Even though Canada and America are neighbors and have similarities, both countries also have their own quirks that make them stand out from each other. Many of these quirks about Canada may baffle some Americans. Here are 20 facts that Americans might find surprising.
Universal Healthcare
Healthcare in Canada is publicly funded, making it far more accessible for citizens than in America. For example, Cheapism writes, “Canada’s universal healthcare system utilizes a taxpayer-funded, Medicare-like model that automatically covers citizens throughout the various provinces.” Canadians are proud of their healthcare, as they feel it enhances freedom.
Linguistic Quirks
Canadians have different pronunciations that make them stand out from Americans. The words “sorry” and “about” sound noticeably different from the American accent. Canadians also like to say “eh” at the end of their sentences, although you’ll find this more in rural areas compared to the larger cities.
Canada’s Size
Canada is the second largest country in the world, with Russia being the first. It spreads across a huge distance, so much so that Newfoundland is closer to London than it is to Vancouver. Even though it’s a huge country, the majority of the population lives close to the U.S. border.
Low Population
Considering its size, one surprising fact is that Canada has a low population. This is supported by Statista, which writes, “In 2021, Canada had a population density of about 4.35 people per square kilometer. The country has one of the lowest population densities in the world, as the total population is very small in relation to the dimensions of the land.”
Measuring Systems
Canada uses a mix of the imperial and metric measuring systems. It uses the metric system for distance and temperature and the imperial system for personal measurements. This reflects a blend of both American and European measurement systems and shows how Canada is linked to both the U.S. and Britain.
Spelling Differences
One thing that can be surprising is that Canada uses British spelling for certain words. For example, the British spelling is used for words such as “favour” and “colour.” Canadians also prefer to use “re” over “er,” which is the case in words like “theatre.” However, in some regions, Canada uses the American way of spelling.
Canadians and Cuba
There is a strong tourist relationship between Canada and Cuba, with over 1 million Canadians visiting Cuba each year. This is the highest number of visitors compared to any other country. Many Canadians even became upset when America and Cuba’s relationship strengthened, as it meant more Americans in Cuba.
The Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are visible across Canada and more so in the northwest regions. It’s the perfect geographical location to see the phenomenon, so much so that it attracts many tourists throughout the year. The Northern Lights are considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but Canadians will be lucky enough to experience them more often.
Telephone Invention Claim
Globotreks tells us that even though the telephone was built in the U.S., it was actually invented in Canada and patented by Alexander Graham Bell. The first long-distance call was also made in Canada and took place between Brantford, Ontario, and Paris. It shows just how large a role Canada played in the development of the telephone.
World’s Largest Skating Rink
Rideau Canal in Ottawa becomes a huge ice skating rink in the winter. It spans over 7.8 km and attracts ice skaters from all over the world. You can usually skate on the rink between January and early March, as this is when Canada is at its coldest. The skating rink reflects just how much the country loves its winter sports.
Large Forests
Canada is known for having a larger forest than France, which reveals just how huge it is. Because of its enormous forests, Canada has a significant logging industry that is valued at $12.3 billion. Canada is rich in coniferous species such as pine and spruce.
Highly Educated Population
Canada has the highest number of degree holders in the world. This is largely down to how accessible and affordable its education system is, as it gives anyone who wants to go to university the chance. It reflects the value of education in Canadian society.
Odd Laws and Protections
Sasquatch, also known as Bigfoot, is protected in Canada. It’s a unique and humorous law that reflects the quirky nature of Canada. This law comes from the 1800s, when a man asked to shoot “the wild man of Home Lake,” but it was denied.
Santa Claus’s Canadian Citizenship
Santa Claus is recognized as an official Canadian citizen. When letters are addressed to Santa at the North Pole, they always make their way to Canada. It helps add a whimsical feel to Canada’s identity and will no doubt help to drive tourism around Christmas time.
Reduced Gravity in the Hudson Bay
Thanks to glacial changes, there is a lower amount of gravity in the Hudson Bay. It’s something that’s completely unique in the world and is seen as a geophysical anomaly. This reduction in gravity has attracted lots of scientific interest and curiosity over the years.
Apologetic Culture
The Planet D writes that Canada is known for saying sorry a lot, and if you visit for an extended period of time, chances are you’ll start to always apologize as well. It reflects the polite and considerate nature of Canadians. However, don’t think that if a Canadian apologizes, it always means they’re in the wrong.
The Great Maple Syrup Heist
In 2012, there was a massive theft of maple syrup that occurred in Quebec. As 80% of the world’s maple syrup comes from Canada, the heist took its toll on the industry. It also highlighted just how important maple syrup is to Canada’s economy.
Indigenous Origins of “Canada”
The name “Canada” comes from the Iroquoian word “Kanata,” which means “village” or “settlement.” As people kept visiting the land, it meant the pronunciation of “Kanata” became softer and turned into “Canada.” It was first used in 1791, during the division of Quebec. This shows just how deep-rooted Canada’s Indigenous history is.
Canadian Thanksgiving
Canadian and American Thanksgivings vary. For example, Yeg Thrive writes, “Canadians don’t celebrate Thanksgiving on the same dates as the Americans, as they celebrate it somewhere in the middle of October while the Americans do it in late November.” Canada uses Thanksgiving as a way to symbolize the end of the harvest season and familial gratitude.
Continuous Daylight
The northern regions of Canada experience continuous daylight in the summer, which is similar to Scandinavian countries. It gives Canadians even more time for outdoor activities such as hiking and paddling. This phenomenon really helps to show the natural and unique beauty of Canada.
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