Canada: Random and Cool Canadian Facts About This Country
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Geographical, Historical and Cultural Facts
The topic of Canada is as broad as is the country is vast and diverse. Canada is world renowned for its friendliness, cultural diversity, peaceful nature, sprawling lands, fresh air and natural beauty. There is much to discover about this great country and with every page turned, there is something new to learn.
The Aboriginals were the original inhabitants of Canada who were nomadic as they lived off the land and followed the migration of the animals. Early explorers and settlers from Western Europe began arriving in the 1500s and in 1535, French explorer, Jacques Cartier, named the land “Canada”. The name “Canada” is derived from the word “Kanata”, which has its origins from the Huron and Iroquois languages, meaning “village”.
As the land became more settled and a government came in power, Canada officially became a country on July 1, 1857. Canada’s first Prime Minister was Sir John A. MacDonald. As with all birthdays, Canadians celebrate Canada’s birthday on the first of July with great fanfare marked with festivities, parades, public entertainment and extravagant displays of choreographed firework shows.
Canada is the second largest country in the world with the Russian Federation being the largest. This country spans from the Atlantic Ocean in the East to the Pacific Ocean in the West while the Arctic Ocean frames its northern border and the United States of America framing its southern border. In fact, the 49th parallel was chosen as the border beginning at the Great Lakes and stretching to the west coast.
With such an expansive border, the total area of Canada is almost 4 million square miles, or 10 million square kilometres. In comparison, the United States of America is 3.5 million square miles (6,064,958 square kilometres)and is considered to be the fourth largest country in the world, following China which is approximately 3.7 million square miles (9,582,955 square kilometres). For comparison, the United Kingdom consists of four territories which accumulate into 94,525 square miles (244,820 square kilometres). France, which is the second largest European country, is 211,209 square miles (547,029 square kilometres) in size.
Canada is composed of 10 provinces and 3 territories. The provinces are, from the west coast to the east coast: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador. Located in the north of Canada are the three territories, from the west coast to the east coast: Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Each province and territory has its own provincial capital. The country’s national capital is Ottawa, also known as the Nation’s Capital and is located in the province of Ontario.
Canada is expansive from coast to coast and the country encompasses six time zones, these are: Pacific, Mountain, Central, Eastern, Newfoundland and Labrador and Atlantic Standard Times. Touching three oceans, Canada’s national motto is “A Mari Usque ad Mare” meaning “from sea to sea”. Canada is very fond of its national animal, the beaver, which is on the five cent piece of its currency. The national flag is red and white, and displays the national emblem, the maple leaf. The national anthem is “O Canada” and is sung with great pride. The national police force is known as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who are internationally famous for their “Musical Ride” that is performed by mounted police.
Map of Canada
Have fun with Canadian trivia
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A Variety of Random Facts
Are you amazed yet? Just for fun, here are thirty more interesting and random facts about Canada:
1. The two official languages of Canada are English and French, which is a reflection of Canada’s history of being settled by the British and French.
2. Canada has the world’s longest coastline measuring in at 151,600 miles (243,977 kilometres).
3. Nearly one-fourth of the world’s fresh water is in Canada.
4. There are approximately 2 million lakes in Canada as the land was shaped by glaciers, which created these lakes.
5. The longest river in Canada is the Mackenzie River, which is located in the Northwest Territories.
6. Canada is covered by one-tenth of the world’s forests.
7. Almost half of Canada is covered in forest.
8. Ships sail inland on the St. Lawrence River from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes.
9. Canada’s tallest peak is Mount Logan at 19,950 feet (5,959 meters) and is located in Yukon Territory.
10. Canada is composed of six main geographical regions: Appalachian Highland, Arctic, Canadian Shield, Cordillera, Interior Plains and Lowlands.
11. Canada produces over 60 minerals and metals.
12. Canada sells hydroelectric power to the United States of America.
13. Canada is the third largest producer of diamonds in the world.
14. Wood Buffalo National Park is the largest natural park in Canada. It is home to the largest herd of bison and has the only nesting site for the endangered whooping crane. This park is located in Alberta and the Northwest Territories.
