3. LANGUAGE
A multitude of languages are used in Canada. According to
the 2011 census, English and French are the mother
tongues of 56.9% and 21.3% of Canadians respectively. Over
85% of Canadians have working knowledge of English while
30.1% have a working knowledge of French.
Under the Official Languages Act of 1969, both English and
French have official federal status throughout Canada, in
respect of all government services, including the courts, and
all federal legislation is enacted bilingually. New Brunswick is
the only Canadian province that has both English and French
as its official languages to the same extent, with constitutional
entrenchment. Quebec's official language is French, although
in that province, the Constitution requires that all legislation be
enacted in both French and English, and court proceedings
may be conducted in either language. Similar constitutional
protections are in place in Manitoba.
5. CAPITAL
Ottawa
Ottawa, Canada’s
southeastern capital, sits in
Ontario at the border of
Québec. A cosmopolitan city
on the Ottawa River, it has
at its centre Parliament Hill,
with grand Victorian
architecture and renowned
museums such as the
glass-and-granite National
Gallery, with noted
collections from Canadian
and Indigenous artists. The
park-lined Rideau Canal is
filled with boats in summer
and ice-skaters in winter.
6. FLAG
The National Flag of
Canada, also known as
the Maple Leaf and
l'Unifolié (French for
"the one-leafed"), is a
flag consisting of a red
field with a white
square at its centre, in
the middle of which is
featured a stylized, 11-
pointed, redmaple
leaf (Acer saccharum).
7. GOVERNMENT
Monarchy
As per the Constitution
Acts of 1867 and 1982, Canada is
a constitutional monarchy,
wherein the role of the reigning
sovereign is both legal and
practical, but not political.[ The
Crown is regarded as
a corporation sole, with the
monarch, vested as she is with all
powers of state, at the centre of a
construct in which the power of
the whole is shared by multiple
institutions of government acting
under the sovereign's
authority. The executive is thus
formally called the Queen-in-
Council, the legislature
the Queen-in-Parliament, and the
courts as the Queen on the
Bench.
8. GOVERNMENT
The government is defined by the constitution as
the Queen acting on the advice of her privy
council. However, the Privy Council—consisting
mostly of former members of parliament, chief
justices of the Supreme Court, and other elder
statesmen—rarely meets in full; as the stipulations
of responsible government require that those who
directly advise the monarch and governor general on
how to exercise the Royal Prerogative be accountable
to the elected House of Commons, the day-to-day
operation of government is guided only by a sub-
group of the Privy Council made up of individuals
who hold seats in parliament. This body of ministers
of the Crown is the Cabinet.
9. TRIVIA
Canada is the second largest country in the world, with 9,971,000
square kilometres of land.
The baseball glove was invented in Canada in 1883.
With only three people per square kilometer, Canada has the
fourth lowest population density in the world.
Vancouver Canada is tied with Zurich Switzerland for the highest
quality of life of any city in the world.
According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and
Development (OECD), the quality of life in Canada is in many
ways higher than in most other countries.
According to the United Nations Human Development Index,
Canada has the highest quality of life in the world.
The world's smallest jail is believed to be in Rodney, Ontario,
Canada. It is only 24.3 square meters (about 270 square feet).
10. TRIVIA
Canada has the ninth biggest economy of the world
Contrary to popular opinion, Canada does not own the
North Pole. In fact, the North Pole is not owned by any
country. It is believed, however, that Santa Claus is from
Canada.
Canada is the world's eighth biggest trader.
Of all of the world's producers of natural gas, copper,
zinc, nickel, aluminum, and gold, Canada is in the top
five.
Canada is the home of many great inventions, including:
basketball, the electric light bulb, the electric range, the
electron microscope, standard time, the television, the
telephone, and the zipper.
Canada is the fifth largest energy producer.
Canada has the world's highest tertiary education
enrolment.
