35 cool things Canada is known for

There are many things that Canada is known for from its stunning landscapes to ice hockey to maple syrup. Learn all about this fascinating country in this post outlining the things Canada is known for.

The Things Canada Is Known For

If you’ve ever been to the stunning country of Canada, you’ll know how charming and astounding it is. Is there anything you know about Canada? You probably wonder, “What things Canada is known for?” Canada is known for its stunning landscapes, friendly citizens, and dynamic culture, so tourists always flock here. 

But how much do you know about this huge country? It’s not enough to visit the Canadian Rockies and its “must-visit” cities on a seasoned traveler’s bucket list. 

Read on to learn about some of Canada’s most significant accomplishments. Stay at an Airbnb or pitch a tent beneath the stars.

Best Food and Drinks Canada Is Known For

Canada is known for a variety of food and drinks. Lets take a look at which aspects of its cuisine best represent the country.

Maple syrup

Maple syrup ranks at the top of the list of things Canada is known for.

The maple tree contributed 80% of global maple syrup production, so Canada made it its national tree. In every corner of the country, maple’s liquid gold is enjoyed from tree to table. 

Ketchup Chips

There’s no denying that Canadians love these crunchy chips. Canadian and American companies claim the original recipe, but millions have embraced these addictive, finger-staining snacks. 

It’s hard to find chips with the same zest outside the borders. Crumbled ketchup chips taste great with baked squash, fried eggs, and popcorn.

Saskatoon Berries

Saskatoon was named after these plentiful summer berries, not the other way around! Historically, Saskatoons were a crucial ingredient in pemmican, a dried meat dish used by Native Americans, voyageurs, and explorers during bitterly cold winters. Saskatoons are similar to apples and continue to mature after they are picked. 

They are sweet and juicy, with an almond-like taste. You can use them in any recipe that calls for blueberries.

Poutine

A famous Canadian snack, fries, cheese curds, and gravy became famous worldwide in the 1950s. It’s been around since the late 1980s. Poutine purists insist on cheese curds made in eastern Quebec, but you can find tons of variations now, from foie gras to homemade oven-fry bases.

Bannock

Bannock is a quick bread you bake, fry, or cook over a fire with flour, water, and butter (or lard). 

It’s a satisfying quick bread that has a racial heritage. In the 18th century, European immigrants might have adapted the recipe to include wheat flour after the First Nations variant contained corn, nuts, and starchy roots. 

Families and travelers still enjoy it across our vast country despite the chilly winter months.

Caesars

It is believed that Walter Chell, an Italian-born bartender from Calgary, created the Caesar in 1969 after adapting his favorite pasta with clam sauce into a zingy tomato-clam juice cocktail. As a result, Caesar became Canada’s national cocktail in 1968. 

Today’s Caesars may be topped with extravagant garnishes like lobster tails and spring rolls.

Nanaimo Bars

A Nanaimo bar has more origin stories than there are recipes. But there’s one thing for sure: it’s named after the British Columbian city. It’s like a buttercream-filled New York slice with a creamy center. It’s topped with chocolate and graham cracker crust. 

You can still get a lot of British Columbian flavor even if you change any of the layers. This yummy treat is one of the things Canada is known for!

Lobsters

The world’s favorite is a sweet, delicious lobster from our Atlantic waters. The best delicacy now is Canadian lobster, which was once a cheap source of nutrition for enslaved people and captives. Despite its posh reputation, lobster is meant to be enjoyed! 

Whether you like lobster chunked in a bun or whole in a Maritime boil, there’s a lobster for everyone.

Donairs

Donairs are all about the sauce, whether you’re eating it for supper Tuesday or late at night. This tangy-sweet sauce is made from ground beef, onions, tomatoes, and a tangy-sweet condensed milk sauce, a variation on gyros. 

Donairs are supposed to be served with a soft pita, like the Lebanese style, to soak up all the juices, but Greek ones are more robust and don’t make a mess.

 Smoked Meat

Canadian sandwich legend, this deli beef tastes best on rye bread with mustard. The meat in Montreal is dry-rubbed with more garlic and savory spices before it is smoked, steamed, and sliced. 

You can add robust flavors to salads, tacos, and snacks besides sandwiches with Montreal smoked portions of beef.