15. Banff National Park, located in Alberta, is the oldest national park in Canada.
16. Canada has the longest national highway in the world. It spans from St. John’s, Newfoundland to Victoria, British Columbia for a total of 4,724 miles (7,604 kilometres). It is called the Trans-Canada Highway.
17. The most northern highway is located in the Yukon Territory and is called the Dempster Highway.
18. The world’s longest border between two nations is the one between Canada and the United States. Officially known as the International Boundary, it totals 5,525 miles (8,891 kilometres), including 1,538 miles (2,475 kilometres) between Canada and Alaska.
19. The most northern permanent settlement in the world is Alert, Nunavut Territory.
20. Canada’s national sport is ice hockey. The modern game was developed from a similar game in the tenth century and the first regulation rules were printed in the Montreal Gazette in 1877.
21. The Head of State is, currently, the Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth II.
22. On February 3, 1947, North America’s lowest recorded temperature was -81.4 degrees Fahrenheit (-63 degrees Celsius) at Snag, Yukon Territory.
23. The first letter sent from North America was sent by John Rut of St. John`s, Newfoundland to King Henry VIII in 1527.
24. Canadian inventors invented inventions that have altered the world in many ways. Some inventions include insulin, painted roads, IMAX film systems, garbage bags and there are thousands more.
25. In Saint John, New Brunswick, the Moosehead Brewery produces 1,642 bottles of beer per minute.
26. Famous Canadian musical artists include Diana Krall, Paul Anka, Neil Young, the Guess Who, Bachman Turner Overdrive, Steppenwolf, Avril Lavigne, Shania Twain, Bryan Adams and Barenaked Ladies.
27. Manitou Lake on Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron is the world`s largest lake within a lake at 41.1 square miles (106 square kilometres).
28. Canada is home to five indigenous breeds of dogs. One of them is the Canadian Eskimo dog, a breed that is in danger of losing its pure genetics.
29. Canada’s Rideau Canal Skateway is the largest outdoor rink in the world, and was placed in the Guiness Book of World Records in 2005. It spans 7.8 kilometres, or the equivalent of 90 Olympic sized ice rinks.
30. Canada is home to two official languages, English and French, but you will always hear a Canadian inject the local slang “eh” into his sentence.
These are just a few samples of cool and random facts which help introduce the diversity of Canada’s people, history, climate and culture. It’s a fascinating country to explore whether virtually or in real life. Canada – come and visit us!
Copyright Beth100
© Arpil 26, 2010
Sweets from Canada
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Books about Canada
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Everything you wanted to know about Canada, Canadians, provinces, provincial federal government, the people, statistics and british columbia alberta, saskatchewan manitoba ontario quebec nova scotia new brunswick prince edward island newfoundland lab
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- Funny (3)
- Awesome (12)
- Beautiful (7)
- Interesting (3)
Very interesting hub - I feel like I know everything I need to know about Canada and a bit more besides.
Voted up, etc,etc
PDXKaraokeGuy -- Thank you for letting me know that you have walked away with new information. This always makes me smile, as I believe that we should always walk away with a new bit of information that we didn't have. :)
luv-iggy -- Between that and riding buffalo, I thought it best to dispell some of the myths. lol There is so much to learn about our country. Thank you.
Husky -- Thank you! Yes, we are proud of our country. :)
TonyMead -- I hope that you do come and visit -- soon! :) We have endless forest here too with millions of lakes. If you love nature and beauty, Canada is the place! Thank you. :)
very interesting facts, Beth. I didn't know a lot of these things. Thanks for sharing!
wow,u know your stuff! a lot of people say random,untrue facts about canadians(EX:we are all afraid of the dark)but you told the truth.i learned stuff and i live in canada!
