Canada is America’s warm Northern neighbor, but it is also a nation with a culture and a personality of its own. America knows Canada for courtesy, maple syrup, and hockey, but that doesn’t say a whole lot. Even if Canada is geographically close to the U.S., it is distinct in culture, beauty, and traditions. I remember when I first got there; I felt struck by how different Canada felt to me as if I’d found an undiscovered treasure. These are 10 things that almost all Americans don’t know about Canada, each one proving just how great this nation really is.
Featured Image Credit: Pexels.
Canada is the Second Largest Country By Land Area
With nearly 10 million square kilometers, Canada ranks second only to Russia. And, even with all this vastness, Canada is very small – its population is about 40 million – and much of it is wilderness. And this low density, especially outside major urban centers, leaves us with national parks, undeveloped forests and open areas that seem out of this world. It’s where you can drive for hours over spectacular scenery without spotting another human, which is what most tourists find awe-inspiring.
The Maple Leaf Flag Is Pretty Young
Even though the maple leaf is an internationally recognized Canadian symbol, it wasn’t officially a part of Canada’s flag until 1965. Before that, Canada had some British-influenced flags, as it was a colony. Today, the red maple leaf is a flag and a symbol of honor for Canadians, their independent self. It also symbolizes benevolence, wildlife, and belonging to nature (a perfect metaphor for a nation with an eye for the natural world and openness).
Canada Has Two Official Languages
Canada is bilingual, and English and French are both official languages. This two-language system speaks to Canada’s distinct colonial past, in which Britain and France played a key role in its earliest days. French is the official language of the government – with signs in commercial places, and even daily dialogue in Quebec. It is part of Canadian society, and Canada’s majority of the population – especially in the Eastern provinces – are bilingual, which contributes to Canada’s national identity.
Poutine Is Canada’s Iconic Dish
Maple syrup might be a cliche, but poutine is Canada’s favorite comfort food. Poutine comes from Quebec and is made with french fries, cheese curds and hot gravy. The flavor combination is quite pleasant, a well balanced combination of textures and tastes. The once-remote delight is now a national dish across Canada, and its variants include everything from pulled pork to truffle oil. Not only does it feed Canadians, but it’s a culinary expression of Canadian pride and hospitality.
The Canadian Rockies Are A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Canadian Rockies that run through Alberta and British Columbia are some of the world’s most beautiful mountains. Rockies, their mountain tops, turquoise lakes and wildlife, attract millions of visitors every year. The Rockies’ most iconic locations are Banff and Jasper National Parks, both World Heritage UNESCO sites of natural beauty and significance. Skiing or hiking in the winter or hiking in the summer, the Canadian Rockies contain some of the most amazing sights you’ll ever encounter.
Canada’s Coastline Is The Longest in the World
Bordered by the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, Canada has the longest coastline of any country, at more than 202,000 km. It’s a long coastline, home to diverse marine species, breathtaking oceanscapes and special ecosystems from temperate rainforests in British Columbia to glacial lakes in the Arctic. Its shores are also great for whale-watching and fishing.
Canadians Must Vote in English And French!
Canada’s bilingualism also reaches to federal elections. Voting materials and instructions must be in English and French. The practice reflects the nation’s loyalty to both languages and allows for all Canadians, of any linguistic background, to participate in democracy. This is only one way Canada celebrates diversity, and aspires to be inclusive at every level of government.
Canadian Thanksgiving Isn’t Like the American Holiday
While Americans have Thanksgiving in November, Canadians do it in October, on the second Monday of the month. Canadian Thanksgiving is a bit different: a harvest day celebration, not an event. There are still turkeys, pumpkin pies, and the rest of the classic fare, but Thanksgiving is usually smaller and less tourist-focused than in the U.S. For Canadians, it’s all about a little gratitude for the food that’s available in the region and spending time with loved ones.
It’s Home to the Only Polar Bear Jail
In Churchill, Manitoba (The “Polar Bear Capital of the World”), there is a special “polar bear jail” that houses polar bears that get too close to town, keeping both the bears and the humans safe until the bears can be released back into the wild. This innovative proposal shows how Canada is interested in wildlife and how its citizens value the environment. And that’s a nice example of how Canadians get on with the particular habitat here, sharing it with the wildlife in astonishing ways.
Canadian Coins — “Loonie” and “Toonie”
Canadians call their $1 and $2 coins the “loonie,” and the “toonie,” respectively, with the $1 displaying a loon (a Canadian bird) called the “loonie,” while the $2 coin, the “toonie,” was a spin-off. They are familiar symbols of Canada’s currency, and Canadians pride themselves on their peculiar form of money. Pocket change that is, but the loonie and toonie are a little more fun – quirky additions to Canadian daily life.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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