Canada is a splendid country known for its panoramic scenery, overly polite residents, & snowy winters. But, there are certain things that you don’t know about the ‘Great White North’. Canada is one of the world’s best countries. Whether you have been there before or its next destination/ place on your travel bucket list, you will surely learn something new in the forthcoming list of fun facts about Canada. 

Fun Facts About Canada

There are a lot of things that you do not know about Canada. Stick to this list, as you will definitely find something new here!

  • Canadian Banknotes Are Made Of Plastic 

Unlike the currency of most countries, Canadian banknotes are made of polymer. This makes the 5, 10, 20, 50, & 100 dollar notes more durable & environment friendly as compared to cotton-paper banknotes. These polymer bills were first introduced in early 2011. 

Of course, the colorful Canadian polymer banknotes are able to withstand the weather. So, either your bills end up in the snow or the washing machine, they will be alright! 

  • Canada’s National Drink Has Clam Juice 

Canada’s unique version of the classic Bloody Mary cocktail is very interesting. Known as the Bloody Caesar, this drink is made with tomato juice, vodka, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, clam juice, & a few spices. 

Although the recipe might sound like an odd concoction, Canadian consumers consume around 350 million Bloody Caesars yearly – well, that’s a lot of clam juice! This Canadian drink is rarely found anywhere else around the world. 

  • The World’s Second-Longest Highway Is In Canada 

Placed second to Highway 1 in Australia, the Trans-Canada highway spans an impressive 4860 miles. The route crosses over ten of Canada’s provinces/ regions, i.e., from Victoria to Labrador. 

Building the highway was not an easy feat, specifically in high snowfall & avalanche regions like British Columbia. While beginning the cross-country route in 1949, the trans-Canada highway was officially opened in 1962 but was finally completed in 1971. 

  • Canada Has A Lot Of Lakes In The World

Another fun fact is that Canada holds an incredible 60% of the world’s natural lakes. In total, there are around 32,313 natural lakes in Canada & 561 out of those lakes have 40 square miles in surface area. 

Canada’s largest lakes include Lake Huron, Great Bear Lake, Lake Superior, Great Slave Lake, etc. Although Great Bear Lake is the largest lake within Canada’s borders, Lake Huron & Lake Superior are a few of the largest lakes in the Great Lakes Basin & North America. 

Interestingly, 18% of the world’s fresh lake water is held in the Great Lakes Basin. 

  • Canada Has Some Huge Wildlife 

Being one of the world’s largest countries, Canada is home to some of the biggest wildlife, both on land & in the ocean.

Canada’s woodlands are home to animals like Wood Bison. It is North America’s largest land animal, along with other creatures like moose, bears, etc. 

You might spot the ocean’s largest inhabitants off the shores of Canada, particularly around British Columbia, Newfoundland, Quebec, Labrador, etc. From minor porpoises to huge blue whales, Canada’s wildlife is nothing short of impressive. 

  • Canada Is The World’s Coldest Country

Canada’s winter isn’t a joke. Temperatures in specific parts of this country can drop to around -40 degrees. However, you aren’t likely to experience such frigid temperatures in Canada’s larger cities. Most of the provinces in the nation experience temperatures ranging from 23 degrees to 4 degrees during winter. 

In February 1947, Canada’s Yukon territory recorded an all-time low temperature of -81 degrees. In addition to Yukon, Quebec, Nunavut, Alberta, and Northwest Territories are also quite cold.

  • Quebec Is The Only Walled City 

Quebec is a charming city for many reasons. From its idyllic streets to stunning cathedrals & chateaux, there is an abundant history & culture to explore. However, most people don’t know this fun fact about Canada that Quebec is the only walled city. 

The city of Quebec was established in 1608 by Samuel De Champlain. Since then, it has faced numerous battles between French & British immigrants. Due to these battles, a wall was built around the city to protect it from invasion. 

However, the wall was replaced in 1745 & it still stands around Quebec as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

  • 85% Of The World’s Maple Syrup Comes From Canada 

Canada’s climate provides ideal conditions for producing maple tree sap, which is used to create maple syrup. Moreover, maple trees store starch to survive the harsh winter temperatures. This starch is then converted into sugar, found in high concentrations in maple sap. 

Between the end of winter & early spring, the sap is harvested by drilling into the trunk of the trees & boiled to create maple syrup. Here’s a fact – Canada produces around 20 million gallons of maple syrup every year!

  • Canada Has Nicknames For Their Coins 

Canada’s one & two-dollar coins are called ‘loonies’ & ‘toonies’. Okay… do not confuse it with Warner Bros Looney Tunes!

A one Canadian dollar coin has a Loon, which is a kind of waterfowl native to North America; thus came the nickname ‘loonie’ & ‘toonie’ as two ‘loonies’ equal one ‘two-nie’. 

Moreover, the Canadian ‘toonie’ has a Polar bear, which was introduced in 2000. 

  • Canada Has The World’s Largest Skating Rink   

One can expect plenty of ice-related activities in a country with such chilling winter temperatures. Naturally, Canada has a celebrated winter sports culture. The world’s largest, as well as longest skating rink, is located in Ottawa, Canada. 

Once the cool winter temperatures begin to creep in, the Rideau Canal is transformed into Rideau Canal Skateway. The 5-mile skateway was opened in 1970. 

If you can tolerate the cold, skating the Rideau Canal is an excellent way to see Ottawa. The 2-3 hour journey passes Parliament Hill & Downtown Ottawa. 

Conclusion

Hopefully, the fun facts about Canada we discussed above have inspired you to pack your bags & head somewhere new. 

Canada has a lot to offer to everyone who visits. Whether you’d prefer to explore Canada’s beautiful provinces or dive into the hearty bowl of poutine, there’s something for everyone in this nation! 

So, do not wait much & plan your trip already!