Canadian
vic 3350

The Town

As an important part of Victoria’s gold rush history as anywhere in Ballarat, and now a thriving pocket that offers half peaceful suburbia and half breathtaking parklands for those who love nature, Canadian has fast become one of the Goldfield's most sought-after destinations. A few clicks south-east of Ballarat Central, Canadian once held the record for having discovered the largest gold nugget in the world, with the Leg of Mutton/Canadian Nugget unearthed on New Year’s Day in 1853 at Canadian Gully. The nugget weighed in at a whopping 2144 ounces, which translates to just over 60 kilograms! Canadian garnered the nickname the ‘Jewellers Shop’ for how much gold it yielded. Now, many young families call Canadian home, with the small yet impressive suburb home to a primary school, stunning greenery, and restaurants bordering Golden Point.

The Numbers

(data taken from 2021 Australian Census)

Population: 3,609

Median Age: 34

Married: 45%

Never Married: 39.5%

Couple family without children: 38.9%

Couple family with children: 43.8%

Family households: 68%

What To Do

Canadian really will be appreciated by nature lovers due to the abundance of parklands and forestry that dominate much of the suburb. In July 2021, Australia’s first dementia-friendly forest and sensory trail opened in the Woowookarung Regional Park. The Friendly Forest and Sensory Trail (Katy Ryans Road) meanders through native bushland on Wadawurrung Country and offers a gentle and inclusive way to see, smell, touch, and hear nature. Lake Esmond Botanical Park (Larter Street) was originally the quarry for the Eureka Tile Works until 1982, but was then revitalised into a thriving parkland with an adventure playground, BBQ facilities, and scenic open spaces. Sparrow Ground Reserve (201 Spencer Street) is another outstanding local park with playground facilities for the kids.

Where To Eat And Drink

There is a plethora of wonderful restaurant options that borders Canadian and Golden Point on Main Road right next to Sovereign Hill Historical Park, with this strip the number one spot for locals keen on a quick takeaway meal or more of a sit-down affair with the family. Kambei Japanese Restaurant (1/501 Main Road) provides traditional Japanese fare in stately surrounds, with fresh premium sashimi and crispy tempura their go-to dishes that you can never go wrong with. Just up the road, Masala Valley Indian (429 Main Road) offers a feast of the senses for those with a penchant of sub-continent cuisine. 8 different types of rotis and naans will get you started, while kheer, gajar halwa, and pumpkin pudding will finish you off on a sweet note.

Where To Stay Active

The Shed Gym

24 Butt Street

0457 258 469

XZone Health and Fitness

7/17 Elsworth Street East

0424 000 693

Amplify Pilates

402 Rodier Street

0424 451 646

Mind & Body Mobile Fitness

Lake Esmond

0484 228 037

Where To Learn

Canadian Lead Primary School

301 Otway Street South

(03) 5333 7170