Known as ‘the country with the politest people’, Canada has so much more to know about. Turns out, despite being a Western country, it has a deep and rich history which we cannot wait to share with you in our facts about Canada.

In this blog, we will share with you some of the most unique facts about Canada which could surprise you as much as it surprised us.

So, are you ready to be intrigued? Check out the list we have shared with you below!

The Word “Canada” is Aboriginal

The Canada we know is based on the Huron-Iroquois word Kanata, which stands for ” village ” or “settlement”. As traders and foreigners kept visiting the land, the pronunciation of Kanata started becoming softer, hence giving it the name of Canada.

The word Canada was first officially used in 1791, on the occasion of its province Quebec being divided into Upper Canada and Lower Canada.

Different Thanksgiving than in the USA

Canadians don’t celebrate Thanksgiving on the same dates as the Americas, as they celebrate it somewhere in the middle of October while the Americans do it in late November. The Thanksgiving meal also varies for people living in the USA and people living in Canada.

The day is usually spent chilling with the family, often with the youngsters getting cozy and watching some chilling movie on Netflix or Peacock TV in Canada.

The Maple Heist

As much as it sounds like a hoax, this did happen and became one of the most distinguished facts about Canada. This occurred between August 2011 and July 2012, when approximately 95,000 barrels (or 2,000 tons) of maple syrup were stolen.

The cost of it back then was around $18.7 million. This heist was carried out at the warehouse operation which belonged to the FPAQ (Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers).

The supply in that location was responsible for 72% of the world’s maple syrup production and 90% of Canadian production.

Less Gravity Than Other Countries

During the ice age, a huge part of Canada was covered by a huge glacier which is known as the Laurentide Ice Sheet. 21,000 years ago, when the ice started to melt, it sprung up the land hidden inside. So, the Hudson Bay region is still deformed which indicates that it contains less mass.

Since less mass means less gravity, it makes Canada have less gravity than other countries. Unfortunately, global warming has almost reduced whatever is left of the glaciers in the region.

Fitness Comes First

In the Great White North, staying active is not just a pastime but a way of life, contributing to the country’s reputation for a healthy and active population. Canada boasts a diverse range of landscapes, from majestic mountains to serene lakes, providing a natural playground for fitness enthusiasts. Outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and canoeing are popular year-round, harnessing the country’s breathtaking scenery to inspire physical activity. Additionally, Canadians embrace organized sports like ice hockey, lacrosse, and curling, reflecting the nation’s love for both traditional and contemporary athletic pursuits.

Urban centers across the country are equipped with extensive networks of parks, trails, and recreational facilities, encouraging residents to jog, cycle, or simply take a leisurely stroll. The facts about Canada include a Canadian spirit of fitness that is not confined to specific age groups or demographics, as community events, fitness classes, and sports leagues cater to a wide range of interests and abilities. From coast to coast, the commitment to an active lifestyle is deeply ingrained in Canadian culture, fostering not only physical well-being but also a sense of community and shared vitality.

Santa Claus Officially Lives in Canada

Saint Nick or Santa Claus is a popular character who has been a part of various Western folklore. However, Santa Claus is said to reside in Canada because it is a place which is the closest to the North Pole.

People from all over the world hold Santa in high esteem and strive to get in touch with him. A huge number of people send letters to Santa at the address of the North Pole, H0H 0H0 in Canada, and receive replies!

Two Official Languages

Due to the colonisation of Canada by France, it now has two official languages, i.e., English and French. Interestingly, Canada was colonised more than once, and the UK was also involved in getting dominant over it during its revolutionary days.

“Beaver Wars”

As adorable as the name sounds, it was one of the most brutal wars. In the 17th century, the Iroquoians wished to take the lead in the fur trade in the region and sought the help of England.

The nations against it took help from France and thus started the bloody chapters of their lives.

Final Thoughts

Surprised? We were too. While Canada is perceived to be limited just to beavers, maple, and super polite people, it has many more interesting things which make them stand out and be a source of interest for anyone living abroad.

If you would like to know more about Canada, let us know and we might just bring more similar content for you to read!