Wow, I absolutely loved this hub. Especially the 30 interesting facts about Canada. Being a math teacher, I found the numerical facts to be extremely fascinating. Some of them really surprised me. It must be nice to live in a peaceful country that has far less controversy than the good old US of A. Canadians seem to have quite a bit of national pride. Thanks for another super interesting, well researched, and skillfully written hub, beth. Voted up, useful, awesome, interesting, beautiful........
Hi Beth
really interesting hub. I hope one day to visit Canada, one of my ancesters was married out there in the 1850's and my parents almost emigrated there in 1954 but were prevented by family illness here. It looks great and fascinating, I love wilderness, I've lived in Russia and experienced what seemed to be endless forests. Thank you for sharing.
Tony
Springboard -- You should have a lovely drive through the Canadian Shield! If you plan a drive during the fall, be prepared to take a load of photos --- the change in colors on the maple trees is breathtaking! The landscape is the canvas for Mother Nature as she paints the mountains in hundreds of shades of reds, yellows, oranges, greens, browns and every hue inbetween. Enjoy your trip to our lovely country! :)
My wife and I are looking forward to taking a short trip one day, probably next year sometime, to Sault St. Marie, which should amount to about 5 hours or so of driving from here in southeastern Wisconsin. Canada seems like an interesting place, and you've made it a bit MORE interesting with this hub. Often times an underrated country, I would think.
Entourage 007 - Thank you, and there are many more tidbits coming your way soon! :)
Quigley -- I have enough collected for another hub -- just a matter of making time to write it. Thanks for dropping in!
Stan -- We do have some warm and sandy beaches!!! The best that I've been to is all the ones along Sunshine Coast in BC. If you like, you can ferry across to Tofino and catch some curls! Or a sunset and sunrise! Thanks Stan, and hope to see on the beach!
I give my 2 thumbs up to this hub, I must admit I didn't know many of the facts that you mentioned. Great research.
These are interesting facts on Canada. Cool too! Will you collect more tidbits and write another hub?
Ingenira -- Oh yes! Canada is an AWESOME country to live in!! I am very fortunate to live in a country that is beautiful, peaceful and spacious! And, especially because the people here are diverse -- every culture is represented which provides a rich culture overall. :) Thank you for leaving your wonderful thoughts!
Travis -- My goal is to share what I've learned, and it brought a smile to my face knowing that you've learned something new today. :) Thank you!!
Prasetio -- I hope that you will come and visit soon! There is lots to see, to do and to discover. Our country is vast and it ranges from oceanside to mountain tops to rolling praries! Peace and light.
I love Canada now even more than I already did. Now, if it only had some really warm, sandy beaches......
Canada really have a lot of very cool facts to boast about ! It's cold up there, but it's one of the nicest places to live on earth.
Duchess O'Blunt -- Thank you!! I really appreciate your support. :)
James -- Glad you enjoyed this one! And thanks for the compliment! :)
CMerritt -- Banff, Canmore, Jasper, Lake Louise, Lake Morraine -- they are all beautiful jewels in the Rockies. Even though I grew up and they were my playground, I still stand in awe of the beauty when I visit. I could never tire of the beauty of the Rockies. Come and visit again soon! Thank you!!
Well I certainly learned a lot from this! :D very nice :)
Kcreery -- I'm glad this was a refresher course! :) I'm currently working on another with some unique facts about my wonderful country. Thank you for your comments.
I love Canada. I hope I can visit this country in person. Thanks for share with us. Love and peace,
GREAT HUB! Sharing to all my Canadian friends.
This is a great Hub! My question is: is that you in your avatar photo? Va va Voom!!
I am a big fan of Canada...I was fortunate enough to have visited Banff. It may very well be the most beautiful place on earth. I am going back again one of these days.
Great hub!
Great Hub. I love all the stats that I have forgotten. Well done.
Luke -- In 1994, Bill C-212 was proposed, and in this Bill, it was declared that hockey was to be recognized as the official sport of Canada. There was opposition to this Bill from proponents of lacrosse as lacrosse is culturally and traditionally a sport of the Aboriginals of Canada. An amendment was made to this Bill and in May, 1994, it was passed and became law. It is known as Canada's National Sport Act and an excerpt reads: "To recognize hockey as Canada's National Winter Sport and lacrosse as Canada's National Summer Sport".