12. LAND
ROAD
Roads and highways were managed by provincial and
municipal authorities until construction of the Northwest
Highway System (the Alaska Highway) and the Trans-
Canada Highway project initiation. The Alaska Highway
of 1942 was constructed during World War II for military
purposes connecting Fort St. John, British
Columbia with Fairbanks, Alaska. The transcontinental
highway, a joint national and provincial expenditure, was
begun in 1949 under the initiation of the Trans Canada
Highway Act on December 10, 1949. The 7,821 km
(4,860 mi) highway was completed in 1962 at a total
expenditure of $1.4 billion.
13. Internationally, Canada has road
links with both the lower 48 US
states and Alaska. The Ministry
of Transportation maintains the
road network in Ontario and also
employs Ministry of Transport
Enforcement Officers for the
purpose of administering the
Canada Transportation Act and
related regulations.
The Department of
Transportation in New
Brunswick performs a similar
task in that province as well.
Regulations enacted in regards
to Canada highways are the
1971 Motor Vehicle Safety Act
and the 1990 Highway Traffic Act
The safety of Canada's roads is
moderately good by international
standards, and is improving both
in terms of accidents per head of
population and per billion vehicle
kilometers.
The Trans-Canada highway in
Chilliwack, BC
Ambassador Bridge between Windsor,
Ontario and Detroit, Michigan has a quarter of US-
Canada trade cross over it.
14. RAILWAYS
The Canadian National and Canadian Pacific
Railway are Canada's two major freight railway
companies, each having operations
throughout North America.
Nationwide passenger services are provided by
the federal crown corporation Via Rail. Three
Canadian cities have commuter rail services: in
the Montreal area by AMT, in the Toronto area
by GO Transit, and in the Vancouver area by West
Coast Express. Smaller railways such as Ontario
Northland, Rocky Mountaineer, and Algoma
Central also run passenger trains to remote rural
areas.
15. In Canada railways are
served by standard
gauge, 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435
mm), rails. See also track
gauge in Canada.
Canada has railway links
with the lower 48 US
States, but no connection
with Alaska other than
a train ferry service from
Prince Rupert, British
Columbia, although a line
has been
proposed. There are no
other international rail
connections.
A CPR freight train in Rogers Pass.
16. SEA
Transport Canada oversees
most of the regulatory
functions related to marine
registration, safety of large
vessel, and
port pilotage duties. Many of
Canada's port facilities are in
the process of being divested
from federal responsibility to
other agencies or
municipalities.
Inland waterways comprise
3,000 km (1,900 mi),
including the St. Lawrence
Seaway. Transport Canada
enforces acts and regulations
governing water
transportation and safety
The Port of Vancouver, Canada's busiest port
17. AIR
The Canadian Transportation Agency employs transportation
enforcement officers to maintain aircraft safety standards, and
conduct periodic aircraft inspections, of all air carriers. The Canadian
Air Transport Security Authority is charged with the responsibility for
the security of air traffic within Canada. In 1994 the National Airports
Policy was enacted.
Of over 1,800 registered Canadian aerodromes,
certified airports, heliports, and floatplane bases, 26 are specially
designated under Canada's National Airports System (NAS): these
include all airports that handle 200,000 or more passengers each
year, as well as the principal airport serving each federal, provincial,
and territorial capital. However, since the introduction of the policy
only one, Iqaluit Airport, has been added and no airports have been
removed despite dropping below 200,000 passengers.
The Government of Canada, with the exception of the three territorial
capitals, retains ownership of these airports and leases them to local
authorities. The next tier consists of 64 regional/local airports
formerly owned by the federal government, most of which have now
been transferred to other owners (most often to municipalities).
18. Airports:
Toronto Pearson
International Airport -
TORONTO
Vancouver
International Airport -
VANCOUVER
Calgary International
Aiport – CALGARY
Etc.
Toronto Pearson, Canada's busiest airport.