Traditions, Culture, and History Canada is Known For

Another one of the many things Canada is known for is its history and culture. Lets take a deeper look.

Thanksgiving

In Canada, Thanksgiving falls on the second Monday in October, which makes sense since you have two months to prepare another turkey dinner.

Harvest celebrations are strongly associated with Canadian Thanksgiving, a relatively laid-back fall event and one of the most famous things that Canada is known for.

Polite Nature

How Canadian soldiers interacted with others during World War II led to a negative perception of Canadians.

It’s common to hear the word “sorry” when talking about Canadians. However, it doesn’t mean that people are constantly making excuses for being alive; instead, it’s a filler word that many Canadians use daily.

One of the things Canada is known for is its polite nature.

Cottage Culture

It is the cottage that plays an essential role in national lore, whether it be on a lake or in the forest.

Cottages evoke images of summers spent on lakes, especially in Ontario, with roaring campfires, beautiful sunsets, and boat rides.

Search for “Mooskoka sunsets” or “Mooskoka chairs” to feel like spending the entire day at the lake listening to music with neighbors’ friends.

Beaver tails 

Despite the name, Canadians do not consume natural beaver tails. Beaver tails are a large, deep-fried, sweet treat that is popular here.

Make an oval shape from a dough ball, fry it in oil, and serve it in a paper bag. You’ll top it with cinnamon and sugar if you’re a traditionalist.

When you’re in Toronto during the winter, visit Nathan Phillips Square’s skating rink for an excellent snack after an evening spent on a pond or skating rink.

St Patrick’s Day Parade in Montréal 

In Montréal, the St. Patrick’s Day Procession is one of the most popular events (uninterrupted since 1824).

In March, hundreds of floats, marching bands, and artists parade down Saint Catherine Street (a main thoroughfare in the city). Crowd sizes range from 250,000 to 700,000, depending on the weather (it even gets to be T-shirt weather in the city).

Calgary Stampede

“To conserve and celebrate western tradition, culture, and community spirit” is the Stampede’s primary goal. The “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” takes place in Calgary, Alberta, during the summer. 

They celebrate by holding concerts, rodeos (with cash prizes), carnival rides, exhibitions, parades, and agricultural competitions. 

Stampede is one of Canada’s most significant, prominent additions attracting over a million tourists annually.

Halloween

Despite its global significance, Halloween is especially significant in Canada, which reported increased commercial revenue between 2004 and 2014.

The only time residents can light fireworks in their backyard is Halloween. Getting and using fireworks requires a permit, and you must be 19 or older. Because of this tradition, the city gets loud on Halloween night.

It is one of the things Canada is known for.

Bloody Ceasar

Despite resembling a Bloody Mary, the Canadian Caesar is far superior to its American counterpart and is enjoyed at pretty much all summer parties.

It is common in Canada to use clam juice instead of tomato juice.

Sports Canada Is Known For

One of the notable things Canada is known for is its sports Lets see what sports happen most in Canada.

Ice Hockey

It is no secret that of the things Canada is known for is its ice hockey.

Canadians love ice hockey because it’s the official national sport. In Canada and the U.S., the NHL is a Canadian ice hockey league known as the National Hockey League (NHL). There are 7 NHL teams in Canada right now, including Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal.

Lacrosse

Thousands of Canadians play lacrosse every year. In 1925, the Canadian Lacrosse Association was formed, and the game was declared a national game in 1859.

Golf

The first game of golf happened in Scotland in the last half of the 15th century. The first Canadian golf club was founded in November 1873, called the Montreal Golf Club, by native Scots who brought tennis to Canada. Tennis is also called the “Royal and Ancient Game.”

Tennis

Among the many sports played in Canada is tennis. The governing body of this sport is known as “Tennis Canada.” The organization encourages local, national, and international participation in this sport.

Basketball

Several players who participated in the first game were from Canada. The modern basketball game was invented by a Canadian in 1891 while working as a physical education instructor in the US.

Curling

Canada has several popular curling teams based in Alberta and Manitoba. Curling in Canada has always been associated with the military and was introduced in Scotland.

There are many things Canada is known for, and curling is one of them.

Baseball

Canada has only one Major League team, the Toronto Blue Jays. Baseball has been played in the country since the beginning and is one of the most popular sports in the country. Labatt Park in Ontario has the oldest baseball park in the world.

