30 Canada Facts You Didn’t Know
Canada is a compelling destination known for its stunning natural landscapes and distinctive wildlife. From its fascinating history to intriguing facts about its vibrant cities, let's explore 30 surprising details about this northern wonderland.
30 interesting and fun facts about Canada
Canada has a rich heritage and the world’s longest coastline. Stretching from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean, it’s an enormous country full of wide-open spaces where nature reigns. Let’s look at some of the nation’s historical events, geographical landmarks, and the varied cultural attractions that make Canada a truly remarkable destination.
1. Canada has the largest moose population in the world
The Canadian moose holds great significance as both a symbol of the country and one of its most iconic wildlife species. Canada boasts the largest population of moose in the world, with estimates in excess of 1 million.
2. Canada is hockey obsessed
Hockey holds a special place in Canadian sports-loving hearts, going beyond just being a game to become a national obsession. Considered the birthplace of ice hockey, Canada has a deep-rooted connection with this team activity.
3. The Canadian Rockies showcase a range of habitats
The Canadian Rockies showcase some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes you’ll find anywhere. With soaring peaks, expansive glaciers, pristine lakes, and a range of wildlife, it is a popular destination.
See the snow and ice bringing this spectacular landscape to life on our Rockies Winter Wonderland tour.
4. Poutine is a must-try dish
Poutine, a popular dish, originated in Quebec. It is made with French fries that are topped with cheese curds and covered in gravy. This combination of flavours has made poutine a comfort food favourite among Canadians.
5. The population is highly educated
Canada consistently ranks among the most educated countries in the world. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), over 56% of Canadians aged 25 to 64 have completed some form of post-secondary education.
6. The Magnetic Hill looks like it defies gravity
Located in Moncton, New Brunswick, the famous "Magnetic Hill" is a truly unique tourist attraction. This intriguing spot creates an optical illusion that gives the impression of cars rolling uphill on their own.
7. Canada is the second-largest country
Canada, with its vast land area of approximately 9.98 million square kilometres, holds the distinction of being the second-largest country in the world.
8. Canada hosts the world's largest collection of Inuit art
The Winnipeg Art Gallery in Manitoba is home to the world's largest collection of contemporary Inuit art. The gallery showcases breathtaking sculptures, prints, and textiles that are created by talented Indigenous artists.
9. Canada has made an impressive contribution to Hollywood and music
Canada is the birthplace for many Hollywood icons and renowned musicians, including the likes of Jim Carrey, Celine Dion, Ryan Renolds, and Chris Evans. Although most of them have made the United States their home now, their Canadian roots remain an essential part of who they are.
10. John Cabot accidentally claimed Canada for England
John Cabot, an Italian explorer commissioned by Henry VII of England in 1497, embarked on a voyage to Asia aboard the ship Matthew. He unexpectedly arrived at modern-day Newfoundland, and Cabot's accidental landing marked England's initial claim on parts of Canada.
11. Basketball was born in Canada
Basketball, now a globally cherished sport, was created by James Naismith, a Canadian, in 1891. The first game of basketball used a soccer ball and two peach baskets as equipment, unlike the modern gear used today.
12. Canada still has a monarchy
Canada maintains a strong historical connection to its former coloniser, the United Kingdom, through shared royal bonds. The current UK monarch also serves as the monarch of Canada, in a primarily symbolic role.
13. Canada's is the main maple syrup producer
Canada is responsible for producing nearly 85% of the world's maple syrup. Many families have maintained their businesses by passing down land filled with rock maple trees from one generation to the next.
14. Quebec has North America's sole walled city
The ramparts of Quebec City have a rich history beyond mere decoration. Originally built by French and British colonists from the 17th to the 19th centuries, these fortifications served as a formidable defence against invaders.
Enjoy two nights in this historic city as you explore Canada's Eastern Splendours.
15. Canadian Thanksgiving is an old tradition
Canada's Thanksgiving predates the American tradition by over 40 years, with origins going back to 1578 when the English explorer Martin Frobisher held a ceremony in Newfoundland to express gratitude for a successful voyage.