Vancouver International
20. MOST VISITED TOURIST
ATTRACTIONS
o Niagara Falls Niagara Falls is Canada's
most famous natural
attraction, bringing in
millions of visitors each
year. Located just over
an hour's drive from
Toronto, along the
American border, these
massive falls drop
approximately 57 meters.
Visitors can see the falls
at an astoundingly close
distance from the edge at
their top.
21. Banff National Park
and the Rocky
Mountains
Banff National Park lies
in the heart of the
majestic Rocky Mountains
in the province of Alberta
and showcases some of
Canada's most beautiful
scenery. Turquoise green
lakes, snow-capped peaks,
and glaciers are all easily
accessible in this stunning
park.
22. Old Quebec (Vieux-
Quebec)
Old Quebec, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site, is
spread across the Upper
and Lower Town of Quebec
and contains the city's most
historic buildings. The Lower
Town, along the St.
Lawrence River, is the site of
the original settlement and
home to the
outstanding Château
Frontenac, as well as
numerous other treasures.
23. Toronto's CN Tower On the shores of Lake Ontario in
Canada's biggest city is the iconic
CN Tower, one of Canada's most
famous landmarks. The tower is one
of the tallest structures in the world
standing 553 meters high. It offers
fine dining in its revolving
restaurant, 360, where visitors can
enjoy a meal while looking out over
the city and lake. There is also
the LookOut and the Glass Floor,
offering beautiful views out over the
city and beyond. Even those who
choose not to go up the tower will
find themselves stopping to stare at
the structure, which is visible from
almost everywhere in the city. At
night, the tower is lit in different
colors.
24. Whistler
Just a two hour drive
from Vancouver is the
famous ski resort and
village of Whistler. While
Whistler has always been
an important winter sports
area, it has also developed
into a popular summer
destination with golf,
mountain biking, and a
lively town atmosphere
throughout the year. The
village gained wide
international attention in
2010 when it became one
of the locations for the
2010 Winter Olympic
Games.
25. St. John's Signal Hill
National Historic Site
At the entrance to St. John's
harbor, overlooking the city
and sea, is Signal Hill National
Historic Site. It was here in
1901 that the first wireless
transatlantic signal was
received. It also played a
strategic role in the Seven
Years war with France,
although the current
fortifications were built during
the hostilities of 1812.
26. Bay of Fundy
The Bay of Fundy, located in
Eastern Canada in between New
Brunswick and Nova Scotia, is
known for its amazing tides. The
variation between high and low is
the largest in the world, measuring
up to a maximum of 19 meters (10
fathoms). While there are many
ways to appreciate this natural
wonder, some of the most popular
locations and sights along the Bay
of Fundy are the cliffs and rock
formations at Hopewell
Cape, Fundy National Park,
the Fundy Trail Parkway,
and Grand Manan Island.
28. UNIQUE CULTURE
Canadian culture is a term that embodies
the artistic, culinary, literary, humour, musical, political
and social elements that are representative of Canada
and Canadians. Throughout Canada's history, its
culture has been influenced by European culture and
traditions, especially British and French, and by its
own indigenous culture. Over time, elements of the
cultures of Canada's immigrant populations have
become incorporated into mainstream Canadian
culture. The population has also been influenced
by American culture because of a shared language,
proximity and migration between the two countries.
29. Canada is often
characterized as being
"very progressive, diverse,
and multicultural". Canada's
culture draws from its broad
range of constituent
nationalities, and policies
that promote a just
society are constitutionally
protected. Canadian
Government policies—such
as publicly funded health
care; higher and
more progressive taxation;
outlawing capital
punishment; strong efforts
to eliminate poverty; an
emphasis on cultural
diversity; strict gun control;
and most recently,
legalizing same-sex
marriage—are social
indicators of Canada's
political and cultural values.
A Canadian war
bond poster that
depicts an
industrious beaver
a national symbol of
Canada.
The maple leaf is the
symbol most associated
with Canadian identity.
