Cool Things to Know About Canada – Facts and More

Discover cool things to know about Canada on our blog-a country renowned for its stunning natural beauty, warm communities, and rich multiculturalism.

We provide insights and information on the essentials of this diverse and welcoming nation, catering to interests and ages across the board.

If you’re seeking practical tips on living in Canada, need basic information for your child’s school project, or are curious about interesting and fun facts about this country, we’ve got you covered.

Our content is designed for everyone-whether you’re planning to immigrate and start a new life in Canada, study, work, or simply visit. We provide advice and insights to help you smoothly integrate and maximize your Canadian experience.

Join us to explore Canada’s vibrant communities, rich traditions, and exciting opportunities, making your experience in this beautiful country as fulfilling and enjoyable as possible.

Cool Things to Know About Canada: Highlights

• Important information about Canada
• History
• Geography and land
• Climate and weather
• Provinces and territories
• Main large cities
• Popular small cities and towns
• Government
• People
• Canada’s wildlife and nature

Important Information About Canada

• Official Name: Canada (comes from the Huron-Iroquois word “kanata,” meaning “village” or “settlement.”)
• Capital: Ottawa
• National Flag: Adopted in 1965, Canada’s flag features a red maple leaf, a national symbol.
• Political system: Canada is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. The head of state is the monarch (currently King Charles III), represented by the Governor General, and the head of government is the Prime Minister.
• Universal Healthcare: Known for its publicly funded healthcare system, which provides coverage to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
• Population: Approximately 38 million (as of 2023)
• Official Languages: English and French
• Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD).
• Time zones: Canada spans six primary time zones, reflecting its vast geographic expanse. These range from UTC-3:30 in Newfoundland and Labrador to UTC-8 in British Columbia and the Yukon.
• Size: Canada is the second-largest country in the world by land area, after Russia.
• Resources: Canada has the largest number of lakes in the world, with over 60% of all the lakes on Earth found within its borders. Canada possesses the third-largest supply of renewable freshwater globally.

To illustrate Canada’s vastness, consider this: traveling from Toronto, Ontario, to Vancouver in British Columbia, located on the west coast, is a journey that spans the breadth of the country and takes approximately two days by car and up to 5 hours by plane. Extending this illustration, a road trip from Charlottetown on the east coast to Vancouver would take approximately 70 hours, further underscoring Canada’s impressive geographical expanse.

This vast land stretches from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west and northward into the Arctic Ocean.

The Canadian landscape encompasses a wide array of ecosystems, from the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains in the west to the Canadian Shield, a massive area of rock that arcs around Hudson Bay and covers over half of Canada.

The country’s geography is further characterized by its extensive coastline, which is the longest in the world (202,080 km or 125,600 miles), and its numerous lakes and rivers, including the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River.

This geographical diversity not only shapes Canada’s climate, which varies from temperate in the south to arctic in the north but also supports a rich variety of wildlife and vegetation, making Canada a country of breathtaking natural beauty and ecological significance.

Canada is home to some of the most extreme temperature variations on Earth. For instance, the lowest temperature ever recorded was in Snag, Yukon, at a bone-chilling -63°C (-81.4°F), while the highest recorded temperature was 45°C (113°F) in Lytton, British Columbia.

Additionally, Canada is renowned for its significant snowfall, particularly at Mount Fidelity in Quebec. This location boasts an average annual snowfall of about 1,180 cm (465 inches), ranking it among the highest recorded snowfalls in the world.

Provinces:

• Ontario
• Quebec
• Nova Scotia
• New Brunswick
• Manitoba
• British Columbia
• Prince Edward Island
• Saskatchewan
• Alberta
• Newfoundland and Labrador

Territories

• Northwest Territories
• Yukon
• Nunavut

Canada’s immigration policies have welcomed people from all over the world, making it one of the most multicultural countries globally. This diversity is evident in its cities, where communities from Asia, Europe, Africa, and other parts of the Americas have contributed to the rich cultural tapestry.

The country’s extensive network of over 40 national parks, including Banff and Jasper, plays a crucial role in protecting these habitats. It’s also a key migration route for numerous bird species, and its surrounding waters are rich with marine life, such as orcas. The expansive boreal forest shelters animals like caribou and wolves while conservation efforts are focused on endangered species. The diverse wildlife, complemented by the changing seasons, underscores the vibrancy of Canada’s nature.

Our exploration of cool things to know about Canada is just the start of what this great country has to offer. Whether you’re new here, have lived here for a while, or are just visiting, there’s so much more to see and do in Canada.

We hope our insights have shown you the wonderful diversity and culture of Canada. If you’re curious to learn more, be sure to check out our other articles. They’ll give you even more information and ideas about what makes Canada such an amazing place.