Did you know that Hawaiian pizza was actually invented by a man from Ontario, Canada? Canada is known for being one of the most friendly countries in the world and has a lot of fascinating history and facts. The country is massive and is home to a wide variety of wildlife from moose to polar bears. Here are 50 interesting facts about Canada:
- The coldest temperature in Canada was recorded in Snag, Yukon at -81.4 F (-63 C), which is similar to the temperature on the surface of Mars.
- Canada has over 3,000 lakes, which is more than any other country in the world.
- Canada is larger than all of the European Union and can fit 81,975 Walt Disney World’s inside of it!
- Alert, Nunavut is the northernmost permanently inhabited place in the world, located just 507 miles (817 kilometers) from the North Pole.
- Canada has the longest coastline in the world, spanning 125,556 miles (202,080 kilometers) and bordered by the Atlantic, Arctic, and Pacific.
- Canadians eat more pasta than any other nation.
- Quebec City is the only walled city north of Mexico, with walls originally built by the French and English between the 17th and 19th centuries.
- Canada hasn’t run mail service on Saturdays since 1969.
- Canada has the second-largest oil reserve in the world, following Saudi Arabia.
- Canada ranks highly on a global scale in education, civil liberties, economic freedom, and standard of living.
- Lacrosse is the official sport of Canada, even though ice hockey is the most played sport in the country.
- The Trans-Canada highway is the longest highway in the world, spanning over 4,722 miles (7,604 kilometers).
- Quebec, Canada produces 77% of the world’s maple syrup.
- Despite being the second-largest country in the world, Canada has a low population density.
- About 90% of Canada’s population lives within 100 miles of the U.S.-Canadian border.
- IMAX theaters, electric wheelchairs, and Trivial Pursuit were all invented in Canada.
- Canada gained full independence and became its own country in 1982.
- 60% of the world’s polar bear population is in Canada.
- Canada’s iconic red and white maple leaf flag was designed to replace the Union Jack and first used in 1965.
- Canada has more doughnut shops per capita than any other country in the world.
- Icebergs from Greenland are harvested off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador to produce beer, vodka, wine, and beauty products.
- In Churchill, Canada, residents leave their cars and homes unlocked as a refuge for people escaping from polar bears.
- The number plates for cars, motorcycles, and snowmobiles in Nunavut, Canada are in the shape of a polar bear.
Winnipeg, a bear cub that was brought from Canada to the London Zoo in 1915, inspired A.A. Milne to create Winnie-the-Pooh after his son Christopher Robin frequently visited Winnipeg at the zoo. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, which has 30,000 members, originated from the Mounted Police that was established in 1873 with only nine officers. British Colombia is home to Canada’s only desert, which is only 15 miles long and the world’s only desert to have a boardwalk for visitors to enjoy the scenery. Canadians are well-known for using the interjection “eh,” which has been recognized as a legitimate word in the Canadian Oxford Dictionary. If a letter is addressed to Santa and sent to H0HoHo, North Pole, Canada, a reply letter from Santa is guaranteed. The U.S.-Canada border is the world’s largest demilitarized border, and it is illegal to have comics depicting criminal acts in Canada. The Westboro Baptist Church members are banned from Canada, and Hawaiian pizza was invented by a man from Ontario, Canada. There is an area in the Hudson Bay where gravity is weaker than the rest of the world. Canadians consume 80% of their alcohol as beer and drink approximately 79 liters of beer per year. Canadians are known for their polite behavior and frequent apologies, which led to the passing of the Apology Act in 2009. Around 10% of Canadians are vegetarian or vegan, and some of the most famous Canadians include Justin Bieber, Jim Carrey, Ryan Gosling, Drake, and Shania Twain. Montreal is the second-largest French-speaking city in the world after Paris. Yonge Street, which is located in Ontario, is the world’s longest street, spanning 1,178 miles (1,896 km). Canada declared war on Japan before the U.S. did after the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War 2. The smallest jail in the world is in Rodney, Ontario, and measures only 270 square feet (24.3 m). Estevan, Saskatchewan, enjoys the most sunshine in Canada, with 2,537 hours per year. “From Sea to Sea” is Canada’s motto, which is Latin for “A Mari Usque Ad Mare.” In Yukon, Canada, one can order a Sourtoe Cocktail, which contains an actual toe in a shot of whiskey. The Northwest Territories is known as The Land of the Midnight Sun, as the sun barely sets during the summer solstice. For every 1,000 Canadians, there are only 459 cars. Molson Coors Canada is the oldest brewery in North America, having been established in 1786 and still in operation. Tap water in Canada is said to be better for one’s health than bottled water. Canada was initially named “New France” in 1750, and its name is derived from the Huron-Iroquois word “Kanata,” which means village or settlement. Poutine, a dish made of French fries, cheese curds, and gravy, is one of Canada’s most well-known foods.
FAQ
1. What is the official language of Canada?
Canada has two official languages: English and French. Both languages are used in government, education, and business, and are taught in schools across the country. French is the first language of about 20% of the population, mainly in the province of Quebec, while English is the first language of about 60% of Canadians.
2. What is the national animal of Canada?
The national animal of Canada is the beaver. It was chosen in 1975 because of its importance to the fur trade and its role in Canadian history. The beaver is a symbol of hard work, determination, and industriousness, and is featured on the Canadian nickel.
3. What is the most popular sport in Canada?
The most popular sport in Canada is ice hockey. It is played by millions of Canadians, from amateur to professional levels, and is considered a part of the country’s identity. Other popular sports in Canada include basketball, football, baseball, and soccer.
4. What is the highest mountain in Canada?
The highest mountain in Canada is Mount Logan, located in the Yukon Territory. It stands at 5,959 meters (19,551 feet) tall, making it the second-highest peak in North America after Denali (Mount McKinley) in Alaska.
Zayn Anderson is a prolific writer with a passion for uncovering the world’s intriguing facts. Armed with an insatiable curiosity, he delves into various subjects, from history and science to nature and technology.