TORONTO — Little Canada, one of Toronto’s most celebrated indoor attractions, has unveiled its newest addition: Little West Coast.

This miniature world, nestled within the vast 45,000-square-foot space of Little Canada, offers a magical glimpse into the natural beauty and vibrant stories of Canada’s western frontier. From the temperate rainforests of British Columbia to the arid Okanagan Valley, visitors can now experience the West Coast in intricate detail, continuing Little Canada’s tradition of captivating storytelling through the art of miniatures.

A DECADE OF CRAFTSMANSHIP

Since its inception in August 2021, Little Canada has grown into a cultural landmark, offering an opportunity to see the vastness of Canada in an afternoon. The brainchild of Jean-Louis Brenninkmeijer, Founder and Chief Visionary Officer, Little Canada is more than just a display of tiny landmarks – it’s a journey through the diverse stories that make up the Canadian experience. With each new addition, Brenninkmeijer and his team continue to refine their craft, bringing to life not just iconic places but also the spirit of the country.

“For us, Little Canada is about connecting people, places, and stories through miniature art,” Brenninkmeijer said during the unveiling of Little West Coast. “Most Canadians may never have the opportunity or means to see all of Canada. Through our intricate and detailed miniature models, we invite guests to tell their own stories and develop a sense of curiosity and wonder about this country.”

The bright lights and fun attractions of Niagara Falls at Little Canada

AN UNVEILING LIKE NO OTHER

Little West Coast, the seventh destination in Little Canada’s growing repertoire, is an 800-square-foot tribute to the natural and cultural treasures of Canada’s westernmost regions. In contrast to Little East Coast, unveiled just last year, the West Coast exhibit brings to life a diverse range of environments, from the Okanagan Valley’s desert landscapes to the lush rainforests that define Vancouver’s surrounding areas. This destination offers a unique glimpse of British Columbia, featuring iconic landmarks like Vancouver’s Gastown and Stanley Park and Vancouver Island’s Tofino and Victoria.

“There’s nowhere else you could visit Canada’s desert and rainforest within minutes,” Brenninkmeijer noted. “We’ve worked with incredible care, passion, and humor to depict these stories and landscapes, and it’s a true testament to our team’s craftsmanship and curiosity.”

The creation of Little West Coast was no small feat. It took the collective effort of 30 artisans and over 25,000 hours to bring this destination to life. The attention to detail is staggering: the team painstakingly hand-painted 3D-printed boats, crafted approximately 8,000 miniature trees, and introduced a variety of animations never before seen at Little Canada. A particular highlight is the rolling fog in the mountains of Rogers Pass, a technological marvel that brings an extra layer of realism to the display.

Vancouver at Little Canada, part of the new Western Canada exhibit

PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES

As with every new destination at Little Canada, the West Coast exhibit pushes the boundaries of what can be achieved in miniature art. For the first time, the team integrated lighting directly into resin, showcasing the Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden in Gastown in a stunning display. The Granville Market’s bustling atmosphere was captured using two-way mirrors, creating the illusion of a larger space filled with vendors. These innovations not only add depth to the exhibit but also immerse visitors in the vibrancy and dynamism of the West Coast.

Brenninkmeijer highlighted the role of human ingenuity in these creations, especially in response to the question of whether Little Canada had adopted artificial intelligence. “Our team relies on human intelligence, the process of learning by doing, by trial and error. In order to build Little West Coast the way we did, we needed to learn from our previous destinations. It’s this continuous evolution that allows us to create something even more spectacular each time.”

This spirit of learning is evident in the playful yet precise details found throughout Little West Coast. From orcas and dolphins jumping in the Pacific Ocean to surfers riding the waves off Tofino’s shores, the exhibit is teeming with life and motion, creating a sense of awe and wonder for visitors.

LIttle Canada’s Toronto with Rogers Centre and CN Tower

CELEBRATING CANADIAN DIVERSITY

Little West Coast is more than a geographical exploration; it’s a celebration of the diverse stories and cultures that thrive on Canada’s western shores. This destination, like the ones that came before it, represents the collective effort of Brenninkmeijer’s team to highlight Canada’s unique identity, all while ensuring that each new addition feels fresh, exciting, and true to its roots.

As Brenninkmeijer reflected on the exhibit’s unveiling, he emphasized the role that storytelling plays in connecting people to the country. “Being an immigrant myself, I came to appreciate the richness, beauty, and diversity of Canada, its culture, history, and geography. With Little West Coast, we’re not just building miniatures; we’re telling stories that bring people together.”

With its intricate details, cutting-edge innovations, and heartfelt storytelling, Little West Coast is set to be a must-see destination for anyone visiting Toronto. It serves as both a bookend to the existing Little East Coast and a testament to the wonders that Little Canada continues to bring to life.

For those who haven’t yet experienced the charm and magic of Little Canada, the addition of Little West Coast offers the perfect reason to visit and rediscover the country through a new lens, one that’s just a few inches tall but stretches across the entire nation.

For more information go to https://little-canada.ca/.