshoe Falls is the only one on the Canadian side, but it's the most powerful, dispensing 90% of the water that arrives from the Niagara River. This has not gone unnoticed as the area is also home to the Sir Adam Beck 1 and 2 hydro stations that are used to produce a multitude of power. Although economic interests have contributed to hydroelectric and hotel development, preservation groups have helped keep the environment of the falls healthy. With Horseshoe Falls the key to Niagara's success, it's been Canada's responsibility to maintain it. That way, we can look forward to it as a landmark for many more Canadians to enjoy. #2 Hollow Tree in Stanley Park Who would've thought that a showstopping, 130-foot cedar tree would become Stanley Park's most revered tourist attraction? Before the park opened in 1888, the 800-year-old tree was already burned and "hollow," carrying a circumference of over 40 feet. Since it had to be seen to be believed, the Hollow Tree became the preferred photo stop for tourists and locals who posed inside the tree, sometimes with horses or even early automobiles. One photographer stopped the tree from being destroyed in 1910, claiming that he made his living off of it. Recent events have forced tourists to keep their distance, though. As the tree is no longer living it has been shrinking, and storms have put it in danger of tipping over, leading park officials to use steel cables and barricades to keep it upright. There might not be any more photo ops, but the Hollow Tree still holds a legendary place in Vancouver's early days. #3 Big Nickle Sudbury, Ontario hosts the largest nickel in the world. The Big Nickel is a 30-foot re-creation of a 1951 Canadian nickel, and it comes courtesy of businessman Ted Szilva and artist Bruno Cavallo. To celebrate Canada's centennial celebration, Szilva came up with the idea of giant coins, but the powers that be refused to fund it. Szilva and Cavallo did it themselves with stainless steel, plywood and iron, and the unique project was completed in 1964. Although it was part of a larger site with other coin replicas and recreational spots, the Big Nickel holds a lot of historical significance in Sudbury. This is due to the town's extensive mining history that dates back to the Canadian Pacific Railway construction in 1883. As an added tribute, Szilva later added a mine shaft. He might not own it anymore, but we can thank him for creating the most famous nickel that Canada has ever known. #4 Bay of Fundy

Formed during continental separation, the Bay of Fundy, located between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, boasts tides that are among the highest in existence for vertical tide range. Mi'kmaq legends explain the tides as a massive whale in the water, while scientists say they're due to the wonders of timing. There's temptation to use the tides for electrical power, but concerns over environmental damage have restricted electrical stations. Instead, Bay of Fundy has become a place for those who can appreciate its simple beauty. Visitors are guaranteed one high and low tide every day, and they can also observe the endangered Right Whale. Tourists can also witness the tide's effects on nearby rivers -- whether it's rapids in the Saint John or the reversal of the Shubenacadie's natural flow. The Bay of Fundy is beautiful to see and easy to appreciate. We're lucky to have it.

#5 At over 1,800 feet tall, the CN Tower was the tallest free-standing building for over 30 years. Opening in 1976 at a $75 million price tag, the Tower was meant to be a headquarters for local radio and TV signals. This was because stations were having problems transmitting during Toronto's skyscraper construction binge of the '70s. CN no longer owns the tower, but with more than two million visitors each year, the Tower is a symbol of its city. TV and radio stations still use it today, but tourists flock up the elevators to the SkyPod, the world's largest observation deck, for a knockout view. It's also popular with lightning, which strikes the Tower upward of 50 times each year. Although Dubai's gargantuan Burj Dubai is now the tallest free-standing building, the CN Tower remains an instant symbol of Toronto and Canada in the same breath. #6 Parliment Hill On the banks of the Ottawa River stands our top choice for Canadian landmarks. Taking a page from Gothic Revival architecture, Parliament Hill was created in 1876, and its current collection of buildings -- led by the Centre Block and Peace Tower -- is familiar to Canadians in any part of the country. The history of Parliament Hill's location goes back to when First Nations people, adventurers and traders would congregate here before traveling further. Orders from Queen Victoria eventually led to parliamentary construction. Thanks to careful renovations, including a planned five-year closing of the Centre Block in 2012, Canada's most recognizable landmark has been handsomely maintained since its opening. Three million visitors flock to the site annually for Canadian celebrations, memorial services or just to look around. Even after all these years, Parliament Hill still holds true as a collective meeting ground of Canadian unity. #7 Chateau Frontenac It's impossible to walk through Old Quebec without catching a glimpse of the Frontenac. Located on a bluff above the St. Lawrence River, the Chateau Frontenac is a symbol of its historical district and the city overall. The architectural brainchild of New York-based Bruce Price, construction was overseen by CN Rail's William Van Horne, who felt that deluxe hotels with chateau flavours would encourage wealthy travelers to visit. By its 1893 opening, people were ready to visit the place named for the 17th Century Count of Frontenac, Louis de Buade. The Frontenac has welcomed celebrities and political bigwigs with equal aplomb. Alfred Hitchcock and Princess Grace were past visitors, and during World War II, the hotel was an important meeting place for Churchill and Roosevelt to trade strategies. Le Frontenac remains iconic and, although the Count is gone, its Canine Ambassador, Santol, is eager to welcome visitors. Vote #8 Saint Joseph's Oratory In the Mount Royal district of Montreal, Saint Joseph's Oratory stands tall as Canada's largest church. Originally conceived by Brother Andr Bessette in 1904, the basilica was finished in 1967 with a dome that ranks only behind Saint Peter's Basilica as the biggest on Earth. The church has an astounding following that still reaches into the millions annually. When he was alive, Andr met many visitors seeking miracles to overcome their ailments and disabilities. As a testament to his work, Andr's heart remains inside the church, along with crutches to symbolize the healing powers within its walls. Further proof of the basilica's influence is seen in art, including the prominence of Saint Joseph's Oratory in the acclaimed French-Canadian film Jesus of Montreal. No matter which side of the religious fence you're on, the cultural and physical significance of Saint Joseph's Oratory in Canadian culture is impossible to ignore.

#9

Chateau Lake Louise In 1890, shortly after what is now Lake Louise was discovered, CP Rail's Cornelius Van Horne erected a modest hotel that was geared toward adventurers. With a lake on the front side and a mountain glacier behind it, the hotel's popularity increased and it was renamed Chateau Lake Louise in 1913. After a fire inspired some expansion, it became a full-fledged tourist destination. Canadians were still inexperienced in trekking along the nearby mountains, so Swiss guides were hired and mountain exploration became a Canadian institution. After being upgraded to a winter stop in 1982, the Chateau is now a year-round stop. It plays home to skiers in the annual Lake Louise World Cup, and its 500 rooms have hosted some famous guests from Marilyn Monroe to Christopher Reeve. As part of Banff National Park, this Canadian landmark is internationally recognized as a World Heritage Site. #10 Confederation Bridge The Charlottetown Conference of 1864, and the subsequent entry of Prince Edward Island into the Dominion of Canada nine years later, were major events in the early days of Canadian history. One of the conditions of including Prince Edward Island was to provide adequate transportation from P.E.I. to the mainland. Steamships were used, followed by ferries, but in 1997, the 12.9 km Confederation Bridge, the longest in Canada, was constructed. Requiring 5,000 workers and a cost of approximately $1 billion, the toll bridge offered vehicular access between P.E.I. and New Brunswick for the first time. Since its inception, the Confederation Bridge has spiked annual tourism by more than 150,000 visitors in Prince Edward Island while facilitating retail growth as well as potato and seafood exports from the island to the Atlantic provinces. All economics aside, the bridge is significant to Canadian history for its record length and its unifying qualities in connecting the Atlantic provinces.