30. RELIGION
Religion in Canada encompasses a wide range of groups and
beliefs. The majority of Canadians are Christians, with the Catholic
Church having the most adherents. Christians, representing 67.3%
of the population, are followed by people with no religion with
23.9%. Islam is the second largest religion in Canada, practised by
3.2% of the population. Rates of religious adherence are steadily
decreasing. The preamble to the Canadian Charter of Rights and
Freedoms refers to God and the monarch carries the title of
"Defender of the Faith". However, Canada has no official religion,
and support for religious pluralism and freedom of religion is an
important part of Canada's political culture.
Before the European colonization Aboriginal religions were
largely animistic, including an intense reverence for spirits and
nature.] The French colonization beginning in the 17th century
established a Roman Catholic francophone population in
Acadia and in New France later Lower Canada, now Nova
Scotia and Quebec. It has been followed by a British
colonization that brought Anglicans and other Protestants to Upper
Canada, now Ontario.
31. FESTIVAL
Vancouver
Symphony of Fire,
Vancouver
The largest fireworks
competition in the world is
held over several
nights every summer in
Vancouver.
32. Edmonton Folk
Festival, Edmonton
From its humble beginning
in 1980, the Edmonton
Festival has grown to be
one of the world's premier
folk festivals. Held each
August, the festival's lineup
is always outstanding and
ticket prices reasonable.
33. Canada Day
Celebrations, July
1st, Ottawa &
Canadawide
July 1st celebrations in
Canada are akin to the July
4th festivities in the US.
Marking Canada's birth as a
country, July 1st sees
Canadians donning their red
and white attire and
whooping it up with
fireworks and lots of that
good Canadian beer. The
celebration is nationwide,
but Ottawa will show you a
particularly good time.
34. Montreal Jazz Fest,
Montreal
Every June/July,
the Montreal International
Jazz Festival offers about
500 concerts, of which
three-quarters are free of
charge, and hosts about
2000 musicians from over
20 countries. About 2 million
visitors visit an event that
has become THE
international jazz rendez-
vous and a laboratory for
the creation of new talent,
most recently contributing to
the successes of artists
such as Diana Krall and
Norah Jones.
36. CUISINES
Popular ethnic cuisines include the omnipresent
Italian and Chinese restaurants. In larger
communities, you'll likely find Japanese,
Vietnamese, Thai, Indian, German, middle eastern,
and Greek cuisine. In the cosmopolitan hubs of
Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, you'll find
anything and everything under the sun. One
interesting difference between Canada and its
American neighbor is Mexican restaurants. Though
plentiful south of the border, they are considered
more of a specialized cuisine here (with the
exception of Taco Bell).
37. Hamburgers: Although Canadians are just as fond of
hamburgers as Americans are, Americans are sometimes
dismayed that they are not able to order hamburgers
cooked rare or medium-rare. Canadian health regulations
require hamburgers to be cooked to well done, due to the
risk of contamination by E. coli O157:H7. So don't blame
the restaurant for denying your request, their hands are
tied.
Canadian beer: Americans may find Canadian beers strong
in flavour; Europeans might prefer Canadian beers. The most
popular Canadian beers are Molson Canadian and Labatt's
Blue. Molson is the oldest brewery in North America,
established in 1786 in Montreal. If interested in popular
regional beers, try Moosehead (New Brunswick), Alexander
Keith (Nova Scotia), Gahan House (Charlottetown, PEI),
Unibroue (Quebec), Big Rock (Alberta) or Kokanee (British
Columbia). There is also a burgeoning craft-brewing scene in
Canada, particularly in British Columbia, Quebec and Ontario.
38. Canadian wines:
Canada is famous for its
ice wines, but there are
many wine-growing
regions in the country. In
the west, the Okanagan
valley of BC has many
wineries, while in
eastern Canada, it is the
Niagara peninsula of
Ontario that is best
known for its wines.
Better-quality Canadian
wines have Vintners
Quality Alliance (VQA)
logo on the bottle
