A quaint suburb of the Twin Cities metropolitan area in Minnesota, Little Canada boasts the appeal of a small town despite being located just five miles north of St. Paul. The community values its French-Canadian heritage and even hosts an event known as Canadian Days to celebrate both its history and its Ontarian sister city. If you’ve never visited this charming community, what are you waiting for? There are so many wonderful things to do in Little Canada, Minnesota.
Things to Do in Little Canada, Minnesota
Canadian Days
Although you may have already missed this year’s Canadian Days, be sure to put it on your calendar for next year. Held each year at the beginning of August since 1976, this community festival celebrates the city’s French-Canadian heritage and allows locals to meet and greet with residents of their sister city, Thunder Bay, Ontario. This year’s event featured a parade, a 5k run/walk, a scavenger hunt, various tournaments, bingo, live music, scrumptious food, a beer garden, fireworks, and much more. The event is run by an all-volunteer organization, so consider volunteering to meet new people and show your civic pride.
Market Place Morning Talks
It’s never too late to learn something new. An educational series for seniors, Market Place Morning Talks occurs at the Market Place Bingo Hall from 9:30 to 10:30am on the second Wednesday of each month. To find out what will be discussed during upcoming talks, check out the website ahead of time. During the event, you can enjoy complimentary coffee and snacks. The organizers ask that you reserve your spot by calling 651-604-3520, and they request and greatly appreciate a $1 donation from each attendee.
The Farmers’ Market
Who doesn’t love fresh fruit, vegetables, bread, and flowers? Check out Little Canada’s Farmers’ Market on Mondays from 2:30 to 6:00pm. It typically runs from mid-July to mid-October, and it’s located at 2920 Rice Street in the Hardware Hank parking lot. Not only will you support local farmers and vendors, but you can also chat with members of the community and do some grocery shopping.
The Little Canada Historical Society
If you’re interested in the history of Little Canada, which began as the township of New Canada in 1858, be sure to explore the resources of the Little Canada Historical Society. The History Center is located within an addition to City Hall and open Tuesdays (9:00am to 12:00pm) and Thursdays (9:00am to 12:00pm, 6:30pm to 8:30pm), and by appointment. Admission is free. And to learn more about the city’s history, why not visit some of its historical destinations? For example, we encourage you to check out St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and St. John’s Cemetery, which were built in 1852. The cemetery is the second oldest in the State of Minnesota.
Roseville Area Senior Program (RASP)
Roseville Area Schools offers a senior program (sometimes known as RASP) that includes enriching educational programs, fun activities, and volunteer opportunities. The groups and classes are available to anyone over the age of 55, and you can view the program’s Activities Calendar online to explore upcoming events (the link for the current calendar is available on this page). To get an idea of some of the classes and activities offered, in September 2017, RASP will host ballroom dancing classes, billiards, partner bridge, hearing and blood pressure screenings, investment forums, and more.
Parks & Trails
In addition to all of the amazing things to do in Little Canada listed above, don’t forget about the city’s lovely parks and trails. The three largest parks are Pioneer Park, Spooner Park, and Gervais Mill Park. You might enjoy the fishing piers at Gervais Mill Park and Gervais Lake Beach. And if you’re interested in trails for biking, walking, or simply strolling, check out the City of Little Canada’s Trail System Map.
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There are so many wonderful things to do in Little Canada no matter what your age. Take advantage of all this quaint city has to offer.
Finally, if you or a loved one is looking for a senior living community in the area, check out The Shores of Lake Phalen in Maplewood, Minnesota, just 10 minutes away from Little Canada. Nestled into a gorgeous wooded setting between two lakes, The Shores of Lake Phalen offers apartment-style housing in a resort atmosphere. Residents enjoy numerous health and safety amenities, fun events and activities, a friendly and accommodating staff, and so much more in a charming neighborhood on Lake Phalen. Schedule a tour of the community to explore our spacious apartments, elegant dining room, cozy library, and more. We look forward to hearing from you!