Our culture is as varied as our terrainI'm still learning...Credit: From cover of Canadian Landscape...

1. Exploring Canadian Culture - Tips And Quips
Our culture is as varied as our terrain
I'm still learning...
Credit: From cover of Canadian Landscapes - 2014 Calendar (on Amazon)
One of the most common lifelong ambitions I hear people say is, "I want to travel and see the world."
Which tells me one of three things: a) they are bored to tears with their lot in life b) they can't stand
the people in their social circle or c) they haven't explored Canada.
What's to know?
Well, depending on which province you visit, you'll most likely feel like you are in a different country
(or even on a different planet).
To illustrate cultural differences in various areas of Canada, I am featuring short YouTube clips
(nothing is over 3:37 seconds) in this article. The written word just cannot convey the nuances
(nuisances?) of our cultural differences (nor our weird accents).

2. For no particular reason...
I figure I'd work my way across Canada from the east coast to the west coast. In my 20s, I briefly
dated a guy from Newfoundland. I didn't understand many of his phrases, but I think the most
baffling one was, "You be alright."
Whenever I'd compliment him, he'd quip, "You be alright." When I asked him what he meant, he
explained: "When you are puffing me up [flattery], back home we say that. It's like saying you are
nuts to think I'm so good. You [you'll] be alright means you are nuts, but you will be okay."
How To Speak Like A Newfoundlander
Actor, writer, producer Allan Hawco on Strombo explains:
Next up, Quebec
I haven't been everywhere in Quebec, but I will say this: the drivers (in Montreal) are crazy and
there are lots of smokers. There is definitely an artistic feel to most touristy spots. People seem to
ooze sensuality.
In this next video, Robin Williams discusses Canadians and French people (in general). One point I
wish to stress: in Quebec, locals seem to appreciate any effort you make to speak French. Give it a
go and wait for them to "give you the okay" to speak English. (Usually, this happens within 20
seconds).
Robin Williams
Canadian-French jokes
Ontario is next (my home province)
Here's the need to know about folks from the GTA (Greater Toronto Area):
1) Everyone seems to be in a rush.
2) You need to learn how to use automated machines (not just at the bank).
3) An unspoken rule on escalators is this: if you are standing still, keep to the right and let people
pass you on the left.
4) When in line, don't complain loudly (it just brings down everyone's mood).
Comedian Ron James, who is from Nova Scotia, stars in this next spoof about the self checkouts
prevalent in almost every large grocery chain both in and around Toronto.
From The Ron James Show
Self Checkout
Yes, Rob Ford is still our Mayor

3. One of the things Canadians in Ontario (at least in the four cities I've lived in) are known for is
complaining about taxes.
Rob Ford is someone you've probably heard about already - and he is in no way "the typical
Canadian." So why is he still our Mayor? I honestly don't know - I guess we are too polite. And
seriously, 99.9999% of our population would've resigned a long time ago.
He's an anomaly really - and we Canadians like to study anything different or peculiar. But media
star Rick Mercer's explanation (next) makes perfect sense to me.
RMR: Rick's Rant - Rob Ford
If I may speak for the women of Toronto
We're self-sufficient and want Husband Day Care:
For fun, I typed in "Canadian souvenirs"
These magnets came up (also available singly too):
Credit: Amazon.com
For those of you who want the whole collection

4. (About $1 a province or territory):
All 13 Canadian Map
Outline Magnets *Complete Set*
Amazon Price: $23.99 $13.00 Buy Now
(price as of Mar 11, 2015)
Beware that the magnetic map board is NOT included in this set. Each magnet measures about 2
inches x 1.25 inches. These magnets are made in the U.S. (and are obviously "not to scale"). But -
get this - they ship for free to U.S. residents. I suppose Canadians need to pay for shipping.
Manitoba Saskatchewan
Both my father and my brother went to university in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It's cold, not much to do -
so it's a great place to study.
Oh, but they do celebrate holidays as much as possible there. What's the latest claim to fame?
Winnipeg has been as cold as Mars.[1] The truth is: the highest estimated temperature on Mars is 27
C (80.6 F).[3] But the polar lows on Mars can be -153 C (-225 F).[2] So, on one particular day, Mars
reached a high of - 29 C (-20 F) while Winnipeg reached the same low.
Newsworthy? Meh, but I think it went viral on Facebook or Twitter.

5. My sister lives in Saskatchewan. It's a great place to live if you suffer from claustrophobia. The song
by the Dixie Chicks "Wide Open Spaces" always reminds us of Saskatchewan. I visited her over 10
years ago and I remember loving the early morning sunrise there.
34 seconds sums up these provinces
Alberta
Anyone I've ever met from Calgary (aka Cowtown) raves about it. While Edmonton is the capital city
of Alberta, I never hear much about it - except for the West Edmonton Mall. If you are into skiing,
you'd probably find Banff spectacular.
Similar to how Americans listen to Oprah, we listen to David Suzuki (who has great abs, by-the-way).
The Alberta Tar Sands is something you'll hear about often. Here's a quick blurb:
David Suzuki, environmental activist
Known for The Nature of Things (and thingies)
Possibly saving the best for last
British Columbia
I've visited Vancouver and it rained every day I was there - except on the day I left. No one seems to
mind the rain there, either. I felt like the only one who noticed it.
The mountains were breathtaking to view while I sipped my morning coffee. Oh, and the flowers and
foliage seemed so lush (compared to Toronto).

6. I can certainly understand why B.C. appeals to the outdoorsy-types.
People also seemed to be more health conscious, less stressed out (generally), and more outgoing.
(Although, I was on vacation when I visited).
Next, enjoy how to become a Vancouverite, a must-see:
How to be a Vancouverite...
A 16-Month Calendar of Canada's beauty
My intro photo is from the cover.
Canadian Landscapes - 2014 Calendar
Amazon Price: $4.89 Buy Now

7. (price as of Mar 11, 2015)
This picturesque calendar looks stunning in any home or office - and matches any decor. Sure, you
might find our culture somewhat challenging (I still do, and I'm Canadian). No words are needed,
though, once you see our gorgeous country for yourself.
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