Both sports are popular in Canada as well as in countries such as the US, Ireland, England and Scotland.
Lacrosse is gaining in popularity and it is common to find it being played on the concrete surface of ice hockey rinks after the completion of the hockey season when the ice has been removed. When the weather warms up, the game moves outside to a larger playing field and is played in the more traditional manner.
Thank you for the opportunity to clarify this fine point.
To Clarify, hockey is the most popular sport in Canada but our official sport is Lacrosse.
DavidLivingston -- Thank you for reading! Canada is an awesome country and even a more awesome place to live!!
Hi James, I am very fortunate to live in this beautiful country. I have lived elsewhere, but this is and always will be home to me. :) Thank you!
Thanks for the post. Very interesting.
Hi Beth100, Yeah it is, Canada is a beautiful country. Very informative hub about Canada.
Highvoltagewriter - Thank you on both accounts. :) Quebec is a beautiful province -- from mountains in the Canadian shield to the rolling hills and dark soil. Quebec City and Montreal are brimming with culture, history, great food, humor and too much to do! Enjoy your visit!
Yes such a wonderfull contry and you weare the flag so well! I have only been to the BC portion and yet I plan to go to Qubec soon, for after all that is were my "Howling Heart" is located!
Gregster77 -- Welcome to Canada!! And to HubPages!! I'm glad that this will help you learn a little bit more of your new home. It's a beautiful country, with lots to see and do. Thank you.
i just learned a lot..I'm new in Canada thanks for this
Kimberly -- We ROCK big time!! I love showcasing our beautiful country. It's so great to see you. It's been a while...we should get out this Friday. You're town or mine? Thanks Kimberly!
We rock eh?
Loved this hub, it was nice to be reminded where we live, I forget, and We should be proud
Also learned some things I didn't know before!
Thanks bikini hubber
Your so Canadian I love it!
Kimberly
Anna Marie Bowman - LOL Come on! This is a "serious" list! Just for you, I'll consider updating the list. XD
You should add Justin Beiber to the list of Canadian musicians...if you can call what he does music...LOL! Interesting hub!!!
Seanorjohn -- You've read my mind. I've been working on a second hub about Canada, but will be a bit different than this one. It's great to see you Sean! :)
Wow Beth you have enough info here to write at least two follow up hubs on Canada. Very interesting stuff.
CC -- Toot toot!! :) Yea, lot's of neat things about this country and this is just a small sample. Thanks CC!
Lot of thiongs I just dint know. that's a big horn for y'all to toot. kudos kanuck. Charlie
GrowWear -- CBC is known for being the voice of Canada! Our troops and travellers who are far from home can always tune into this terrific channel and receive home news and even hockey games. I'm glad that you get to enjoy a part of Canada! Thank you.
Back when we had one of those huge satellites, the eight-footers, we were able to get channels "in the clear." I loved watching CBC from way down here in the South. :)
RM from TX -- You are sooo correct...don't know how I missed PEI....thank you for pointing this out to me. :) I hope that you and your family have a wonderful time in the Maritimes! There's plenty of fun, and fantastic seafood to be had. If you go to Nova Scotia, visit Peggy's Cove -- time has stood still there. Happy holidays!
Quoted from above:
"The provinces are, from the west coast to the east coast: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador".
I thought PEI was a province, too, and that Nfld. and Lab. formed one province together. Anyhow, great articles- Me and the fam are headed to the Maritimes in July. 1st time in Canada, can't wait.
Deepthought -- They are so different! I love Alberta though I live in Ontario. Miss the Rockies!!! And BC -- was my playground when I was growing up. mmmm...can taste the salt off the ocean!!
That's true, Toronto is my place but I love BC
Deepthought - We're a lovin' kinda people up here! And we love our country!! Humble but proud. I'm glad that you've enjoyed my article. Thanks for your great feedback!!
