Little Canada is an expansive, miniature journey across the country, meticulously crafted at a 1:87 scale. To bring this tiny world to life, a multidisciplinary team of makers combines traditional hand-sculpting and laser cutting with modern 3D printing technology.
3D printing has become a cornerstone of their workflow, allowing the team to iterate quickly and solve complex problems at scale. By using high-quality materials from Filaments.ca, they can reproduce intricate architectural details and specific components that would be nearly impossible to fabricate by hand.
Where the Magic Happens: 3D Printing in Action
From iconic landmarks to the gears that make the world move, filament plays a role in almost every corner of the exhibit:
- Iconic Architecture: Massive structures like Old City Hall in Little Toronto, the BC Parliament building, and the Dominion Building were fully 3D printed.
- Realistic Details: To populate the vast landscapes, the team prints tiny people, trees, and icebergs.
- Dynamic Scenes: Elements that capture the imagination—like hot air balloons and the mechanical parts for animated scenes—rely on the precision of 3D printing.
(Old City Hall in Little Toronto, Photo Credit: Little Canada)
(The Gatineau Balloon Festival in Little Ottawa, Photo Credit: Calm Elliot-Armstrong)
Functionality Behind the Scenes
3D printing isn't just for what the guests see; it’s a vital tool for the facility's operations. The team regularly designs and prints functional hardware, such as the custom mounts that hold lights over their story cards, ensuring the exhibit runs smoothly and efficiently.
"At miniature scale, consistency, reliability, and print quality matter. Having dependable filament means fewer failed prints, cleaner details, and faster turnaround."
(3D-printed light holder, Photo Credit: Little Canada)
Why Quality Filament Matters
Building a tiny version of a very big country requires immense technical and creative stamina. By partnering with Filaments.ca, Little Canada ensures their makers have the reliable tools they need to maintain the high standards of realism that visitors expect.
(The Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade in Little Golden Horseshoe, Photo Credit: Little Canada)
Ready to see this tiny world for yourself?
From raw filament to finished masterpiece, the scale of Little Canada has to be seen to be believed. Plan your visit today and discover the incredible detail of a nation built one layer at a time.