What fun facts about Canada do you know? Canada is a large country in North America. It is divided into ten provinces and three territories. With its unique charm, high-quality education and cultural diversity, it attracts people from all over the world to study, work and live here. We have compiled some interesting facts about Canada, from its unique wildlife to its diverse cultural influences. Let’s explore some special facts about Canada!
Fun Facts about Canada
1. 🐻 It is illegal for polar bears to steal food.
Polar bears often “visit” Canada, because Canada is located above the Arctic Circle. For this reason, the Canadian government has issued a regulation that if polar bears enter residents’ homes and steal food, they are committing an illegal act. Legally, these may be weird facts about Canada, but it is true. There is a prison in Churchill, Manitoba, that specifically holds polar bears.
2. 🚗 Canadians who don't lock their cars
Canadians living in the Churchill area always leave their car doors open on the roadside. Then they can hide inside when being chased by a polar bear. The town of Churchill is famous for being located on the route that polar bears take when they migrate from inland to the shore in the fall. Its nickname is the “Polar Bear Capital of the World” and it has a thriving tourism industry focused on viewing polar bears.
3. ❄ The country with the largest number of polar bears.
Due to its location, Canada has the largest number of polar bears in the world. There are about 22,000-31,000 polar bears left in the world, 16,000 of which live in Canada. This may come as a surprise to many, as some would consider Russia to have the largest number of polar bears.
4. 🙇♂️ Polite Canadians
Canadians are the most polite people in the world, and they are world-famous for saying “sorry”. Because they love to apologize so much, in 2009 they directly formulated the “Apology Act” to determine whether you are “admitting fault” or “being polite“. In addition, Canadians’ politeness is also reflected in the fact that they always hold the door open for the person behind them.
5. 🍕 Hawaiian pizza was created by Canadians!
Hawaiian pizza was not invented by Hawaiians. Its creator was Sam Panopoulos, a chef in Ontario, Canada. He named it “Hawaiian pizza” because the canned pineapple brand used at the time contained “Hawaii”.
6. 🌏 Canada has over 2 million natural lakes.
Canada has over 2 million lakes, accounting for more than 60% of the world’s total lakes. This is an incredible number. Canada’s lakes are not only numerous, but also have a total area of 890,000 square kilometres. It means that 9% of the country is covered by pure fresh water.
7. 👩🏻🎓👨🏻🎓 One of the most educated countries.
As we all know, Canada is a very developed country. So its education rate is also very high. Canada has always been one of the most educated countries in the world. According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), more than 60% of Canadians aged 25 to 64 have completed some form of higher education, and Canada remains #1 in OECD for higher education attainment.
8. 🏑 Canada is the "Kingdom of Ice Hockey".
Ice hockey holds a special place in the hearts of Canadian sports fans. It is more than just a sport, it is a national craze. Canada is the birthplace of ice hockey and has a deep connection with this team sport.
9. 🌞 The town with the happiest name in the world
In Canada, about 90% of the land area is uninhabited. Even though it is larger than the United States, its population is only 11.8% of that of the US! There is a town in Quebec called Saint-Louis-du-Ha! Ha!. You read that right, it has two exclamation marks. It looks like a cheerful name and is the only city in the world with two exclamation marks.
10. 🛸 The first UFO Landing Pad
People in St. Paul, Alberta created a UFO landing pad. It weighs 118 tons and contains a time capsule that will be opened in 2067. This is the first UFO landing platform in the world as if to say: Welcome to visit Earth!
11. ⌚️Canada spans 6 time zones.
This is interesting information about Canada. Canada has six time zones: Pacific, Mountain, Central, Eastern, Atlantic, and Newfoundland. Most provinces in Canada use standard time from early November to early March, and daylight saving time for the rest of the year.
12. 🎅 Santa Claus is Canadian?!
Santa Claus is actually Canadian. This was announced by the Canadian Minister of Immigration in 2012. However, judging by the color of Santa Claus’s clothing, it is indeed consistent with the color of the Canadian flag.
Fun Facts about Canada for Kids
There are also some interesting fun facts about Canada that may attract kids.
- Canada is the second largest country in the world after Russia, bordering only the United States. It is also the largest country in the Western Hemisphere.
- Canada’s largest city is Toronto, with a population of about 6.6 million. Montreal is Canada’s second-largest city, with a population of over 4.4 million. Montreal is also the second-largest French-speaking city in the world (after Paris, France).
- Canada is one of the ten least densely populated countries in the world. More than half of the population lives in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec.
- The largest waterfall in the world is located in Canada, on the border with the United States.
- Canada has the fourth-largest oil reserves after Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, and Iran. Alberta ranks first in Canada in oil and gas production.
Trivia on Canada
- 🎥 Which Canadian city is considered the “Hollywood of the North”?
You might think Toronto is the answer, but the real (and original) “Hollywood of the North” is Vancouver!
In the 1970s, people began calling Vancouver “Hollywood of the North.” The city ranks second in North America for television production and third for feature film production. (Los Angeles and New York rank first and second, respectively).
2. 🇨🇦 How many dots does the maple leaf on the Canadian flag have?
Did you know that the Canadian flag was originally designed with 13 dots? Later it was changed to 11 dots because the maple leaf shape was difficult to see from a distance.
3. 👜 Which Canadian city has the largest shopping mall in North America?
West Edmonton Mall is the largest shopping mall in North America. It is located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It is the largest shopping mall in North America and the fifth largest in the world. There are more than 800 stores and more than 100 restaurants in the mall. t is a comprehensive place covering shopping, dining, and entertainment options (even a full water park inside), attracting countless tourists to visit and shop.
