Summary
Want to discover intriguing facts about Canada? As Canadians ourselves, we are eager to share some fascinating and fun insights about our great nation that you might not be aware of. So, grab your notebook and prepare to be amazed as you uncover these Canadian gems!
Facts about Canada
It wasn’t until 1982 that Canada severed ties with the British Parliament and the British monarch, thanks to the Constitution of Canada granting the country full control over constitutional amendments. Today, Canada enjoys full independence, holds membership in the Commonwealth, and operates as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy.
1. Canadian Facts and Demographics
The population of Canada stands at approximately 38.93 million people. Spanning an impressive 2 million square kilometers, Canada is the second-largest country globally. Nonetheless, a significant portion of this land remains uninhabited, resulting in one of the world’s lowest population densities, with just 3.7 people per square kilometer (compared to about 35 in the United States). Most Canadians reside near the southern border of the country.
In fact, Canada shares the longest international border in the world with the United States. Many Canadians live within 200 kilometers of this boundary, predominantly in urban centers such as Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Calgary.
The average life expectancy in Canada is around 81 years—quite impressive, isn’t it?
2. The Word Canada Came from Kanata
Canada derives its name from the Indigenous term “Kanata,” meaning settlement or community in the Iroquois language. When French explorer Jacques Cartier first heard the word, he mistakenly believed they were referring to the entire country, thus giving Canada its name—a fitting title for a land defined by community.
Fun Facts About Canada
Canada is undoubtedly quirky! While we’re excited to share various facts about demographics and geography, let’s kick things off with some amusing tidbits about Canada.
3. Canada is the World’s Top Doughnut Consumer
In Canada, we spell it “doughnut,” not “donut.” A well-known fact is that Canadians consume approximately 1 billion doughnuts a year, despite our population of only 30 million. Remarkably, Canada boasts more doughnut shops per capita than any other nation, largely thanks to Tim Hortons, our leading coffee and doughnut chain.
4. In Churchill, Manitoba, Nobody Locks Their Doors
Known as the Polar Bear Capital of the World, Churchill, Manitoba is where polar bears freely roam, heading toward Hudson Bay. Consequently, residents leave their doors unlocked to allow hasty retreats should a polar bear wander too close.
5. Canada has the World’s Only Polar Bear Jail
When polar bears get too close to urban areas, they are captured and taken to the Polar Bear Jail, awaiting relocation back to their natural habitat once conditions improve.
6. Winnie the Pooh Has Canadian Roots
Winnie the Pooh’s origins trace back to Canada, where a soldier purchased a bear cub in White River, Ontario, during World War I. This cub later inspired A.A. Milne’s beloved character.
7. Canada’s National Animal is the Beaver
Designated as national symbol in 1975, the beaver has played a significant role in Canadian history, particularly during the fur trade. This led to historical conflicts known as the Beaver Wars, demonstrating the creature’s importance to our nation.
8. Canada Favors British English
Canada’s spelling often aligns with British English, incorporating “u” in words like “colour” and employing “theater” and “meter” with “re” (theatre, metre). However, American spellings are frequently adopted as well.
9. Canadians Use Milk Bags
One unique aspect of Canadian culture is our preference for bagged milk. Despite not personally being a milk drinker, it’s estimated that about 75% of Canadians still use this method. You can even find bagged milk at local retailers!
10. Canadians Are Known to Apologize Frequently
Canadians are polite, often saying “I’m sorry.” In fact, we even have the Apology Act, ensuring that expressing regret doesn’t equate to an admission of fault.
11. Unusual Canadian Laws
It is illegal to kill a Sasquatch in British Columbia. Yes, you read that correctly—Bigfoot is protected by law!
Smelling bad is illegal. Offending public spaces with unpleasant odors could result in a two-year jail sentence.
Comic books depicting crime are prohibited. Interestingly, we have popular superhero comics featuring Canadian characters!
Prostitution is legal, but purchasing services remains illegal. Quite confusing indeed!
Interesting Facts About Canada
12. Canada Has Two Official Languages
Given its British and French heritage, Canada recognizes English and French as its official languages. Quebec is the only officially bilingual province, but New Brunswick also boasts a significant Francophone population.
13. Canadian Currency is Accessibility Friendly
Canadian banknotes incorporate Braille for visually impaired individuals, which isn’t common globally.
14. Canada is the Most Educated Country in the World
With over 50% of the population holding a post-secondary degree and a literacy rate of 99%, Canada stands proudly as the most educated country globally.
15. Canada Boasts Two National Sports
Ice hockey and lacrosse are our national sports, with hockey being a clear favorite. Meanwhile, lacrosse, rooted in First Nations culture, represents our oldest sport.
Facts About Canada – Geography and Nature
Canada possesses the longest coastline in the world, which spans the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic Oceans, totaling approximately 202,000 kilometers (125,566.691 miles).
