Canada enjoys a worldwide reputation as more than just a geographical giant, capturing hearts and minds across the world with its friendly people, awe-inspiring scenery, and open-minded values.
Cultural mosaic
Canada doesn’t ask new arrivals to just blend into its culture. The official policy of multiculturalism promotes a cultural mosaic made up of immigrants and minorities who are encouraged to maintain and celebrate their ancestral roots, language, and customs. Canada feels like one big welcoming global village where you can truly fit in.
Public politeness
Canadian stereotype about politeness stems from truth. On a day-to-day basis, visitors will find Canadians say please and thank you far more than they are accustomed to. Strangers hold doors open, and the overall volume of public spaces is low. Speaking softly and waiting your turn to speak are common practices that lead to Canada feeling like one of the politest places on Earth.
Pristine natural scenery
Canada has some of the most breathtaking natural beauty in the world. Towering mountains, sprawling forests and thousands of glistening lakes are spread all over the country. Whether you’re exploring the remarkable blue-green Lake Louise in Banff National Park or canoeing along the rocky Atlantic shore or taking in a show of the Northern Lights high above in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, your backyard will be pure paradise.
Healthcare
The world respects Canada’s belief that medical treatment should be administered based on need as a human being, not your ability to pay. Through taxes, we have a public universal healthcare system where you can walk into any hospital or doctor’s office without the fear of bankrupting yourself or being strapped in debt after you leave.
Commitment to safety
Strict gun control laws, community policing, and low rates of violent crime make Canada one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world. Whether you’re traveling through big city centres or small-town Canada by yourself, with family, or as an international student, you can feel safe and at ease.
Human rights
Canada has always been ahead of the curve on social justice issues and personal freedoms. Canada not only made history in 2005 by being the 4th country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage (10 years before America did it), but also continues to rank as one of the best places for LGBTQ+ people to live, as determined by global metrics on safety, freedom and equality.
Maple syrup
Canada produces approximately 70% of the world’s maple syrup. Maple syrup season is Canada’s gift to the world. When it comes to pancakes and waffles, Canada has beaten everyone at their own game. Harvesting maple trees in the spring is a time-honoured tradition, and there’s no beating the taste of real maple syrup.
Higher education
Universities and colleges in Canada are world-renowned and recognized. Canada has the highest rate of post-secondary degree completions in the world, boasts internationally ranked research facilities, and hands out degrees that are known and accepted worldwide. Tuition fees are also significantly cheaper than those at schools across the US border.
Comfort foods
When it comes to comfort food, Canada triumphs over France or Italy, which are known for haute cuisine. Canadians know how to fill your belly and soul with foods like hearty poutine (think fries, brown gravy, and squeaky cheese curds), sugary, delicious BeaverTails, and wood-fired bagels that will make you feel like you’re in Montreal.
Musical powerhouses
Given its modest population, Canada is massively overrepresented in the music scene worldwide. The country has produced an unbelievable diversity of idols and legends in every category of music you can imagine: Celine Dion, Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Shania Twain, Drake, The Weeknd, and Michael Buble, to name a few.
Hockey passion
The world enjoys seeing a country care about one sport this much. Ice hockey in Canada is a communal religion that every citizen follows. There is something so innocent and pure about the genuine happiness and sense of community on backyard rinks and local ponds frozen over in the winter.
Embracing the winter
Most countries complain about harsh winters, but Canadians have transformed winter into something lively and playful. Rather than huddle miserably indoors, Canadians embrace the snow by creating giant skating rinks on frozen rivers, throwing colossal winter carnivals, mushing dogsleds, and skiing. Canadians show the world how freezing can be fun.
Clean air
Canada is the second-largest country in the world by area and has one of the smallest populations to go along with it. This means there is a lot of literal breathing room. The air quality in Canada ranks as some of the cleanest and crispest among developed countries, so visitors and citizens alike can enjoy open space away from the crowds and pollution.
Refugee resettlement
Internationally, Canada is known for taking a humanitarian approach to foreign crises. Canada has historically welcomed and successfully resettled refugees from war and persecution; individuals regularly sponsor refugees who then build new lives in their cities and towns.
Comforting humor
Canadians have cultivated one of the most uniquely self-deprecating and clever senses of humor around. They love nothing more than making fun of themselves. Because they aren’t afraid to joke about Canadian stereotypes, weather, and politics, Canadian comedians and actors (Jim Carrey, Ryan Reynolds, Catherine O’Hara, etc.) have unsurprisingly become some of the best in the world.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.
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