Canada Then and Now: This is How We've Grown

Sometimes it’s easy to forget how much Canada has changed over the years. When you see the same familiar places day in and day out, you may not notice the slow evolution of our cities. But when you look at photographs from decades ago, the amount of change is mind-boggling — especially compared to Canada’s earliest days. To see just how much Canada has changed, we’ve found some outstanding vintage photos of Canadian cites and compare them to the way things look now. Prepare to be surprised!

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Halifax Then

This is Halifax as it appeared from Citadel Hill in 1920. Front and centre is the Town Clock, which has been keeping time for the city since the early 1800s.

SEE ALSO: The cheapest places to travel to in Canada this year.

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Halifax Now

And today, well, Halifax is all grown up. Lots of new buildings but the Town Clock is still here, in all its glory. Citadel Hill is now a National Historic Site and along with many nearby beaches, is a must-visit when in Nova Scotia this summer.

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Vancouver Then

In this photo, we're looking down Granville Street towards the North Shore mountains. It was taken in 1954 from the foot of the nearly completed Granville Street Bridge. In the distance, you can see the Vogue Theatre, the Orpheum Theatre and the familiar clock tower of the Vancouver Block.

RELATED: 20 best train trips in Canada.

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Vancouver Now

In this photo, we're high above modern Granville Street, which is now a canyon cutting through dozens of new towers. Still visible in the distance is the neon clock of the Vancouver Block. The Vogue and Orpheum are still down there too. Vancouver is also notable for its mild climate, making it one of the warmest places to retire in Canada.

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Toronto Then

Back in 1868, Canada was just a year old and Toronto's King Street was little more than a dirt boulevard used by the odd horse and buggy.

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Toronto Now

King Street today, complete with tall buildings, pavement and the Toronto International Film Festival every September. Want to see some of those visiting movie stars? Here's where they go when they're in Toronto.

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Montreal Then

This is what Old Montreal used to look like around 1890. In the distance, you can see the familiar dome of Bonsecours Market, which was built between 1844 and 1847.

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Montreal Now

The same area in Montreal as it looks now with cafes, bars, and restaurants. That's the Jacques Cartier Bridge and the Bonsecours Market dome in the distance. Montreal is not only a great city to visit, but it's also one of the best places in Canada to raise kids.

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Winnipeg Then

Even if you're not from Winnipeg, you know that the intersection of Portage and Main is the city's ground zero. In 1871, it was an important crossroads for traders and travellers.

SEE ALSO: Top Canadian spas for budget-friendly escapes.

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Winnipeg Now

Portage and Main is still an important intersection and is home to some of Winnipeg's tallest buildings. However, pedestrian traffic flows under the intersection, where there's an underground mall that provides shelter from the elements. Here are some other things that you might not know about Winnipeg.

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Edmonton Then

In 1896, Edmonton's Jasper Avenue didn't have much of a traffic problem, just a few horses and carriages. It must have been slow going on the dirt track in wet weather.

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Edmonton Now

With modern times comes traffic and, of course, buildings. Lots and lots of buildings and not a horse to be seen. Edmonton is also one of the most expensive places to live in 2019 in Canada.

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Calgary Then

This 1920s image of Calgary shows that the city was already an important business centre. The Centre Street Bridge, which had only opened a few years earlier (1916) was a vital link across the Bow River.

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Calgary Now

While Calgary, one of Canada's most beautiful cities, has grown to a city of well over a million people and sports this stunning skyline, you'll still find the Centre Street Bridge carrying traffic over the Bow River.

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Toronto CNE Then

The Canadian National Exhibition has always been popular with Torontonians and visitors. This is the old Dufferin St. entrance in 1907, back when people dressed up when they went to the fair.

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Toronto CNE Now

Here are the far less stylish crowds on a recent opening day of the CNE, which is still one of Toronto's big draws. However, sometimes you need to get away from the big city. These are the best long weekend destinations from Toronto.

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Vancouver Then

This view of Vancouver's skyline and waterfront was taken from Stanley Park in 1955. Vancouverites will recognize the Sun Tower, the Dominion Building and the Marine Building. Not far away is the Pacific Central Station where you can still take one of the best train trips in Canada.

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Vancouver Now

And this is what the view from Stanley Park, one of Canada's top tourist destinations, looks like today. Despite all the new towers, you can still see the Marine Building on the left, just behind the Shaw Tower.

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Ottawa Then

This shot of Ottawa-Hull, taken from the Peace Tower, dates back to 1965. You can see the Alexandra Bridge (officially, the Royal Alexandra Interprovincial Bridge) and the Library of Parliament in the foreground. Also visible is a logging operation along the shore of the Ottawa River.

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Ottawa Now

Today, the scene is surprisingly similar. The Alexandra Bridge and Library of Parliament are still prominent. But over on the Quebec side of the river, you'll notice the addition of many new buildings and the large smokestack is gone. Now, like then, Ottawa is one of the best cities in Canada to visit during the summer.