We do a lot of traveling for work, especially south of the border for festivals, and hear a lot of crazy questions about Canada from our readers from the other side of the border. So, I thought I would put together these fun facts about Canada, from my igloo home, and share them with our readers south of the border.
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Canada is the second-largest country in the world by land area.
Canada, with its vast land area of approximately 9.98 million square kilometres (6.21 million sq. mi.), holds the distinction of being the second largest country in the world and has six time zones: Pacific, Mountain, Central, Eastern, Atlantic, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
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.
The Confederation Bridge across the Abegweit Passage of the Northumberland Strait, linking the province of Prince Edward Island with the province of New Brunswick at 12.9 kilometres (8.0 mi), is Canada’s longest bridge and the world’s longest bridge over ice-covered water.
Canada has the longest coastline in the world
Canada has over 243,000 kilometers (150994 miles) of shoreline. Plus has more lakes than any other country, with over 2 million lakes covering about 8% of its land area. Canada is also home to the world’s largest freshwater island, Manitoulin Island, located in Lake Huron.
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.
Canada’s national sport is not Hockey, it is lacrosse
Lacrosse has a rich history in Canada and was originally developed by indigenous nations in North America before Europeans arrived. Don’t get me wrong, Hockey holds a special place in Canadian sports-loving hearts, going beyond just being a game to become a national obsession. Canada is considered the birthplace of ice hockey, and Canadians have a deep-rooted connection with this sport. Something that you might not know is that hockey is not the only sport that was invented by a Canadian. Basketball, which is a globally cherished sport, was invented in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA by James Naismith, a Canadian, in 1891. The first game of basketball used a soccer ball and two peach baskets as equipment, like hockey, very different from the modern gear used today to play the sport.
The telephone was also 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.
The 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.
Canada’s official animal is the Beaver
The beaver was officially declared Canada’s national animal on March 24, 1975. But what you might now know is that 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.
Another fun Canadian animal fact is that Churchill, Manitoba, is famous for being the “Polar Bear Capital of the World.” During the fall, close to a thousand polar bears gather near the coastline to await the freezing of the bay, which gives locals and visitors alike an amazing opportunity to see these magnificent creatures. Remember to keep your distance as these cute, white, furry beasts popularized by Coca-Cola commercials are the largest extant species of bear and land carnivore, with adult males weighing 300–800 kg (660–1,760 lb). Their predatory nature and tendency to view humans as potential prey, make these cute-looking bears extremely dangerous. While attacks are rare, they can be fatal. It’s important to understand their behavior and take precautions when in polar bear territory.
Canada has made an impressive contribution to Hollywood and music
Canada has a thriving arts and culture scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and festivals. Canada is the birthplace for many Hollywood icons (William Shatner, Tommy Chong, Lorne Michaels, Alex Trebek, James Cameron, Jim Carrey, John Candy, Ryan Renolds, Rachel McAdams, Keanu Reeves, Chris Evans, Pamela Anderson and many more) and renowned musicians (Paul Anka, Celine Dion, Joni Mitchell, Bryan Adams, Tate McRae, Justin Bieber, Michael Bublé, Shania Twain, Drake, Avril Lavigne, Alanis Morissette, Sarah McLachlan, Neil Young, Hank Snow and many more ).
Although most of them have made the United States their home now, their Canadian roots remain an essential part of who they are.
Something else you might know is that one of the most famous people in the world technically resides in Canada. Every year, children from all over the world write down their Christmas wishes and send letters to Santa Claus, care of the unique postal code H0H 0H0.
Last but not least, Canada has a reputation for its natural beauty, with many famous attractions like:
- 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.
- The Canadian Rockies – Representing the Canadian segment of the North American Rocky Mountains, comprising both the British Columbian and Alberta Rockies, they showcase some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes you’ll find anywhere.
Five national parks are located within the Canadian Rockies, four of which are adjacent and make up the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks. These five parks are Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, Yoho, and Waterton Lakes. All offer soaring peaks, expansive glaciers, pristine lakes, and a range of wildlife, making it a popular destination. Banff National Park was Canada’s first national park, established in 1885.
While very impressive, the Canadian Rockies are not the highest mountain range in Canada. Both the Saint Elias Mountains (highest point in Canada, Mount Logan at 5,959 m; 19,551 ft) and the Coast Mountains (highest point, Mount Waddington at 4,016 m; 13,176 ft) have higher summits.
