20 Interesting Facts about Canada

Canada is a country that is rich in natural beauty, diverse culture, and history. From the stunning Rocky Mountains to the French fries slathered in cheese curds and gravy, Canada has so much to offer. In this article, we'll explore 20 interesting facts about Canada that you may not know.

Canada’s Natural Beauty

Canada is home to some of the world's most breathtaking landscapes. Here are a few interesting facts about Canada's natural beauty:

1. Canada has the longest coastline in the world, stretching over 243,042 km (151,019 miles). This is more than twice the length of the next longest coastline, which is in Indonesia.

2. The Canadian Rocky Mountains are over 100 million years old and are some of the most stunning mountains in the world. Banff National Park, located in the heart of the Rockies, is the most visited national park in Canada.

3. Canada is home to over 30,000 lakes (which are larger than three square kilometers), and the Great Lakes (Superior, Huron, Michigan, Erie, and Ontario) which are the biggest freshwater lakes on the planet. They hold over 20% of the world's freshwater and are bigger than many seas.

4. The Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, are visible in Canada's northern regions, particularly in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. The lights are a natural phenomenon caused by the interaction between Earth's magnetic field and charged particles from the sun.

Canadian Culture

Canada is a multicultural country with a rich history and unique cultural traditions. Here are a few interesting facts about Canadian culture:

5. Canada is officially bilingual, with both English and French recognized as official languages. Most of Canada’s prime ministers are bilingual, and if they aren’t they sure do learn in a hurry.

6. The Canadian flag, also known as the Maple Leaf, was adopted on February 15th, 1965. The flag features a red maple leaf on a white background with red borders on both sides.

7. Hockey is Canada's national sport, and it's no secret that Canadians love their hockey. The first organized hockey game was played in Montreal in 1875, and the first official rules for the game were published in the Montreal Gazette in 1877.

8. Tim Hortons is a Canadian institution, with over 3,500 locations across the country. The chain is named after a former professional hockey player and is known for its coffee and donuts. While most Canadians acknowledge that the quality of Tim Hortons has declined over the years, it’s still quite popular in rural areas, and with people who don’t know what good coffee tastes like.

Canadian Wildlife

Canada is home to a diverse range of wildlife, from polar bears to beluga whales. Here are a few interesting facts about Canadian wildlife:

9. Canada is home to the largest population of wild bears in the world, including black bears, grizzly bears, and polar bears. Churchill, Manitoba, is known as the "Polar Bear Capital of the World" and is a popular destination for bear-watching.

10. The Canadian beaver is a national symbol of Canada and is featured on the Canadian nickel. Beavers are the largest rodents in North America and are known for their impressive dam-building skills.

11. Moose are the largest member of the deer family, stand up to seven-feet-tall and can weigh up to 700 kg (1,500 lbs). They are a common sight in Canadian forests and can be dangerous if approached. If you hit a moose with your car, you’re probably toast. Most people worry about hitting a deer, but it’s the moose that are the real menace.

12. The Canadian lynx is a medium-sized wild cat that is found in the boreal forests of Canada. They have distinctive tufted ears and are known for their hunting abilities.

Canadian History

Canada has a rich and fascinating history, from the arrival of the First Nations people to the establishment of the Canadian Confederation. Here are a few interesting facts about Canadian history:

13. The First Nations people have been living in Canada for thousands of years, and their cultures and traditions are an important part of Canadian history. There are over 630 recognized First Nations in Canada, each with their own unique history, culture, and language.

14. The Canadian Confederation was established on July 1, 1867, when four British colonies (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, and Ontario) came together to form the Dominion of Canada. July 1 is now celebrated as Canada Day, a national holiday in Canada. It’s basically like July 4th for the Americans. Fireworks, BBQs, parties, and next-day hangovers.

15. The Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) played a significant role in the development of Canada. The CPR was completed in November 7th, 1885 and connected the east and west coasts of Canada, making it easier to transport people and goods across the country.

16. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is a cornerstone of Canadian law and is enshrined in the Canadian Constitution. It guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms to all Canadians, including freedom of expression, freedom of religion, and the right to a fair trial.

Canadian Achievements

Canada has made significant contributions to the world in various fields, from science to the arts. Here are a few interesting facts about Canadian achievements:

17. Canadian physician Frederick Banting co-discovered insulin, a hormone that is used to treat diabetes. Banting and his colleague Charles Best were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1923 for their discovery. Banting became the youngest person ever to win the Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine.

18. Terry Fox was a Canadian athlete who embarked on a cross-country run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Fox was diagnosed with cancer in 1977 when he was 18-years-old and had to have his leg amputated. He began his run, called the Marathon of Hope, in 1980, but was forced to stop when his cancer returned. Fox died in 1981, but his legacy lives on through the Terry Fox Foundation, which has raised over $900 million for cancer research.

19. Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield became the first Canadian to walk in space in 2001. Hadfield later became the first Canadian to command the International Space Station in 2013 and became known for his videos and social media posts from space. He also wrote a book which was a best seller on Amazon, not that’s difficult these days with the roughly 16,000 different book categories.

20. Canada is home to some of the world's most talented musicians, actors, and artists. Some notable Canadian artists include Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, Celine Dion, Rachel McAdams, and Ryan Reynolds (future part-owner of the Ottawa Senators.)

Thanks for reading, eh

Canada is a beautiful, diverse, and fascinating country with a rich history and unique culture. From its stunning natural landscapes to its contributions to the world in various fields, Canada has much to be proud of. Hopefully, these 20 interesting facts about Canada have given you a glimpse into what makes this country so special. Although please don’t move here unless you want to live in a tent. Our housing market couldn’t take it.