4. 💃🏻 Which Canadian city hosts the largest single-day parade in North America?
It’s the Carabina Parade in Toronto, Ontario! With a 3.6-kilometer route and over 10 hours from start to finish, this is definitely a celebration to watch. The parade is part of Toronto’s three-week Caribbean Carnival, which began in 1967 and is the largest cultural festival in North America.
5. 🫐 What is Canada’s most exported fruit?
The answer is blueberries! Canada exports tens of millions of pounds of blueberries every year, 65% of the country’s total fruit exports, making it the world’s second-largest blueberry producer.
6. 🏙 Which is the oldest city in Canada?
St. John’s in Newfoundland is Canada’s oldest city, founded in 1497. The next city to be founded was Quebec City, but that was in 1608.
7. 💵 What are Canadian banknotes made of?
Canada’s paper money is made of a very thin polymer plastic material, which is different from most countries. This makes the $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 Canadian dollar bills more durable and more environmentally friendly than the usual cotton paper bills. These polymer bills were introduced in early 2011. Of course, the colorful Canadian polymer bills are also able to withstand the country’s cold weather and are waterproof. So whether your bills end up in the snow or in the washing machine, they will be safe and sound.
Taboos in Canada - Be Aware and Avoid
After reading fun facts about Canada and trivia on Canada, you must have a certain understanding of this country. In addition, if you want to travel, study, or live in Canada, you also need to understand Canada’s taboos and respect local culture.
1. Number 13 and Friday
In Canada, most people have religious beliefs. Many Canadians are Protestants and Catholics. Under the influence of this religion, they are taboo against the number 13 and Friday. They think that the number 13 and Friday are the embodiment of disasters and are bad numbers.
2. Taboo Topics
Canadians don’t like outsiders to compare their country with the United States, especially when comparing their country with the United States in terms of its superiority. In addition, private questions such as income and age cannot be asked casually.
3. Dietary taboos
On the table, Canadians do not like strong-smelling foods such as animal offal and other fishy foods. They think this is impolite and informal. Canadians are used to eating cold food.
4. Taboos about the Color White
Canadians believe that white lilies are used at funerals to honor the deceased and cannot be used in daily life. However, unlike lilies, white snow cannot be removed in some parts of Canada.
5. Taboos on Dating
When you are invited to a Canadian’s home, you must dress formally. Canadians like to open gifts in front of guests, which is a way for them to express their enthusiasm. If you visit someone’s home, you must make an appointment in advance. Canadians believe that sudden visits are not in line with etiquette.
6. Taboos on Words
Don’t use words like “old”, as they think the word “old” is disrespectful to others.
7. Dining Taboos
When dining in Canada, restaurants generally charge customers a 7% goods and service tax after their meals. But the service charge is not included in the meal bill. In addition, when Canadians go out to eat with several people, they usually pay for their own meals. In order to avoid embarrassing situations, you can ask your companions after the meal.
8. Don’t Bargain
In Canada, bargaining is considered impolite. Whether it is a small street shop or a large shopping mall, all products are clearly marked with prices. Canadians prefer to buy products with clear prices directly and do not like the bargaining process.
In some special situations, such as flea markets or yard sales, consumers can try to bargain. But even on these occasions, the room for bargaining is very limited.
Conclusion: Relax and Have Fun in Canada!
Canada is a comfortable country, very suitable for traveling or studying here and spending a relaxing time. Canada has a mild climate from May to October, which is suitable for various outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, and kayaking. September to November is the best time to enjoy maple leaves. The Rocky Mountains and Atlantic Canada can be seen with beautiful greenery from June to September. Just discover more fun facts about Canada by your own!
If you are a student coming to Canada and will live here for some time, you should experience the customs and culture of this country. Book your student housing in Canada at uhomes.com. uhomes.com offers affordable housing near top universities in Toronto or Montreal—browse options to make your adventure hassle-free.
FAQ
What are 5 unique facts about Canada?
- Canada is the second-largest country in the world.
- Canada crosses six time zones.
- Canada has the longest coastline in the world。
- Basketball was invented by a Canadian.
- Canada is a bilingual country.
Why is Canada known as one of the most educated countries?
Over 60% of Canadians aged 25-64 have completed higher education, making it the top-ranked country in the OECD for tertiary attainment. This emphasis on learning draws international students—explore uhomes.com for housing near world-class universities like those in Toronto or Vancouver.
What is Canada's national animal?
Canada’s national animal is the beaver. Beavers were chosen as national animal because they play an important role in Canada’s ecosystem, and their construction skills and family lifestyle also symbolize unity and tenacity. In addition, as a symbol of Canada, beavers have unique cultural and historical significance.
What is Canada's national dish?
A classic Canadian favorite is poutine, which typically consists of French fries, cheese curds, and hot gravy. This deeply satisfying combination makes for a delicious and indulgent comfort food experience that is loved by Canadians around the world.
What are some unique inventions from Canada?
Canada has given the world some quirky inventions, like Hawaiian pizza (created in Ontario in 1962, despite the name), insulin (discovered by Frederick Banting in 1921), and the game of basketball (invented by Canadian James Naismith in 1891).
What is Canada's longest natural feature?
Canada boasts the world’s longest coastline at over 202,080 km (125,567 miles), spanning three oceans and offering stunning views from British Columbia to Newfoundland. It’s a paradise for nature lovers.
