Canada
is filled with surprising stories, cultural quirks and remarkable
natural wonders that many travellers overlook. These insights reveal
a deeper and more intriguing side to the country before you
experience it for yourself.
Canada has more lakes than every other country in the world combined.
Residents of Churchill, Manitoba, leave their car doors unlocked in case someone needs shelter from a polar bear.
Canadians consume more macaroni and cheese per person than any other nation.
Parts of the Yukon experience 24 hours of daylight in summer and almost total darkness in winter.
The country’s Trans-Canada Highway is one of the longest national highways on Earth.
Canada invented the snowmobile, created by Joseph-Armand Bombardier.
Insulin was discovered in Toronto in 1921, transforming global diabetes treatment.
Canada developed the world’s first electronic organ and early versions of the IMAX film system.
The Canadarm, used on NASA space missions, was a landmark Canadian engineering achievement.
Tipping is customary, with 15–20% standard in restaurants.
Queueing politely is expected, especially in busy urban areas.
In many regions, it’s illegal to text while driving — penalties can be severe.
Canadians are known for courtesy; saying “sorry” regularly is a cultural norm.
Removing shoes when entering a home is widely expected.
Céline Dion remains one of Canada’s most globally recognised voices.
Wayne Gretzky is considered the greatest ice hockey player of all time.
Ryan Reynolds is one of Hollywood’s most prominent Canadian actors.
Margaret Atwood has shaped global literature with works like The Handmaid’s Tale.
Canada is the second-largest country in the world, spanning six time zones.
The Rockies stretch through Alberta and British Columbia, offering dramatic mountain scenery.
Niagara Falls is one of the most-visited natural attractions on the planet.
Nunavut is the newest territory, established in 1999 and home to the Inuit people.
Canadians embrace outdoor living, enjoying hiking, skiing, canoeing and camping year-round.
Multiculturalism is central to modern Canadian identity.
French and English are both official languages, reflecting deep cultural heritage.
Coffee culture is huge, with Tim Hortons considered a national institution.
Poutine — fries topped with cheese curds and gravy — is a beloved Canadian comfort food.
Canada celebrates dozens of cultural festivals reflecting its diverse communities.
Ice hockey is woven into national identity from childhood through adulthood.
Many cities host winter carnivals to embrace the colder months.
Indigenous peoples have lived in Canada for over 12,000 years, shaping its cultural foundations.
The Canadian Pacific Railway connected the country coast to coast in 1885.
Canada gained full legislative independence with the Constitution Act of 1982.
Early French and British settlement still influences architecture and language.
Banff National Park offers turquoise lakes, glacier-fed rivers and rugged peaks.
Haida Gwaii is known for its Indigenous heritage and dramatic wilderness.
The Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world.
Jasper’s Dark Sky Preserve is one of the best stargazing locations on Earth.
Canada has two official languages.
Home to the world’s highest tides.
Over 90% of Canadians live within 200 km of the US border.
The maple leaf is a national symbol.
The Trans-Canada Highway is 7,800 km long.
Hockey is the national winter sport.
Insulin was discovered in Canada.
Banff is Canada’s first national park.
Canada has more than 48 national parks.
The coldest recorded temperature: −63°C in the Yukon.
Poutine originated in Québec.
Canada’s CN Tower was once the world’s tallest free-standing structure.