This year, I am attempting a coast-to-coast-to-coast journey around Canada with my dog Berton. I'll be documenting it in video and in a subsequent book. I am currently fundraising for the tour, which you can support here 👇 gofund.me/e0fe996e2

On this day in 2001, Al Waxman died. Born in 1935 in Toronto, he is best-known for his role as Larry King on King of Kensington. He also appeared on Cagney & Lacey, Twice in a Lifetime, Due South and The Littlest Hobo. He was also a veteran of the Stratford Festival.

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Berton would like to wish you all a good morning but he’s caught up in the Sunday snoozes. He will attempt a good morning to everyone in a little bit

In September 1907, Newfoundland was granted Dominion Status and became the Dominion of Newfoundland. For the next three decades, the island had Prime Ministers, rather than premiers. Here are the Prime Ministers of Newfoundland. 🧵 1/12

An Olympian in the pole vault, he went on to have a legendary career with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Considered by some to be the greatest Maple Leaf in history, he was respected by teammates and opponents alike. This is the story of Syl Apps. 🧵 1/10

On this day in 1967, Yellowknife was chosen to be the capital of the Northwest Territories. From 1905 to 1967, the seat of government was in Ottawa. Yellowknife was chosen for its central location, transportation links, resident's preference, and the industrial base.

On this day in 1987, Degrassi Junior High debuted on CBC. One of the first soap operas for kids and teens, it ran for three seasons and was critically-acclaimed for its subject matter. It won eight Gemini Awards and an Emmy Award. Its sequel series, Degrassi High, began in 1989.

On this day in 1983, Bryan Adams released his third studio album Cuts Like A Knife. The album was a massive success, and reached the top 25 in six countries. It hit #8 in Canada and went 3x Platinum. It sold nearly two million copies worldwide and won four Junos.

Happy birthday to Mark Messier, born on this day in St. Albert, Alberta in 1961! In his Hall of Fame career, he won six Stanley Cups, the Conn Smythe, two Harts, two Lester B. Pearsons and played in 16 All-Star Games. He recorded 1,887 points in 1,756 games.

On this day in 1950, Gilles Villeneuve was born in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. He competed in Formula One from 1977 to 1982 and had 13 podium finishes. He won six Grands Prix. He died in a crash at the 1982 Belgian Grand Prix. he is a member of Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.

On this day in 1958, Willie O'Ree became the first Black player in the NHL when he took to the ice for the Boston Bruins. He had 14 points in 45 NHL games and 639 points in 785 WHL games. A member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, his number was also retired by the Bruins in 2022.

On this day in 2010, Kate McGarrigle died. Born in 1946, she wrote and performed for decades with her sister Anna McGarrigle. They released 14 albums and are famous for singing The Log Driver's Waltz (written by Wade Hemsworth). She is the mother of Rufus and Martha Wainwright.

On this day in 1888, Chubby Power was born. A hockey star, he earned the Military Cross in the First World War. He served in Parliament from 1917 to 1955 and the Senate from 1955 to his death in 1968. Learn more in my Deep Dive 👇 buff.ly/JT88efu

On this day in 1988, a referendum was held in Prince Edward Island over the issue of a fixed link to the mainland. Nearly 60% of residents voted for a bridge to be built. Learn more in my Deep Dive 👇 buff.ly/RU2q8jH

During his life, Mistahi-maskwa (Big Bear) was one of the most important chiefs of his era. A gifted and respected warrior, he often pushed for peace and to help his people. Despite this, he spent his last years imprisoned for treason. This is his story. 🧵 1/11

Busher Jackson was one of the great players of his era. But his hard partying lifestyle led to hard times when his career ended. Reduced to selling sticks outside Maple Leaf Gardens, his induction to the Hall of Fame led Conn Smythe to quit the committee. 🧵 1/10

On Jan. 17, 1921, two Halifax men announced they were going to walk across Canada. Within two weeks, four more people joined and the walk became a race. For the next few months, Canadians were transfixed with the Halifax Herald Coast-to-Coast Race. This is the story. 🧵 1/12

Jacques Plante was born on this day in 1929. While it is often claimed he was the first goalie to wear a mask, this isn't the case. Several goalies beat him to it.

The hockey heroics and sudden disappearance of Bill Barilko has become part of our cultural landscape thanks to The Tragically Hip. But what is the story of Barilko's life and the mystery of his disappearance? youtu.be/20fQ0_iSSvg

Berton wants to assure all of you that he will get the piece of chicken out of this contraption. Please just be patient.

On Jan. 17, 1921, two Halifax men announced they were going to walk across Canada. Within two weeks, four more people joined and the walk became a race. For the next few months, Canadians were transfixed with the Halifax Herald Coast-to-Coast Race. This is the story. 🧵 1/12

On this day in 2006, Pierre Grondin died. Born in 1925, he contributed to the development of open-heart surgery using the heart-lung machine. In May 1968, he performed Canada's first successful heart transplant at the Montreal Heart Institute. 📸 Francis J. Menten

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Busher Jackson was one of the great players of his era. But his hard partying lifestyle led to hard times when his career ended. Reduced to selling sticks outside Maple Leaf Gardens, his induction to the Hall of Fame led Conn Smythe to quit the committee. 🧵 1/10

During his life, Mistahi-maskwa (Big Bear) was one of the most important chiefs of his era. A gifted and respected warrior, he often pushed for peace and to help his people. Despite this, he spent his last years imprisoned for treason. This is his story. 🧵 1/11

On this day in 2015, Don Harron died. Born in Toronto in 1924, he was a comedian, actor, journalist, composer and playwright. Well-known for his character of Charlie Farquharson, he is a member of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. He also received the Order of Canada.

