21 Fun Facts about Canada

Hello Canada lovers! Salut!

“Hello Canada lovers! Salut!” is a warm greeting not just in English but also in French, reflecting Canada’s vibrant bilingual culture.

Welcome to Canada – a country of vast wilderness, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage.

What if I told you that beneath the breathtaking landscapes and the friendly “sorrys”, lies a treasure trove of fun facts and fascinating secrets?

Canada has a collection of stories, each province with its own unique tale.

Are you ready to explore 30 fun facts about Canada that will surprise and delight you?

Let’s explore amazing fun facts about Canada!

1) Canada has two official languages – English and French. This reflects the country’s rich colonial history, governed by both British and French regimes.

2) It’s the second-largest country in the world by land area. Canada’s vast landscape is home to everything from Arctic tundras in the north to dense forests and majestic mountain ranges.

3) Canada has the spot with the weakest gravity on Earth! In the 1960s, scientists discovered areas in Canada’s Hudson Bay region where gravity is actually lower than in other parts of the world. The phenomenon is due to the slow recovery of land once compressed under the weight of the ice sheets that covered North America over 10,000 years ago.

4) Canadian invented basketball! Yes you heard it right, despite that lacrosse is the national sport. Dr. James Naismith, a Canadian, invented basketball in 1891 while working in Massachusetts, USA. He designed the game to keep his students active during the cold months, emphasizing skill and agility over physical contact. The sport, first played with a soccer ball and peach baskets as goals, has since become a global phenomenon, showcasing Canada’s contribution to international sports.

James Naismith

5) Canada holds 20% of the world’s fresh water through its numerous lakes and rivers, making it a critical natural resource powerhouse.

6) The longest coastline in the world wraps around Canada. This stretches over 202,080 kilometers, touching three major oceans: the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic.

7) You can legally own a kangaroo as a pet in Canada! Alberta’s unique exotic pet laws allow individuals to own certain exotic animals, including kangaroos, with the appropriate permits. This surprising law showcases the province’s diverse and somewhat unconventional approach to pet ownership.

8) Ah, the maple syrup! Canada produces 71% of the world’s pure maple syrup, with the majority coming from the province of Quebec.

9) Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), or “Mounties,” are recognized worldwide for their iconic red serge uniforms and are a national symbol of pride and history.

10) Canada’s national sport might surprise you – it’s lacrosse, not hockey! However, hockey is considered the most popular and passionately followed sport.

11) Canada has the longest street in the world, Yonge Street in Ontario, stretches about 1,896 kilometers from the Lake Ontario shore northward through Ontario to the Minnesota border.

12) Canada is home to the famous Niagara Falls, a massive set of three waterfalls, which are a major tourist attraction and a source of hydroelectric power.

13) Canada invented the famous cheesy dish poutine! It consists of crispy golden fries layered with squeaky cheese curds and smothered in a rich, savory gravy. Originating from Quebec in the 1950s, this beloved comfort food has become a symbol of Canadian culinary identity, celebrated across the country and beyond.

14) Canada’s lowest recorded temperature is as chilling as its winters, reaching -63°C (-81.4°F) in 1947 in Yukon.

15) The polar bear capital of the world is in Canada! Located in Churchill, Manitoba, this unique spot witnesses polar bears migrating from inland to the coast each fall. Each year, hundreds of these majestic creatures pass through Churchill, making it one of the best places on earth to observe polar bears in their natural habitat.

Polar bear cubs play on top of their resting mother in Wapusk National Park, Churchill, Canada. PHOTOGRAPH BY NORBERT ROSING, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

16) Montreal is home to the largest underground city in the world, with a network of tunnels over 32 kilometers long that connect shopping centers, universities, and more.

17) The national animal of Canada is the beaver, an animal historically significant to the fur trade that helped develop the nation.

18) Canada has more lakes than the rest of the world combined, providing a stunning natural landscape that is also a vital habitat for wildlife.

