Why? Because it’s an important part of this country, but so rarely seen or thought about by most of the people who live here. Plus, it stands to be one of the regions most impacted by global warming. 

Niagara Falls

Why? It could quite possibly be Canada’s most iconic geological feature. And it is pretty damn impressive — irrespective of how touristy it is. Plus it closes a loop: it’s believed that the first photo ever taken in Canada was of Niagara Falls.

Michelle Chaput, director of education:

Lesser-known Canadian endangered species, like burrowing owls, gray foxes, narwhals, caribou and the eastern prickly pear cactus

Why? It’s crucial that we raise awareness about Canada’s wild places and species that are challenged by an uncertain future due to human land use.

Tanya Kirnishni, special projects editor

Something that is representative of the Indigenous Peoples in Canada

Why? Most First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures highlight the connection to the land as being an integral part of their ways of life and knowing. So maybe something like Haida Gwaii cedars with the totem poles, or Prairie grasses with a Red River cart or a teepee, or the Arctic with an Inuksuk.

Angelica Haggert, digital editor 

The Great Lakes

Why? The Great Lakes hold one-fifth of the world’s fresh surface water. They also hold 20 per cent of all the liquid water on Earth’s surface! Plus, as an added bonus, loads of Canadians live at the water’s edge of these lakes — about 32 per cent of Canada’s population!

Abi Hayward, assistant editor

B.C.’s glass sponges

Why? Thought to be extinct until the 1980s, B.C.’s glass sponge reefs are utterly unique. Discovering them was literally the invertebrate equivalent of finding out that T. rex was still alive. They play a vital role in their ecosystem by filtering thousands of litres of water and they’re just generally really cool.

Canada jay

Why? What could be more Canadian than our national bird (according to Canadian Geographic)? Also known as whiskey jacks, grey jays and camp robbers, the Canada jay is found coast to coast to coast — a hardy, friendly little creature which has been good company for hunters, hikers, trappers and tourists alike (and which — speaking from experience — will not hesitate to steal your sandwich).

Dominque Patnaik, education program coordinator

The boreal forest