The Trans Canada Highway #1 is the longest highway globally at 7,821 kilometers (4,860 miles), connecting Labrador and British Columbia.
Yonge Street in Ontario is recognized as the longest street worldwide, measuring 1,896 kilometers (1,178 miles). Although removed from the Guinness Book of World Records, it remains the longest street recognized by many.
16. Canada’s Size is Impressive
With a total area of 9.985 million square kilometers (6.204 million square miles), Canada ranks as the second-largest country worldwide, surpassing the entire European Union combined.
Canada consists of ten provinces and three territories. The provinces include: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. The territories are Yukon Territory, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.
Interestingly, the southernmost point of Canada, Middle Island in Lake Erie, shares the same latitude as northern California, contributing to Ontario’s renowned wine production.
17. The World’s Oldest Pool of Water is Located in Canada
Deep within a mine in Ontario lies the world’s oldest pool of water, dating back over 2 billion years!
18. Canada’s National Parks are Majestic
With 48 national parks and reserves, Canada boasts some of the largest natural parks globally. The first national park, Banff National Park, was established in 1885, just three years following the creation of Yellowstone National Park in the United States.
19. Canada is Cold
While Canada is indeed known for its cold climates, it’s not the coldest country globally. The coldest temperature ever recorded was in Snag, Yukon at -63°C, matching the temperatures of Mars!
20. The Maple Leaf Represents Canada
The maple leaf, a symbol of Canada, was officially adopted as part of our flag in 1965, underscoring its cultural significance.
21. Government of Canada Facts
Currently, the Prime Minister is Justin Trudeau, and Canada operates under a parliamentary system resembling that of Britain.
Canada has a Governor General, who acts as the federal representative of the monarch. While this is largely a ceremonial role, it holds historical importance.
22. Ottawa is Canada’s Capital
Contrary to popular belief, Toronto is not the capital of Canada. Ottawa, with a population of 6.97 million, is actually the country’s capital.
23. Quebec City is the Only Walled City North of Mexico
As one of North America’s oldest cities, Quebec City is renowned for its historical architecture and its status as the only walled city north of Mexico.
24. Waters and Islands of Canada
The Bay of Fundy is famous for having the highest tides globally, moving approximately 100 billion tons of water daily.
Canada is home to the Largest Freshwater Island—Manitoulin Island holds that title. Moreover, significant islands such as Baffin Island, Victoria Island, and Ellesmere Island enhance Canada’s geographical diversity.
With an abundance of lakes, Canada houses 20% of the world’s freshwater—a staggering fact when considering the sheer volume!
25. Canadian Mountains
Canada’s mountainous landscapes add to its breathtaking beauty. Major ranges include the Canadian Rockies, Laurentians, Coast Mountains, and St. Elias Mountains. Mont Logan, standing at 5,959 m (19,551 ft), is the highest peak in Canada.
Cool Canada Facts About Canadian Food
Canada’s culinary identity is a rich tapestry of multicultural influences. Our dining options range widely from Italian to Thai, providing a global palate. However, we do have some quintessentially Canadian dishes.
26. Canada’s National Drink is the Caesar
Similar to the Bloody Mary, the Caesar is made with Clamato juice. Its unofficial national beer is Molson Canadian, while Moosehead holds the title of Canada’s oldest independent brewery.
27. Poutine is Canada’s National Dish
Poutine, a delicious blend of fries, cheese curds, and gravy, is a favorite hangover cure, especially when served at local chains like Harvey’s.
28. Canadians Adore KD (Kraft Dinner)
Macaroni and cheese, affectionately referred to as Kraft Dinner or KD, is consumed more in Canada than anywhere else, and the country is credited with inventing Hawaiian Pizza.
29. Canada is a Major Producer of Maple Syrup
In 2012, a significant maple syrup heist made headlines when 3,000 tons of syrup were stolen in Quebec, showing the syrup’s economic importance—Canada produces 80% of the world’s maple syrup!
More Fun Facts About Canada
30. Canadians Enjoy Skating
In addition to our love for ice hockey, ice skating is a cherished pastime. The world’s longest skating rink resides in Winnipeg, while Ottawa boasts the largest on the Rideau Canal.
31. Notable Canadian Inventions
Many surprising innovations can be traced back to Canada. For instance, telephone inventor Alexander Graham Bell spent a significant amount of time here, while Dr. James Naismith invented basketball in the 1890s. Moreover, IMAX, insulin, and even the snowblower all originated in Canada!
32. Famous Canadians
Canada is home to numerous celebrities, from Schitt’s Creek creators Eugene and Dan Levy to actors like Ryan Reynolds and musicians such as Drake and Justin Bieber. Canadian culture thrives not just in sports but in the arts and entertainment as well.
These are just some of the fascinating facts about Canada. This country is quirky, charming, and unique—just the way we love it!