16. Leif Erikson was the first European in Canada
Leif Erikson, a Norse explorer hailing from Iceland, set foot on Canadian soil around 1,000 years ago, specifically in Newfoundland. This historic event marked what is considered to be the first time a European reached North American shores.
17. Canada is extremely cold
Unsurprisingly, a country renowned for its long winters and snowy landscapes boasts some chilling temperature records. On February 3, 1947, in the small village of Snag in the Yukon territory, the temperature dropped to an astounding -63 degrees Celsius (-81.4 Fahrenheit).
18. Canada declared independence in 1982
Prior to this, Canada was still under British rule for legal and constitutional matters. On April 17, 1982, which is now known as Constitution Day, Queen Elizabeth II signed the Constitution Act into law.
19. Canada has a unique national drink: The Caesar
Canada's national beverage, the Caesar, features the unique ingredient of clam juice. This intriguing drink is a mixture of vodka, Clamato (clam broth and tomato juice), Tabasco hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and lime. It's served chilled over ice in a glass with celery salt on the rim.
20. Canada's national sport is lacrosse
Lacrosse has a rich history in Canada and was originally developed by indigenous nations in North America before Europeans arrived.
21. The telephone was invented in Canada
Alexander Graham Bell, an immigrant from Scotland living in Brantford, Ontario, is recognised as the inventor of the telephone in 1876. This groundbreaking invention undeniably transformed the world.
22. Canada has a vast coastline
With an impressive coastline stretching over 202,080 kilometres, it would take more than four and a half years to walk from one end to the other of Canada’s coast.
23. Canada fought the ‘Beaver Wars’
The conflict known as the Beaver Wars was not fought against animals, but rather between humans competing for power and control over territories abundant in valuable fur, specifically that of beavers.
24. Canada loves immigration
In 1971, Canada officially implemented an open immigration policy. Since then, people from all over the world have chosen Canada as their new home.
25. Santa Claus's address is in Canada
Santa Claus technically resides in Canada. Every year, children from all over the world write down their Christmas wishes and send letters to Santa, care of the unique postal code H0H 0H0.
26. Canada's name is from an indigenous language
The St Lawrence Iroquoian tribe named their village “Kanata”, but European explorer Jacques Cartier misunderstood and believed that the term referred to the entire region.
27. Canadians love mac and cheese
Canadians have a strong affinity for macaroni and cheese. In fact, they consume 55% more mac and cheese than their neighbours in the United States.
28. British Columbia has enormous forests
British Columbia has over 60 million hectares, or 149 million acres, of lushly forested land. This is around the size of Germany and France combined.
Experience the majestic beauty of British Columbia as you ride the Rocky Mountaineer on our Grand Tour of Canada.
29. Canada is the polar bear capital
Churchill, located in Manitoba, Canada, is famous for being the "Polar Bear Capital of the World" due to its significant population of pale, furry beasts. Visitors have the opportunity to see these magnificent creatures during specific seasons.
30. The Trans-Canada highway is a record-breaker
The Trans-Canada highway is an impressive road with a total length of about 7,821 kilometres (or roughly 4,860 miles). It connects Victoria in British Columbia on the Pacific Coast to Labrador on the Atlantic Coast.
Explore Canada with Travelsphere
Delve deeper into the rich tapestry of Canada, exploring its history and immersing yourself in its distinctive atmosphere with Travelsphere. We are the ultimate guided tour company for those seeking unforgettable experiences. Our carefully crafted journeys will take you on a mesmerising exploration through the heart of Canada's Eastern Wonders and offer you the chance to embark on an awe-inspiring adventure through the nation’s breathtaking landscapes with our Canada and the Rocky Mountaineer Tour.
When you choose Travelsphere, you're not just signing up for a vacation, you're embarking on a cultural odyssey. Our guided tours are meticulously designed to provide you with an authentic and immersive experience of a new culture and country. Canada, with its multifaceted history and majestic natural wonders, offers a wealth of experiences waiting to be uncovered. Whether you want to see rugged terrain or incredible cultural sights, you’ll find a tour that suits you.
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