- Niagara Falls, which are about 12,000 years old and formed when melting glaciers formed massive fresh-water lakes (the Great Lakes), one of which (Lake Erie) ran downhill toward another (Lake Ontario). The rushing waters carved out a river in their descent and at one point passed over a steep cliff-like formation (the Niagara Escarpment). From the original falls going over the Niagara Escarpment, the water began to wear its way back up the river. The path that it left is known today as the Niagara Gorge (a deeply cut and very scenic river path).
The Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side are 57 meters (180 feet) high and allow 168,000 cubic meters (6 million cubic feet) of water over the crestline every minute during peak daytime tourist hours (that is about a million bathtubs full of water every minute!) Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada, is known as the Honeymoon Capital of the world. Until 1886, when the Statue of Liberty was erected, the Falls at Niagara were the symbol of America and the New World. Visitors from all over the world targeted Niagara as a must-see during a visit to North America, but even today one of the most popular and busiest New World visiting spots. Water that flows over the Falls at Niagara ultimately ends up in Lake Ontario – from there, water drains by way of the St. Lawrence River into the Atlantic Ocean
- Reversing Falls – The amazing phenomenon of the Reversing Falls Rapids is a sight to behold. If you time it just right, you can watch the Bay of Fundy’s monstrously high tide reverse the flow of the mighty Saint John River, even as it pushes through a gorge formed by the collision of continents millions of years ago
- The Bay of Fundy – A visit to Nova Scotia is not complete without witnessing the incredible tides of the Bay of Fundy. Each day, twice a day, 160 billion+ tons of seawater flow in and out of the Bay of Fundy! Tidal changes on the Bay of Fundy typically range 14.5 metres (47.6 feet) from high tide to low tide however, tidal changes in the Bay of Fundy have been measured in extreme conditions at 16.3 metres (53.5 feet).
- Northumberland Strait – With is many warm water beach and parks including Kouchibouguac National Park, Parlee Beach Provincial Park, Chelton Beach Provincial Park, Argyle Shore Provincial Park, Rushton’s Beach Provincial Park and Melmerby Beach Provincial Park.
The Northumberland Strait varies in depth between 17 and 65 metres, with the deepest waters at either end. The tidal patterns are complex; the eastern end has the usual two tides per day, with a tidal range of 1.2 to 1.8 metres, while the western end effectively has only one tide per day.
The strait’s shallow depths lend to warm water temperatures in summer months, with some areas reaching 25°C, or 77°F. Consequently, the strait is reportedly home to the warmest ocean water temperatures in Canada, and some of the warmest ocean water temperatures on the Atlantic coast north of Virginia.
There are many sandy beaches along both the northern and southern coasts of the strait. These beaches, found in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia, are very popular with tourists.
- Cape Breton Highlands National Park – One of Nova Scotia’s most enchanting places, where the mountains meet the sea as the world-famous Cabot Trail weaves through 950 square kilometres (366 sq. mi.) of magnificent highlands and coastal wilderness in northern Cape Breton.
The Highlands offer an abundance of winter activities, from hopping on the gondola and skiing the amazing slopes of Cape Smokey to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on one of the many trails. For snowmobilers, the highlands offer an extensive winter trail system you need to see to believe. Speed past spectacular views. Drive up to cozy eateries and welcoming accommodations. Find your pack of snow-loving adventurers as you cut a powdery path across highland mountains and coastal plains to explore Cape Breton Island in all her white-dusted glory.
In the warmer months, the park offers 26 hiking trails (from easy strolls to challenging climbs) and camping for families and adventurers alike. Plus, the Highlands offer amazing off-road trails for ATVs, world-class golf and cycling, incredible wildlife, relaxing beaches, breathtaking look-offs, and more.
Bordered by the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean, you are never far from a delicious feast of lobster, fresh from the sea around you.
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. When in Quebec, you must try Poutine, a popular dish that 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.
Northern Lights – Canada is one of the premier destinations to witness the awe-inspiring Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. This natural light display paints the night sky with vibrant colours, creating a magical experience for anyone lucky enough to see it.
The best places to catch this spectacular show are in Canada’s northern regions, including Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. The lights are most visible during the winter months when the nights are long and dark. Many travelers visit remote areas and stay in cozy lodges specifically to view the Northern Lights. Some even participate in guided tours that offer insights into the science and legends surrounding this phenomenon.
by Ryan Myson