Hey Beth100, I'm so loving your homage to the great white north. "Canada A". Your hub definitely does Canada justice and make anyone say they're proud to be canadian.
mtsi -- I guarantee that you won't be disappointed! Call me up if you're in my neck of the woods, and I'll show you a great time Canadian style! :)
Canada is a great country and I will get there one day - If the country is anything like the great Canadian hubbers here than it will be a great trip :)
Mythbuster -- Yeah, Canada is pretty cool, in many ways too, eh!! Now, the quiz will be tomorrow morning, and no, you are not allowed to Google! :) Thank you, Mythbuster for reading and providing terrific feedback!
Nice hub, Beth100. If I had to take a quiz based on these facts I think I'd do okay - 'cept for the actual numbers and measurements on mountain peaks, road miles and a few things like that. Canada is waaaaay cool, eh?
Pamela -- I'm very glad that you enjoyed this hub. Thank you for visiting!
Coolmon -- I'm sorry that this made you homesick. :( I know that you miss home, and perhaps, one day, you'll be back, either visiting or staying. Thank you, Coolmon.
Rose Mary -- And you do a wonderful job of writing the Roundups!!! Can you see it now?? :D
Theherbivorehippi -- Lots of places to camp out and many wonderful parks. Who would of thought of that of a prairie province?!? Thank you for your visit and comments.
This article makes me a little home sick. I enjoyed reading your article - Thank you
I enjoyed your hub and all the facts you presented. Good hub.
Larry -- You are so right about Diana Krall!! She's one of my favs, and I'm slapping my own hand for overlooking her! I've corrected it, and placed her first on the list. :) Thank you for your support Larry, and as always, I take great pleasure in your visits and comments.
I certainly don't have a monopoly Beth! It's challenging to write to the broadness of the HubMob in the roundup hub, and I try to make it informational, and worth reading. And not sound stupid to the natives! (I still don't see the HM graphic.)
Rose Mary -- Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't know that you were doing this with other countries! I've been writing about Canada for a while...after all, it's my home country! Thought that it would be fun to share these little known tidbits. I've added the graphic now... :) Thanks Rose Mary!
Great hub! I lived in Canada for 8 years when I was a bit younger and did enjoy it. I had no idea that there was so much forest there? Makes sense though because there's so many beautiful places.
Austinstar -- Yuppers, that's a LOT of beer, but then that goes to show how much in demand our Moosehead beer is! Good question about American streets named after our PMs. hmmm...good idea for another hub! Thanks for coming by!
What an informative and interesting Hub on Canada, our good neighbor to the North...
I would add Diana Krall to # 26 on your list...She is probably the most outstanding female jazz vocalist and pianist in the world...Thank you for sharing all this great info and observations on Canada with us...Larry
Excellent hub Beth. But you stole my HubMob roundup thunder! I've been doing something like this for the HubMobs on countries and cultures. BTW, you don't have a HubMob graphic.
That's a lot of Moosehead beer!
I visited Montreal once and was delighted with the city. I was amazed that the hotel I stayed at was on John F Kennedy street. I wonder if we have streets in the US named after famous Canadian PM's?
Cari Jean -- I had a friend who lived in the NWT and another in the Yukon. Their stories and photos were amazing. Wood Buffalo is a fabulous park, especially if you love nature. I hope you and your husband travel to your Canadian destination. Thank you Cari Jean!
Ocbill -- It seems incredible, but if you look on the map, the majority of the country is dotted with lakes. Fantastic fishing, boating, kayaking, swimming, and canoeing. Oh, and swimming too! Thank you for your visit and thoughts.
Great hub with great information - my husband and I would really like to visit the NW Territories sometime. The Wood Buffalo National Park sounds fascinating!
2 million lake is a lot. interesting stuff.
Woo Hoo! Another HobMob week of awesome Hubs!
Beth100 Hub Author 4 weeks ago
Jools99 -- There is much more to know about my beautiful country. This is just the beginning. :) Thank you for your feedback, and for your votes!! :)