7 Fun Facts About Canada You Might Not Know
Canadians or anyone just curious about Canada will likely discover many interesting facts that will surprise and amuse. From its freezing temperatures to famous hockey players, this country offers much!
Churchill, Manitoba offers one of the best opportunities to observe wild polar bears (but be wary!).
1. It has the longest coastline in the world
Canada is one of the world’s most diverse nations, and its landscapes reflect this diversity. Home to black-blue lakes and rivers, majestic western mountains, forested eastern valleys and icy Arctic coasts – Canada boasts an abundance of natural wonders that draw people here every year.
The country boasts the longest coastline in the world, stretching across three oceans: Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic Oceans. Depending on where it’s measured from, its total length ranges between 202,080 km to 243,042 km long.
Canadian waters provide habitat to numerous unique marine animals such as whales, seals and sea lions that depend on these waters for survival – as well as being an invaluable asset to its economy and culture. With so much marine biodiversity contributing to economic success as well as shaping cultural identity and heritage of this diverse nation that was founded upon immigrants from all around the globe.
2. It has the largest national parks in the world
The beaver is Canada’s national animal, and can be seen on our 5-cent coin as well. Beavers are hardworking creatures who build dams in rivers to build homes and protect themselves against predators with these dams. They’re skilled at food production as well as adept at using their dams as protection from them.
Canadian geography offers so much for visitors to discover. From stunning mountain landscapes in British Columbia and Quebec forests, to their famously friendly residents, Canada holds so much promise as an interesting country with endlessly fascinating facts and discoveries!
3. It has the highest tides in the world
Canada is home to some of the highest tides on Earth. The Bay of Fundy between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia flows more than 100 billion tons of water daily – that’s more than all rivers combined! Experience these massive tides by kayaking, camping or rafting through its tidal bore.
Beavers are Canada’s national animal, and their hardworking spirit have made them beloved symbols in Canadian culture. You’ll even find their image printed on Canadian nickels!
Churchill, Manitoba is the perfect destination to witness polar bears in their natural environment. Winter months offer prime viewing as these magnificent beasts gather along shorelines looking for sustenance.
4. It has the largest maple syrup industry in the world
Maple syrup has long been associated with Canadian culture and cuisine, from its production of 75% of world maple syrup production and its export to more than 50 countries worldwide.
Quebec is the global leader in maple syrup production. The Federation of Quebec Syrup Producers oversees more than a dozen warehouse operations for this purpose.
The Maple Syrup Federation is the leading private organization within the maple syrup industry. Its members are responsible for managing an emergency reserve held at various farms across Ontario in case of poor harvest years. These reserves will help producers weather any stormy harvest seasons more easily.
5. It has the largest population of polar bears in the world
Canadians may not realize it, but Canada boasts the world’s highest concentration of polar bears – roughly 17,000 bears! Polar bears can be found throughout Arctic environments worldwide but Canada boasts the largest population. A smaller subpopulation lives in Nunavut.
Churchill, Manitoba is the polar bear capital of the world – and Churchill, Manitoba is one of the best places in which to see these amazing animals! Polar bears inhabit Hudson Bay where hundreds gather each October/November waiting for it to freeze over. There’s even a “polar bear jail” available!
Walking from coast to coast would take nearly four and a half years – almost the equivalent of traveling from Paris to New York City! That is why Canada boasts Quebec City as the continent’s only walled city.
6. It has the largest number of doughnut shops in the world
Canada is famous for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant history, but this country also holds many quirky secrets and fun facts that you may have never known about before – from hockey to maple syrup! Here are seven things you may have never known about this beautiful nation!
Canada derives its name from an indigenous term called “kanata,” which translates to village or settlement. Explorer Jacques Cartier coined this term and gave it to this region; later, this became Canada as its official name.
Beavers are Canada’s national animal, as reflected by their presence on Canadian nickels. Beavers are expert builders, creating dams to control water levels in rivers and streams through dams they construct themselves – this helps control river and stream levels and lead to their annual migration into Canada by the millions! So important are beavers that a war was even waged over fur trade during which beavers played an essential part; known as The Beaver War.
7. It has the largest number of national parks in the world
Canada is well known for its breathtaking landscapes, sparkling lakes and national parks filled with wildlife – but there’s much more to this incredible country – from quirky cuisine to charming traditions and some of the friendliest people on Earth!
One of the most fascinating facts about Canada is that it boasts the world’s highest concentration of national parks, including those recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Canadian Rockies and Niagara Falls.
The Canadian 5 cent coin features the beaver as the nation’s animal, as it’s one of their national icons. Beavers are known to build dams that can store water up to 25 feet high; additionally, there was once an ongoing war between beavers and Mohawk tribes of St Lawrence River region known as Beaver Wars – fascinating!
8. It has the largest number of lakes in the world
Canada, one of the largest countries in the world, boasts some truly amazing natural marvels – from glittering lakes to snow-capped mountains – making this country an idyllic natural landscape. But Canada offers more than beautiful vistas; this spectacular nation also has quirky cuisine and charming traditions to keep visitors interested!
Churchill in Manitoba is famously dubbed “the Polar Bear Capital of the World.” Residents leave their doors open each autumn so the polar bears can hunt seals for food. Additionally, Canada boasts the longest border with the United States–5,525 miles–while the coldest temperature ever recorded was in Snag Yukon on February 3, 1947 – that’s really cold!
9. It has the largest number of national parks in the world
Canada isn’t all shimmering lakes and national parks – it’s also home to charming traditions, delightful cuisine and some of the friendliest people on earth! Canada boasts incredible landscapes to discover but also has much more in store: bizarre cultures, fascinating histories and many surprises along the way!
Newfoundland is known for its unique tradition of kissing dead cod to show respect for this popular species in local cuisine. This event gives people the chance to have some fun while showing respect for an important part of life!
Did you know that Canada derives its name from an indigenous word? This was brought about through miscommunication between European explorer Jacques Cartier and St Lawrence Iroquoians living near his village Kanata; Cartier misunderstood Kanata to mean all of Canada!
10. It has the largest number of national parks in the world
Canada is famously famed for its breathtaking scenery – from sparkling lakes to snowcapped mountains and national parks – but this land also holds quirky cuisine, charming traditions, and some of the friendliest people on Earth.
Canada boasts the world’s highest concentration of national parks with over 3,700 lakes spanning across three million hectares of land, as well as offering many urban experiences like Toronto and Montreal to visit.
Canada derives its name from an indigenous word kanata, which translates to “village” or “settlement”. The first Europeans to settle Canada were Vikings who called their settlement Newfoundland. Today, Canada ranks amongst one of the most educated countries worldwide with 99% literacy rate and 50% of population having access to postsecondary education; plus it’s where poutine was invented!