Rugby

It is believed that rugby was introduced to Canada by the Royal Navy in 1823 to develop further into different areas. In 2001, the Canadian Rugby Union introduced a national team to the Canadian territory, but there was no domestic competition.

Tourist Attractions Canada Is Known For

Of course, some of the biggest things Canada is known for are its tourist attractions. But which tourist attractions are the most known? Lets take a look.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a must-see when in Canada and is one of the most famous things Canada is known for. For centuries, people have tried to brave the falls on boats, barrels, or other watercraft. Adventure seekers like to hang from a tightrope near the falls for a thrilling experience. 

The Niagara Skywheel provides a breathtaking view of Niagara Falls. You can park nearby to begin your adventure. Walk around the falls near Clifton Hill early in the morning for a family-friendly adventure. The Niagara Speedway, Adventure Golf at Dinosaur Land, and Movieland Wax Museum are nearby.

National Arts Centre

This National Arts Center was built in 1966 and renovated in 2017. See Canadian and international orchestras perform here. The National Arts Center Orchestra is the world’s most renowned classical-size orchestra!

Since 1987, the National Arts Center has co-produced the Canada Dance Festival, which goes on for nine days and features 250 Canadian dancers. 

Polar Bears of Churchill

If you plan to visit Canada in the fall, take a trip to Churchill, Manitoba, to see polar bears migrate from the surrounding lands onto the ice structures around Hudson Bay. Dress warmly in many layers because it will be freezing. 

You are most likely to witness polar bears gathering near the ice in October or November as they await the ice to freeze on Hudson Bay before crossing over to migrate. 

The polar bears of Churchill are one of the things Canada is known for.

Whistler

Two hours north of Vancouver are the famous ski resort and the village of Whistler. With golf, mountain biking, and a lively town atmosphere throughout the year, Whistler has become a popular summer destination and a central winter sports area. 

The village attracted global attention when it was chosen as the site for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. 

All kinds of outdoor recreational opportunities and beautiful mountain scenery are available in the area, including world-class skiing, hotels, and dining. This is one of the world’s best sports tourism destinations.

Bay of Fundy

There’s nothing like the tides in the Bay of Fundy between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. There is a 19-meter difference between high and low, which is the largest in the world (10 fathoms). 

There are many ways to appreciate this natural wonder, but the most popular ones are Hopewell Cape and Fundy National Park, the Fundy Trail Parkway, and Grand Manan Island.

4 Fun Things Canada Is Known For

Lets finish off this article with some of the things Canada is known for that didn’t neatly fit into any of the above categories.

Bicycles and Kayaks

Getting out on your bike or kayak will allow you to see more of Canada’s beautiful countryside.

In some cities, such as Vancouver, bicycle paths have been laid out, which allow you to enjoy your surroundings at your own pace.

Kayaking is also an option! There are several national parks on Vancouver Island; you can rent them out on lakes or the ocean. Your leisurely paddle will be surrounded by calming blue water, snow-capped mountains, and dense forests as you pass through them.

In the Wild

Many wildlife species can be seen up close in Canada, and the opportunities to observe them are endless. Banff National Park is home to grizzly bears with brown fur and a distinctive shoulder hump, while wapiti, a unique mountain dweller of the deer family, are seen grazing in the summer.

On the coast of Vancouver, you can spot beavers, raccoons, marmots, whales, dolphins, and eagles. These mammals can also be seen in the Canadian outdoors, including wolves, black bears, mountain goats, beavers, raccoons, and marmots. It is the ultimate rural tourism destination.

Going Hiking

Those who enjoy exploring on foot can do so in Canada. You can traverse the trails of Joffre Lakes, marvel at Howe Sound, and visit Cathedral Cove on Vancouver Island. Get started exploring the endless walking routes; they all have something new to discover!

Aerial Sightseeing

Take a seaplane tour of Canada and experience its west coast from the clouds! Experience the uniqueness of these aircraft on your own! As you fly past mountain peaks, over ancient forests, and along the extensive coastline, you’ll discover how diverse the landscape is and get to remote and normally inaccessible places.

Things Canada Is Known For: To Conclude

As you can see, there are many things Canada is known for, from food to sports to tourism. If you have enjoyed this article on the things Canada is known for, I am sure you will love these too:

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