On this day in 1884, electric lights were installed on Parliament Hill. The lights were installed by the Edison Electric Light Company. A small powerplant was installed in the House of Commons basement with about 400 lights installed throughout the building.

On this day in 1974, Joni Mitchell released her sixth studio album Court and Spark. The album reached #1 in Canada and was met with critical acclaim. It won a Grammy and sold over two million copies. In 2004, it was inducted into Grammy Hall of Fame.

Happy birthday to Jim Carrey, born on this day in Newmarket, Ontario in 1962! In his career, he has won two Golden Globes (out of seven nominations) and is an Emmy, BAFTA and Grammy nominee. He also has a star on Canada's Walk of Fame.

On this day in 1929, Jacques Plante was born. In his Hall of Fame career, he won the Stanley Cup six times, seven Vezinas and the Hart Trophy. While not the first NHL goalie to wear a mask, he popularized the use of one and changed hockey forever.

On this day in 1880, Mack Sennett was born in Danville, Quebec. He founded his own studio, Keystone Studios, in 1912. His movies, especially the Keystone Cops films, were famous for their slapstick. Many actors, including Charlie Chaplin, got their start in his films.

When Toronto's Old City Hall was built, it was the largest civic building in North America and the tallest building in Canada for almost three decades. In the 1960s, it was almost demolished to make way for skyscrapers and an Eaton's retail complex. This the story. 🧵 1/10

His Klondike-inspired poems earned him the title of The Bard of the Yukon. His collection of poetry, Songs of the Sourdough, sold more than three million copies. He remains one of Canada's most well-known poets. This is the story of Robert W. Service. 🧵 1/12

Received this book in my PO Box today. Thank you so much! A nice addition to my research library :) Have something to send my way? You can at: Craig Baird PO Box 2384 Stony Plain PO Main Alberta T7Z1X8

My thrift store haul today.

Do not fear citizens. Berton is always watching, ready to pounce when there is danger. He is the hero we all need. Bert-Dog!

His Klondike-inspired poems earned him the title of The Bard of the Yukon. His collection of poetry, Songs of the Sourdough, sold more than three million copies. He remains one of Canada's most well-known poets. This is the story of Robert W. Service. 🧵 1/12

On this day in 1960, Gordie Howe recorded his 947th point and become the NHL's all-time leading scorer. He passed Maurice Richard, who was still an active player at the time. Howe finished his career with 1,850 points, while Richard retired with 966 points.

Canuckle 1343 5/6 ⬜⬜⬜🟨🟥 ⬜🟥⬜🟥🟥 ⬜🟥⬜🟥🟥 ⬜🟥🟥🟥🟥 🟥🟥🟥🟥🟥 🔥 streak: 910 💪 #CanuckleTitan www.canucklegame.ca

When Toronto's Old City Hall was built, it was the largest civic building in North America and the tallest building in Canada for almost three decades. In the 1960s, it was almost demolished to make way for skyscrapers and an Eaton's retail complex. This the story. 🧵 1/10

On this day in 1905, Ottawa's Frank McGee scored 14 goals, including eight in nine minutes, against the Dawson City Nuggets in a Stanley Cup challenge game. Learn more in my Deep Dive 👇 buff.ly/jHgsWBA

Happy birthday to Cliff Thorburn, born on this day in 1948 in Victoria. Nicknamed The Grinder for his slow and determined style of play in snooker, he won the World Championship in 1980. He is a member of the Snooker Hall of Fame and Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.

Thank you to the anonymous person who donated yesterday! Your support of my work means a lot to me :) If you enjoy my Canadian history content, you can support my work with a donation at 👇 www.buymeacoffee.com/craigu

Happy National Bagel Day! The Montreal-style bagel is famous across Canada, and is the only style of bagel to have ventured into space. But what makes a bagel...Montreal-style? This is the story! 🧵 1/8

Before the Toronto Raptors arrived in the NBA, there was the team known as the Huskies. In fact, the first-ever NBA game was played between the Toronto Huskies and New York Knicks at Maple Leaf Gardens in 1946. The team's history was far too short. This is the story. 🧵 1/8

On Jan. 15, 1968, NHL player Bill Masterton died two days after hitting his head on the ice during a game. This is a man who worked on the Apollo Moon Program, and never gave up on his dream of playing in the NHL. This is his story. 🧵 1/11

A clip from this week's podcast episode of Canadian History Ehx about Shanawdithit. Subscribe on all podcast platforms

Canada is one amazing country, with Littlest Hobos, Tickle Trunks, House Hippos and Friendly Giants. Find my latest merch here, available as hoodies and shirts in many colours👇 buff.ly/685o58C

Finding a 1988 Olympic Torch Relay jacket has become my Holy Grail thrift\second-hand store find. I'll likely never find one, but it shall be my white whale from this moment on. (Yes I know I can buy on eBay, but I prefer the thrift store hunt)