When you hear Canada, what do you think of? There are lots of things Canada is known for. Discover the country of politeness with this guide on 20 things Canada is known for. It is tough not to love Canada. From its gorgeous sights to its kind people, you won’t be left wondering why this is such a popular city.
Whether you’re looking to visit this country or you just want to know more, we’ve got you. Explore everything that makes Canada the country that it is: vibrant, culturally rich, and utterly stunning. Ready? Let’s get right into it.
What is Canada known for? Here are 20 things!
1. Hockey
If you asked us what word we’d use to describe Canada, here’s what we would say. Hockey. Canada is most known for hockey, the sport played in an ice rink. If football were the U.S.’ favorite sport, hockey would be Canada’s.
Although ice hockey originated in the United Kingdom, Canada developed and evolved it into what it is today: a sport for everyone to enjoy with established rules and robust equipment.
Canada, therefore, is considered the country where this sport was created. When you’re in Canada, make sure to try out ice hockey or watch a hockey game!
2. Maple Syrup
Next up, we have the delicacy almost everyone loves called maple syrup. This pairs deliciously with pancakes, french toast, and even bacon. Canada is usually associated with this delicacy because it is the world’s leading producer and exporter of maple syrup.
Consider visiting Canada and trying out their maple syrup. It’ll turn your life around in a good way.
3. Politeness
The joke that’s been going around about Canada is that Canadians are the nicest people in the world. Well, it’s true. Most Canadians are exceptionally polite, apologizing constantly and watching their manners. They’re also easygoing and warm.
Comedians find this fact to be great material for their stand-up shows. Tourists, however, find this fact to be a great reason to visit Canada and maybe even consider moving there. Who wouldn’t want to surround themselves with people who exude kindness?
4. Northern Lights
Canada is not without its beauty. One of the sights that make Canada one of the most stunning countries in the world is its northern lights.
Visit Lake Superior Ontario near Thunder Bay or Athabasca near Edmonton to get a glimpse of this gorgeous display of lights that are natural phenomena or, as we like to call it, beautiful miracles.
5. Poutine
Poutine is a Canadian side dish we can easily sell to you by describing it. It’s a tasty combination of french fries, cheese, and gravy. Are you sold? You better be. Doesn’t that just sound delicious?
Poutine is often described as messy but don’t worry, they mean this in a good way. It’s a mess of delicious food that when combined, forms something genius. This is a must-have when visiting Canada.
6. Niagara Falls
Ah, the famed Niagara Falls. This is one of the world’s most beautiful natural creations, aside from animals of course. Niagara Falls is an hour’s drive away from Toronto.
As you pass through the border, you’ll get a glimpse of these 57-meter falls. You’re welcome to take a boat ride near the falls and take photos of such a stunning attraction.
7. Polar Bears
Next up, we have the cuddly polar bears with fur as white as snow. We like to think Snow White’s “white as snow” complexion was inspired by these animals. Although it might not be true, it is a nice sentiment.
Canada is home to 60% of the world’s polar bears. There are a lot of guided tours you can take to see some of the many polar bears that reside in the vibrant country we call Canada.
8. Stunning Landscapes
Ever heard of Bob Ross? He paints stunning landscapes. Do you, like many other people in the world, want to see a real-life version of his paintings? Visit Canada.
In this country, there are tons of stunning landscapes making it a hotspot for photographs, adventurers, and travelers. Visit one of these breathtaking aesthetics that we know would make Bob Ross happy.
9. The French Language
If you’ve read some of our other articles on Canada, you might have noticed that we’ve mentioned that Canada has cities with Citizens that speak French. Canada has citizens that speak either French, English, or both adding vibrancy to the list of beautiful things Canada is known for.
When visiting this country and its many cities, you might want to consider learning basic French terms to really get into the zone. French is spoken in Quebec and many other places in Canada.
10. Lakeside Homes
Canada has beautiful landscapes and northern lights. They’ve basically taken the earth and the sky. What’s left? Well, there’s the water. Canada is home to beautiful lakes where a lot of people decide to settle down.
After all, lake life is one a lot of us have been dreaming of. Can you imagine waking up and just being able to swim in one of the largest swimming pools whenever you want? Not to mention the fresh air and cool breeze that comes with living near a lake is just drool-worthy.
Lake Superior is one of the many lakes in Canada and it is the largest one with a size of 82,100 kilometers. Canada is a country a lot of people consider because of the lakes and the experiences a lake life includes.
11. Butter Tarts
We’ve mentioned many delicious delicacies Canada offers. Now, you can add Butter Tarts to the list of must-haves. Another Canadian staple is butter tarts. This is a flaky pastry that features maple syrup. These originate in Canada and are one of the country’s most popular sweets.
12. The Longest Street in the World
A fun fact about Canada is that it houses the longest street in the world. Yes, that is very random but very interesting. Not only does it bring home the labels of the tallest building in the world and the longest coastline in the world.
Now, it’s added the longest street in the world to the resume. This street is called Yonge Street and it is 1,896 kilometers long. It connects the shores of Lake Ontario to Lake Simcoe. This street was recognized as the longest one by Guinness World Records until 1999.
13. Toronto’s CN Tower
Another attraction you shouldn’t miss out on is Toronto’s CN Tower. The CN Tower was the world’s first tallest tower and it is 553.33 meters high. If you’re daring and brave, make sure to go up to the tower’s observation deck.
As Mr. Keating from Dead Poet’s Society would say, “I stand upon my desk to remind myself that we must constantly look at things in a different way.”. So, go stand upon this tower and look at the world from a different perspective.
14. Old Quebec
One of Canada’s historic gems is Old Quebec which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Honestly, this city gives off Mamma Mia vibes and can remind you of Europe. It’s just so beautiful. You can’t help but want to visit it.
15. Ottawa’s Parliament Hill
The next site you should add to your itinerary is Ottawa’s Parliament Hill. This Neo-Gothic-style building was built in the 19th century. The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place on the front lawn of this building. This is also a great place to take a walk and bask in the sun.
16. Ice Wine
Another of the many things that Canada is known for is its ice wine. This is a rich drink made using naturally frozen grapes harvested from the vine. It’s sweet and delicious and Canada happens to be one of the world’s largest producers of ice wine. Add that to the lengthening list of reasons to love Canada.
17. Moose
Aside from polar bears, another animal that Canada has in spades is the moose. It is also one of Canada’s most iconic symbols. It’s obvious that the country dedicates a lot of its resources to wildlife. Animal lovers around the world must rejoice!
Moose can be found in almost every province across Canada and there are said to be around 1 million of these animals in Canada. Impressive, right?
18. Celebrities
Celebrities are almost worshipped by the entire world. Canada is home to many celebrities including Justin Bieber, Drake, Celine Dion, and Jim Carey. Margaret Atwood, the popular writer, also comes from Canada. This country surely doesn’t have a shortage of talent.
19. Old Montreal
Much like Old Quebec, Old Montreal is another city that exudes historic vibes. A lot of people fall more and more in love with this country the more they visit these stunning cities and learn of their history.
This is a vibrant city lined with historic buildings and restaurants that offer delicious food wrapped in a fun dining experience.
20. Vancouver Island
The 20th thing Canada is known for is Vancouver Island. From the mainland, it is a 2-hour ferry ride. This island holds the key to magical and unforgettable experiences as it has some of the best hiking trails and stunning camping locations.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing activity, then be sure to check out the island’s resorts and lodges.
The Takeaway
As I’m writing this, I can’t help but want to visit Canada. It no longer can be denied that Canada is a great country with equally great attractions, food, people, and environments. You should definitely add visiting Canada to your bucket list.