A photo of it can be found here:

http://i5.tinypic.com/11se8ex.jpg

It was found on the side of a house, making a home between the bricks, in Canada.

Howdy yamisohot-ga,

This is an example of an orb weaver, Araneus gemmoides, or the
Cat-Faced Spider.  It is also called a Jewel Spider.

The Colorado State University website has some details.
http://www.colostate.edu/Dept/CoopExt/4DMG/Pests/catspid.htm

"Full-grown females can be quite large and have a combination
of odd projections on the abdomen as well as dark indentation
markings that some say resemble the ears and eyes of a cat.

Despite their large size and bizarre appearance, cat-face
spiders are harmless to humans."

They are found in all sorts of variations all over the world,
including North America, and are usually found on the sides
of houses, especially in a lit area.

If you need any clarification, please feel free to ask.


Search strategy:

Google search on: spiders spiny OR spined "North America" OR Canada
://www.google.com/search?q=spiders+spiny+OR+spined+%22North+America%22+OR+Canada

Looking Forward, denco-ga - Google Answers Researcher

Thank-you very much for the quick and informative answer!!!

My pleasure, yamisohot-ga, and much thanks for the 5 star rating.

Looking Forward, denco-ga - Google Answers Researcher