19) Canada has one of the world’s longest national highways, and it’s called the Trans-Canada Highway stretching for over 7,800 kilometers from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

Trans-Canada Highway

20) Canada has the world’s smallest jail! It is located in Rodney, Ontario, this tiny historic jail measures only 24.3 square meters (about 15 feet by 15 feet). Despite its small size, it was operational from 1862 until the 1960s. Today, it stands as a peculiar monument to Canada’s legal history and is a surprising attraction that marvels visitors with its minuscule scale compared to modern detention facilities

21) Canada is one of the world’s most educated countries, with over half of its residents having college degrees.

Canada: a land of endless skies, historic diversity, and open arms. Whether you’re exploring the Rocky Mountains, indulging in the vibrant city life of Toronto, or taking a French immersion in Quebec, Canada promises a blend of excitement and tranquility.

So when you plan your next adventure, consider Canada not just as a destination, but as an experience that will enrich your understanding of nature, culture, and history.

Top Universities in Canada

1. University of Toronto

University of Toronto is ranked as 1st among universities from Canada (Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2024).
University of Toronto is distinguished by a collegiate system akin to those of Oxford and Cambridge. It boasts a rich legacy of alumni, including five Canadian prime ministers and noted writers like Michael Ondaatje and Margaret Atwood, alongside 10 Nobel laureates. With a vibrant community that includes 25% international students, the university offers more than 700 undergraduate and 200 postgraduate programs, excelling particularly in medicine. Students can also engage with over 1,000 clubs and associations spread across three campuses, ensuring a dynamic and enriching educational experience.

 

 

2. University of British Columbia

University of British Columbia is ranked as 2nd among universities from Canada (Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2024).
University of British Columbia (UBC) stands out for its significant contribution to academia and society. Home to 33% international students, UBC boasts impressive affiliations with eight Nobel laureates, 71 Rhodes scholars, and 65 Olympic medalists. The university operates two campuses in Vancouver and Okanagan, encompassing 12 faculties in Vancouver and an additional seven in Okanagan, including distinctive fields like applied science, education, music, and medicine. Notably, UBC offers unique international study opportunities such as a joint undergraduate program with Sciences Po in Paris and provides several scholarships for international students, including the Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award.

 

 

3. McGill University

McGill University is ranked as 3rd among universities from Canada (Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2024).
 McGill University is a top choice for students from over 150 countries. Founded in 1821, it is located at the foot of Mount Royal in downtown Montreal. Its campus is like a large park, and first-year students can choose to live there. McGill was the first in Canada to start a medical faculty in 1829, and it’s still highly praised for its medical studies today.

 

 

4. McMaster University

McMaster University is ranked as 4th among universities from Canada (Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2024).
McMaster University is in Hamilton, Ontario, and it brings together students and teachers from over 90 countries. It was named after William McMaster, a well-known Canadian senator and banker who gave C$900,000 to start the school. The university is famous for its medical school and also offers strong programs in engineering, business, humanities, social sciences, and science. McMaster focuses a lot on research, especially in health sciences, to help solve big problems in society.

 

 

5. University of Alberta
University of Alberta is ranked as 5th among universities from Canada (Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2024).
The University of Alberta is in Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, and started in 1908. It’s known for big achievements, like producing one Nobel Prize winner and four judges of Canada’s highest court, including the main judge. It has the most Rhodes Scholars in Canada, with 68 in total. The university has five campuses in Edmonton and offers many subjects like arts, engineering, law, and nursing through its 18 faculties.

 

 

Study in Canada!

Canada is a popular study destination among international students, offering a wealth of opportunities with its diverse range of universities and programs. The best part? You can apply to any university and browse programs on the Global Admissions platform! You can also book a call to speak with our student advisors. Your future awaits in Canada. Let us help make your educational aspirations a reality!

Join 180,000+ international students and get monthly updates

Receive Admissions, Scholarships & Deadlines Updates from Universities.
Unsubscribe anytime.