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10 Fun facts about Canada: Maple syrup, Queen Elizabeth II, and more!
Discover fun facts about Canada that will leave you wanting to visit this unique corner of the world.
From the famous Canadian Rockies and thrilling ice hockey matches to golden maple syrup farms and the Yukon territory, Canada is truly a remarkable country. Here are 10 fun facts about Canada that will leave you in awe of this northern wonderland.
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1. Canada is the second-largest country in the world
One of the top fun facts about Canada is that it is the second-largest country in the world (right after Russia); it would’ve been the fourth-largest country if you removed its lakes. Canada’s famous and picturesque lakes, including Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Lake Ontario, make up 9% of the country’s surface area.
Overall, Canada has ten provinces and three territories, spanning from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast. Considering this information, it isn’t surprising that Canada is also home to the longest national highway in the world, the Trans-Canada Highway.
2. Canada is home to the polar bear capital of the world
If you’ve ever wanted to see a polar bear in the wild but didn’t want to make the journey deep inside the Arctic (understandable), head to Canada instead. Churchill, Manitoba, in northern Canada, is known as the world’s polar bear capital. Wild polar bears migrate through the town each fall season, attracting thousands of tourists worldwide.
Otherwise, center your Canada travel guide around summer and spring, as you have more chances of witnessing wild bears, whales, and migratory birds.
3. The coldest recorded temperature in Canada is below -40°C
The coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth is -89.2°C (-128.6°F), measured at the Vostok Station in Antarctica. One of the craziest facts about Canada is that its coldest ever recorded temperature is -63°C (145.4°F) in Snag, Yukon, between the Northwest Territories and Alaska.
4. Canada produces the largest amount of maple syrup in the world
If there’s one thing Canada is known for besides its picturesque landscapes, thriving wildlife, and great cultural values, it is maple syrup. Imagine having pancakes without the sweet, maple drizzle.
Canada actually produces 70% of the world’s maple syrup, mostly from eastern Canada, where rock maple trees grow. The story of maple syrup is also linked to the indigenous people and history of Québec.
5. Canada is connected to Queen Elizabeth II
One of Canada’s more interesting fun facts is related to the monarchy Canada follows. In 1962, Canada created a special royal flag for Queen Elizabeth II when she visited the country. It includes the Canadian coat of arms with an “E” and crown surrounded by a wreath of maple leaves.
Canada declared independence in 1982; prior to this, it was legally and constitutionally under British rule. On April 17, 1982, Queen Elizabeth II signed the Constitution Act into law, giving Canada full sovereignty from British rule.
6. Canadians consume more mac and cheese than anywhere in the world
An interesting fact about Canada is its peculiar love for mac and cheese, or “Kraft dinner,” as Canadians call it. A 2022 study conducted by The Walrus magazine even suggested that it could be considered Canada’s national dish. Other sources highlight how Canadians eat 50% more mac and cheese per capita than Americans.
7. Ice hockey is more than just Canada’s national winter sport
If you ask any Canadian, they’ll tell you how important ice hockey is to them. It’s the official winter sport and loved by all. With deep Canadian roots, kids and adults grow up with skates on their feet. You’ll also find many famous Canadian celebrities, including Justin Bieber, Avril Lavigne, and the late actor Matthew Perry, known for their hockey skills and interests.
Ice hockey games become a norm in frozen backyard ponds and massive arenas when winter comes around. Its counterpart is lacrosse, Canada’s national summer sport.
8. British Columbia in Canada has the largest intact forest in the world
The Boreal Forest, also known as the taiga, is the largest intact forest on Earth and is 74 million acres in size. An even more unique fact is that it’s larger than the United Kingdom. This forest in British Columbia stretches across northern Canada and even plays a crucial role in climate regulation and carbon storage. It’s also home to wildlife such as black bears, beavers, over 180 bird species, wolves, caribou, and moose.
9. The origin of the name “Canada” is likely indigenous
It is believed that “Canada” likely comes from the Huron-Iroquois word “Kanata”, which means village or settlement. In 1535, two Aboriginal teenagers told French explorer Jacques Cartier about the route to Kanata. They were referring to the village of Stadacona; however, Cartier used the word “Canada” to describe not only the village but the entire area controlled by its chief, Donnacona.
The name “Canada” stuck and was soon applied to a much larger area; everything north of the St. Lawrence River became Canada.
10. It would take four and a half years to walk Canada’s coast from one end to the other
Canada boasts the longest coastline in the world, at 243,042 kilometers (151,019 miles). Walking from one end of the coastline to the other would take around four years, 30 years if you walked a little over 12 miles a day.
Explore fun facts about Canada with Holafly
From natural wonders like Niagara Falls to hosting the world’s largest collection of Inuit art, Canada is bursting with surprises and beautiful scenery at every corner. Visit Canada in person and get to experience its curiosities firsthand.
Consider Holafly’s Canada eSIM to stay connected as you discover the country’s amazing attractions. Unlimited data plans, an easy set-up process, and matching your plan to your vacation are all part of the Holafly experience.
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Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
