Oh Canada. What makes Canada unique and special? What is Canada known and famous for? Whether you are planning to pay a visit up north or just fascinated by the culture of Canada or Canadians, there is plenty to learn about what make Canada an interesting and special country.
Why Canada Is Special: What Makes Canada Unique
Canada has been inhabited for a long time and the native people would hunt and gather, living off the land. Amongst the native people were tribes like the Sioux and Iroquois. In the Arctic, there were the Inuit.
The first Europeans were the Vikings who traveled to the Labrador and Newfoundland from Greenland. It was in the 1550s that the name Canada started to appear on maps. The word was derived from the Iroquoian word kanata, which means “village”.
Today, the vast country is also known as The Great White North. But there are also a lot of other nicknames for Canada. These include America’s Hat, a reference to the position of Canada above the United States of America and the sweet-sounding Land of Maple Syrup.
Another name for Canada is Ursalia, a reference to the many bears that can be found wandering around the unique wilderness of Canada. It is also known as England’s Castoff Country, since it was once a colony of England, or as Lumberjack Country because of its forestry industry.
Canadians are also referred as Canucks or Nade. Some less flattering references to Canadians include North Mexicans or 51st stater.
What Makes Canada Unique
But what are some of the characteristics that make Canada unique, and some would say awesome? Here are some reasons.
Canadians Who are from All Over the World
While there are many countries that claim to be multicultural, Canada is one place that truly is. In fact, this was officially adopted by the Canadian government in the 1970s and 1980s. There is a Canadian Multiculturalism Act of 1988.
Canada has one of the highest per capita immigration rates in the world. Up till the 1970s most immigrants came from European countries. However, the majority of immigrants have since been from Asia. An estimated 20% of Canadians were born outside of Canada.
It is Boring
Even though Canada is home to many different ethnicities and religions, by and large, the population lives rather peacefully with one another. Canadians are mostly about being safe, peaceful and living healthy. Most people do not care where their neighbour is from originally.
Universal Healthcare
Hospitals in Canada are world standard and Canadians are covered under universal healthcare. This protection is paid for through taxes and it goes towards giving access to the highest quality of care to thos who are ill.
CBC Radio
CBC Radio is a Canadian public radio service. It is operated by the Canadian Broadcasting Service and operates as several stations across Canada. CBC Radio’s programming includes news, current affairs, documentaries and cultural programs. It provides high quality coverage of news and current affairs without the need to sensationalize things.
Curling
Sending a stone down an icy lane is considered a big deal, at least when it is the sport of curling in Canada. The only other place on earth where people are as enthusiastic about curling is Scotland.
English and French
Canada is one of two countries on Earth where it is officially bilingual in English and French. The other country is Cameroon.
Politeness is Ingrained
Sorry if this sounds weird, but politeness is part and parcel of being Canadian. Canadians are extremely mindful about the need to be polite to others. They will even apologise to you if YOU bump into them. This obsession with saying “sorry” and politeness is said to stem from their British roots. The only other country that is could be more polite is Japan.
Canadians are so polite to a degree that they may come across as passive-aggressive. Or may that’s just their way of showing their displeasure in a polite way.
Tim Hortons is Bigger Than McDonalds
While the Golden Arches may dominate many fast-food markets in countries around the world, this is not true for Canada. Instead, something that makes Canada unique is that it is dominated by its own chain, Tim Hortons. There is even fifth food group tied to Tim Hortons in Canada – “tea and coffee”.
Only Gaelic-speaking People Outside the British Isles
Head to the Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia and you will find the only Gaelic-speaking community outside the British Isles. This is the “Celtic Heart” of North America and the people here speak Canadian Gaelic or Cape Breton Gaelic.
Hockey is Almost a Religion
It would be an understatement to say that hockey is big in Canada. Canadians are completely taken in by the game and hockey fans will stop at nothing when it comes to the game. It is a game that unites Canadians and cuts across generations, cultural and socio-economic boundaries. Perhaps the prevalence of ice hockey has to do with the climate and conditions up north, but whatever the case, hockey is part of the country’s identity.
Poutine
A quintessential Canadian dish is poutine. Made from french fries and cheese curds topped off with mystery brown sauce, poutine was created in the Quebec area in the late 1950s. It is celebrated and served all over the country. It has also been called Canada’s national dish.
There are now all sorts of variations on poutine.
Landmarks and Icons that make Canada Unique
All around the country, there are many different landmarks and icons that help to distinguish Canada. the Niagara Falls in Ontario is a natural wonder that straddles the border between Canada and the United States of America. Tons of visitors are attracted to it each year.
In Alberta’s Banff National Park, Lake Louise is an emerald-coloured lake with snow covered mountains in the background.
The Canadian Rockies offers beautiful scenery and is home to multiple national parks.
Man-made landmarks of the Canada include the CN Tower in Toronto. It was named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World in 1995. Parliament Hill in Ottawa is filled with Gothic Revival buildings.
Exploring Canada
There is so much to see in Canada that makes it unique and special, not just because it an immensely large country but also because of its history and heritage. It an amazing place to visit and experience first hand.
