Longitudinal Centre of Canada – Lorette, Manitoba - Atlas Obscura
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Longitudinal Centre of Canada

Lorette, Manitoba

This strangely specific landmark will let travelers know when they are half way there.  

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This is on the westbound side debeachcomber (Atlas Obscura User)
This is on the westbound side debeachcomber (Atlas Obscura User)
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Despite being a seemingly arbitrary and meaningless fact, the exact center of Canada is actually up for debate. However, the Longitudinal Centre of Canada has been established and is marked by a uniquely specific road sign.

With signs on both sides of the Trans-Canadian Highway, anyone traveling horizontally across Canada in either direction will know exactly when they are half-way there. The sign is also presented in both English and French so that no one is left out of the cartographic fun. The exact coordinates are 96° 48’ 35” as noted on the road signs and the spot was determined to be the center of the country based on the distance from its farthest outlying islands on either side. 

Know Before You Go

Just follow the Trans Canada Highway East of Winnipeg, Canada to coordinates 49.76773-96.8097 (49degrees 46' 02.40" 96degrees 48'35"). This point is between the two highway signs. It is approximately 8.2 miles (13.2 km) West of the junction of CA100 and CA 1 or approximately 6.7 miles (10.8 km) East of the junction of CA207 and CA 1 (near Deacons Corner, MB).

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