Travel Guides
Beyond its stunning landscapes and warm hospitality, Canada is rich with fascinating facts. Explore the lesser-known aspects of this great nation with ten intriguing highlights that will deepen your appreciation for all that Canada has to offer.
Canada, the Great White North, is a country known for its expansive natural parks, love for winter sports, and friendly people. But there's so much more to this vast nation than meets the eye. Whether you're planning a visit or just curious about the quirks and charms of this country, here are ten interesting facts about Canada that are sure to pique your interest!
Canada is home to a stunning number of lakes — over two million, in fact! This means that nearly 9% of the country's total area is covered in freshwater. It's no wonder that activities like canoeing, fishing, and lakeside camping are quintessential Canadian pastimes.
With a coastline that stretches over 202,000 kilometers (126,000 miles), Canada boasts the longest coastline of any country in the world. This vast expanse borders three oceans: the Atlantic, the Pacific, and the Arctic.
Each of these coastlines offers abundant opportunities for beachcombing, whale watching, and coastal exploration.
Canada produces around 71% of the world's maple syrup, with the majority coming from the province of Quebec. This sticky, sweet delight is a staple at breakfast tables across the country, frequently enjoyed on pancakes and waffles.
The annual maple syrup harvest is a time-honored tradition, celebrated with festivals where you can see syrup being made, enjoy maple taffy on snow, and discover a range of maple-flavored treats.
Regions in Canada, especially the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and parts of British Columbia, offer some of the best views of the Northern Lights. This breathtaking natural light display, also known as the Aurora Borealis, is a mesmerizing spectacle of colors dancing across the night sky.
Viewing the Northern Lights is a bucket-list experience, drawing visitors eager to witness one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders.
The CN Tower in Toronto held the record as the world's tallest free-standing structure from 1975 until 2007. Standing at 553.3 meters (1,815 feet), it remains the tallest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere. The CN Tower features a glass-floored observation deck and a revolving restaurant, offering breathtaking views of Toronto and beyond.
Canada is officially bilingual, with English and French as its two official languages. This linguistic diversity is most evident in Quebec, where French is the primary language. Canada's bilingualism influences government policies, education systems, and even signage, reflecting its rich cultural heritage.
Located in Quebec, Hôtel de Glace is the only ice hotel in North America. Each winter, this architectural wonder is rebuilt entirely from ice and snow. Guests can choose from uniquely themed rooms and admire stunning ice sculptures throughout the hotel. They can also enjoy a chilled cocktail at the ice bar or even tie the knot in the enchanting ice chapel.
Widely regarded as Canada’s national sport, ice hockey holds a special place in Canadian hearts. The first organized indoor game was played in Montreal in 1875, and since then, it has become a cultural staple.
As temperatures drop, streets and backyards turn into makeshift rinks. This transformation brings communities together as they rally to support their local teams, celebrating their love for this exhilarating game.
Tim Hortons is more than just a coffee shop in Canada; it's a cultural icon. Founded in 1964 by hockey player Tim Horton, this beloved chain is famous for its coffee, donuts, and "Timbits" (donut holes). With over 4,000 locations nationwide, it's a staple stop for Canadians, symbolizing comfort and community.
Canada boasts one of the largest meteorite craters on the planet: the Sudbury Basin in Ontario. This incredible site was formed over 1.85 billion years ago by a massive meteorite impact and spans about 62 kilometers (39 miles) in length and 30 kilometers (18 miles) in width.
Today, the Sudbury Basin is a hub for scientific research, providing valuable insights into geological history, and it's a fascinating place for those looking to explore the remnants of this ancient event.
Staying connected during your Canadian adventure is important for getting around, keeping in touch with family and friends, and organizing your itinerary on the go. eSIMs offer an effortless way to access the internet, eliminating the need to switch out physical SIM cards.
Here's an overview of the top eSIM providers in Canada, along with their pros and cons, to help you choose the best option for your trip.
| Provider | Pros | Cons | Price | |
| Holafly |  | Unlimited data, 24/7 customer support | No hotspot sharing, no local phone number | From $7.90 |
| Nomad |  | Reliable internet connection, easy activation | Data-only plans, no unlimited plans | From $5.00 |
| Airalo |  | User-friendly app, hotspot sharing | No unlimited data plans, unreliable customer service | From $6.00 |
Canada is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, including the Rocky Mountains, national parks, and beautiful lakes. It's also known for its cultural diversity, friendly people, and iconic symbols like maple syrup, hockey, and polite manners.
Yes, Canada is the second-largest country in the world by total area, encompassing about 9.98 million square kilometers (3.85 million square miles). While the U.S. is larger in terms of population, Canada outstrips it in land area.
Canada's national animal is the beaver. This industrious creature is celebrated for its role in shaping the country's history, particularly during the fur trade era. The beaver is recognized as a symbol of determination and resilience and is featured on the Canadian 5-cent coin.
Our mission is simple: to make sure you never have to ask, “What’s the WiFi password?” again. All our tips come straight from personal experience — because we’d never recommend something we haven’t put to the test ourselves.
Reviews
