Many people know that Canada is the second-largest country in the world. Lots of travelers love this country for its amazing landscapes, polite people and cultural diversity. But there’s so much more to this beautiful country than you’ve ever known. If you are going for study or vacation, here are 10 Incredible facts about Canada that you probably never knew.
1. Canada Has the Longest Coastline in the World
The country stretches over 202,080 kilometers (125,567 miles). The coastline of Canada is the longest you will ever find on the planet. Imagine walking along the shore from one end to the other—it would take you almost forever! This long coastline is bordered by the Atlantic, the Pacific, and the Arctic oceans. All across Canada, you’ll find beautiful cities, quiet environments, lively people and untouched wilderness.
2. Santa Claus Is Canadian – Wait. What?!
Are you surprised to know this? Oh Yes, that’s right! According to the Canadian government, Santa Claus is officially a Canadian citizen. In fact, Canada’s postal service has a day dedicated to sending letters to Santa. Each year, thousands of volunteers ‘help’ Santa respond to over a million letters sent by children from around the world. So, if you’ve ever wondered where all those letters go, now you know. Those letters go straight to Canada!
3. Canada is the Maple Syrup Capital of the World
Canada produces a whopping 71% of the world’s maple syrup. The majority of this percentage comes from the province of Quebec. This sticky, sweet substance is a common food in many Canadian homes and is also well appreciated in several other countries. The maple syrup industry is so important to Canada that in 2012, thieves stole about 3,000 tons of syrup worth $18 million. This incident was named The Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist.’
4. The World’s Most Polite People
Canadians are known to be extremely polite, and there’s a good reason for that. This is so true that in Ontario, there’s an “Apology Act” which allows people to apologize without seeing it as an admission of guilt in the eyes of the law. This law is a reflection of the national tendency towards politeness and kindness. So, if you accidentally bump into someone on a Canadian street, don’t be surprised when they kindly apologize to you first!
5. A Nation Full of Lakes
Canada has more lakes than all the countries of the world put together. It has about 2 million lakes across its large landscape. This makes Canada a paradise for people who love water and outdoor activities. The country’s largest lake is Great Bear Lake. It is located in the Northwest Territories and covers an area larger than Belgium. If you enjoy fishing, kayaking or just want to relax by the water, the lakes in Canada offer the right opportunities to meet your needs.
6. The Northern Lights
One of the most charming natural phenomena in Canada is the Northern Lights also known as Aurora Borealis. This beautiful sight can be seen in several parts of Canada. The best places to witness this colorful display of light are in the northern regions such as Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. The lights are produced when particles from the sun interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. This encounter creates a beautiful display of green, pink, and purple hues dancing across the sky.
7. Canada Has a Strange National Sport
When you think of a popular sport in a developed country like Canada, hockey probably comes to mind. Well, you’re not totally wrong. While ice hockey is popular, Canada’s official national sport is actually lacrosse in the summer and hockey in the winter. Lacrosse is a game with indigenous origins, and has been played in Canada for centuries. This fast-paced sport involves a small rubber ball and a long-handled stick, and is characterized by speed and physical movements.
8. The World’s First UFO Landing Pad
Are you surprised at this fact? Well, let’s explain. In the small town of St. Paul located in Alberta, there’s a world’s first UFO landing pad. It was built in 1967 as part of Canada’s centennial celebration. This strange attraction is a symbol of the town’s open-mindedness and warm welcome to visitors from all around the universe—even if they are aliens or extraterrestrial beings! Today, the landing pad is part of a larger tourist park that contains a museum dedicated to UFOs and space exploration.
9. Canada has the Coldest Temperature Ever Recorded in North America
Canada often has harsh winters, but did you know that it holds the record for the coldest temperature ever recorded in North America? Incredible, isn’t it? On February 3, 1947, the temperature in Snag, Yukon, went down to a bone-chilling -63°C (-81.4°F). That meant it was colder than the surface of Mars. Despite these unreliable weather conditions, Canadians have adapted well, with many people taking to winter sports and other outdoor activities as a way to enjoy the season.
10. A Place of Cultural Diversity and Inclusiveness
Did you know that Canada is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world? Over 20% of Canada’s population is foreign-born. That means they come from Africa, Europe and Asia. This rich diversity makes the country recognize various cultural festivals, cuisines, and traditions from around the globe. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver are popular spots for different cultures, making Canada a truly unique place to live, study and visit. The country’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is shown in the kind of policies the government makes to show that the country is welcoming to immigrants and refugees.
Conclusion
Canada is a country full of surprises and a promising future. It has vast landscapes and is filled with diverse rich cultural heritage. You will always come across something new to see or learn. Next time you think of Canada, remember it’s not just like any other developed country. It’s a place where politeness is a way of life, and where the natural wonders are as large as the country itself. So, if you plan to come over to Canada, be ready to be amazed and inspired by what you will see.