20 surprising facts about Canada and Canadians you might not know

Oh Canada! What a beautiful country it is: truly, if you have the chance to visit the land of maple syrup and Robin Scherbatsky, don’t hesitate. To entice you a bit more, today we’re going to share some fascinating facts and curiosities about Canada and its people that you might not know.

Ready? Let’s dive in!

Did you know that there’s a region in Canada with license plates shaped like polar bears? Or that French is an official language alongside English? And that maple syrup is much more than just a traditional product? We’ll explore these and several more intriguing facts about Canada below:

Canada: The Second Largest Country in the World

Canada holds the title of being the second largest country in the world after Russia, yet it ranks 38th in terms of population density. This vast territory leaves a significant portion largely uninhabited, particularly the areas bordering the United States which are the most populated. To give you an idea of its sparsity, Canada is home to about 12% of the population of its southern neighbor, with roughly 38 million inhabitants compared to the 328 million in the U.S.

While it may not surpass Russia in land area, Canada boasts the longest coastline in the world, stretching a staggering 240,000 km. Its shores are bordered by three different oceans: the Arctic, the Atlantic, and the Pacific.

Famous Canadians You Didn’t Know About

Among those 38 million residents, several famous names often mistaken for Americans actually hail from Canada. Notable figures include Jim Carrey, Justin Bieber, Celine Dion, Keanu Reeves, Drake, Pamela Anderson, Shawn Mendes, and Shania Twain.

The Traditional Cuisine of Canada

One of the must-try national dishes when visiting Canada is poutine. This hearty meal consists of French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy, and can be customized with additional ingredients if desired. While it may not be the healthiest option, it’s a delicious experience that we highly recommend, especially when in Montreal.

Another product that Canadians hold dear is maple syrup, so much so that a maple leaf is featured on the national flag. The significance of this delicacy is profound, generating a substantial economic impact; in fact, the series *Dirty Money* has dedicated an episode to explore its story. The history behind this sweet syrup is nothing short of fascinating!

Canada: A Land of Bears (But Not the Most Dangerous Animal)

With black bears, grizzlies, and polar bears, Canada is indeed a bear country. It’s quite common for Canadians in bear-prone areas to leave their car doors open, just in case they or a passerby needs to escape an unwanted encounter. For added safety, "bear sprays," similar to pepper spray, are available for protection. Does it work? We're not sure, but we'd rather not find out!

While much is said about the dangers of bears, it turns out that the most aggressive animal in Canada is actually the wapiti or elk. Particularly when with its young, this creature can become very territorial and may charge if it feels threatened. So, keep your distance!

The Official Languages of Canada: English and French

While Paris is the world's most prominent Francophone city, did you know that the second-largest is actually in Canada? That’s right, it’s the city of Montreal, the birthplace of the beloved Leonard Cohen.

Niagara Falls: A Natural Wonder and Wine Region

The Niagara Falls is among the most visited and picturesque spots in the country. The name "Niagara" originates from the word Onguiaagra, which means “the strait of water.” When you stand before the falls, you truly appreciate why it was named so.

In the Niagara region, one of the finest wines we’ve ever tasted is produced: ice wine. Made from grapes that have been partially frozen, this sweet dessert wine is beloved by many (though if you’re not into sweet wines, you might feel differently).

Sports Enthusiasm in Canada

Basketball was actually invented in Canada by a physical education teacher named James Naismith. Despite this, the two most popular sports in Canada are ice hockey and American football. If you ever visit, attending a hockey game is a must; the atmosphere is electrifying and you’ll have an unforgettable time! We enjoyed a game with the Marlies in Toronto, and the best teams include the Canadiens from Montreal, the Maple Leafs from Toronto, and the Calgary Flames.

A Place for UFOs: Canada’s Quirky Airstrip

In a small town in Alberta, there’s a landing strip created for potential UFO visitors. While it’s more of a small platform than a bustling runway, it stands as one of the quirkiest reasons to visit Canada even in winter.

A Land of Castles (With a Twist)

North America isn’t known for its castles, so why does Canada have some chateaux that could easily fit in France or Germany? The credit goes to the Canadian Pacific Railway. Between 1881 and 1885, this railway connected both coasts of Canada for the first time, and to promote tourism, hotels inspired by European castles were constructed.

Today, you can stay in magnificent hotels resembling castles in places like Quebec City and Banff. Explore these captivating sites!

The Inuit: One of Canada’s Fascinating Ethnic Groups

One of the most intriguing ethnic groups in Canada is the Inuit, formerly known as Eskimos. This term is offensive to them as it translates to “eaters of raw meat.” The term Inuit means “the people,” with inuk referring to a single individual.

Interestingly, in the territory of Nunavut, license plates are shaped like polar bears, adding a unique charm to the region.

More Fascinating Facts About Canada

Here are some additional curious tidbits about Canada:

• The coffee chain Tim Hortons is among the most successful in the country, surpassing even Starbucks and McDonald's. Enjoying a coffee with a pastry there is one of the most typical things to do in Canada. Be sure to order a “double-double,” which is coffee with two creamers and two sugars. Honestly, the coffee isn’t the best, but the breakfasts are delightful!
• While the narrative claims that Christopher Columbus was the first to reach the Americas, evidence suggests that the Vikings were the first to arrive in Newfoundland around 500 years earlier than the Italian navigator.
• The province of Saskatchewan, known for its wild landscapes, is dubbed “The Land of the Living Sky” and is one of the best places in the world to witness the Northern Lights.
• Canada's highest mountain is Mount Logan, towering nearly 6,000 meters (5,595 m to be precise).
• And a fun fact for the little ones: you can write a letter to Santa Claus and receive a reply. More information can be found here.

Do you know of any more curiosities about Canada and its people? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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