Americans think they know Canada until they realize how wrong some of their beliefs are.
Igloo living
Did you know some Americans still believe Canadians (particularly up north) live in houses made out of ice? Igloos were only temporary hunting shelters used by the Inuit people in the past. Nowadays, everyone lives in regular houses or apartments with indoor heat.
Endless winter
Many people think Canada is freezing cold all year round. Canadians live primarily in the south, where summers are often hot/humid and exceed 30°C. Canadians often find themselves spending a lot of time telling people that they actually do own shorts and flip flops.
Speaking French
Americans tend to think that every Canadian is perfectly bilingual and speaks fluent French. Although Canada does have two official languages, the majority of French speakers reside in Quebec or parts of New Brunswick. In provinces outside of that, many Canadians have not practiced their French since their required high school courses.
The “Aboot”
How Canadians supposedly pronounce the word “about” as “a-boot” is probably the most well-known English language myth among Americans.
There is something called “Canadian raising,” but according to this linguistic phenomenon, Canadians pronounce “about” as “a-boat”, not “a-boot.” So Canadians never hear boot when they speak, and find the American imitations bizarre.
Maple everything
Americans stereotype Canadians as putting maple syrup on everything from steak to spaghetti. Although Canada exports the majority of the world’s supply, most Canadians eat it with breakfast foods or certain desserts only. Having it on everything is a gigantic stereotype that Canadians are weary of.
Mounties everywhere
Tourists often anticipate spotting Royal Canadian Mounted Police riding up and down city streets decked out in bright red tunics and hats with big brims. However, the traditional Red Serge uniform is actually just worn for parades and special occasions. For regular duty, RCMP officers wear plain dark blue police uniforms that are identical to American ones.
Toronto capital
Canadians will never understand why people think Toronto is Canada’s capital city. It’s not, even though Toronto is the biggest and arguably most well-known city in Canada. The capital of Canada is Ottawa because it’s conveniently located between English and French Canada.
Polar pets
No, you don’t find polar bears and moose walking freely around in major cities. You may find a deer, or maybe even a raccoon, if you’re lucky, in someone’s suburban backyard. But someone spotting a polar bear roaming downtown Toronto would be considered a national emergency.
Always nice
Too many Americans assume that no Canadian has ever been rude or aggressive because they are often stereotyped as very polite. While Canadians do value social equality and say sorry a lot, they are just as capable of road rage or grumpiness as anyone else.
Bagged milk
Americans think Canadians only have milk that comes in plastic bags instead of jugs or cartons. Bag milk is very common in Ontario and Quebec, but you would be hard-pressed to find it in Western Canada or even the Maritimes. Milk bags aren’t nearly as strange to a British Columbian as they are to a Californian.
States
Canada is so closely tied to America that many people confuse Canadian provinces for states. Canada has ten provinces and three territories that all have different laws and powers.
No military
Some people believe that Canada has no military and depends on America for defense. Canadians have a very professional, specialized military and have been involved in nearly every major world conflict in the past century. In fact, Canadians are very proud of their veteran history.
American cash
Visitors often attempt to pay with American dollars and hope the exchange rate will be waived. It is accepted out of courtesy in many border-area shops, but it’s not legal tender here. And the jokes about how Canadian bills are Monopoly money because they’re so colourful really wear thin.
Only hockey
Some Americans believe that if Canadians aren’t playing hockey, they must be watching hockey. Many Canadians, millions, in fact, would rather play basketball, soccer, or baseball. Lacrosse, by the way, is Canada’s official national summer sport, something few Americans (and Canadians) realize.
All outdoorsy
Canadian makes many people believe that everyone spends their weekends portaging canoes or chopping wood. Truth be told, Canada is one of the most urbanized nations on Earth. Most Canadians live in densely populated cities and find themselves much more at home in a coffee shop than in a tent.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.