Parliament Buildings, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Photo by Benoit Debaix on Unsplash
Table of Contents
About Canada
Canada is a country that’s big, beautiful, and full of surprises! From the stunning natural landscapes of Banff and Jasper to the bustling cities of Toronto and Vancouver, Canada has something for everyone.
One of the best things about Canada is its food. From poutine to maple syrup, Canadian cuisine is famous for its hearty and delicious dishes. Don’t forget to try the poutine, a classic Canadian dish that’s perfect for a cold winter day.
And let’s not forget about the wildlife! Canada is home to some of the most amazing animals in the world, including moose, bears, and whales. Whether you’re into hiking, skiing, or wildlife watching, Canada is the perfect destination.
But Canada isn’t just about nature and food. The country is also home to vibrant art and music scenes, as well as world-class museums and galleries.
So put on your toque, grab a double-double from Tim Hortons, and get ready to experience the beauty and excitement that is Canada!
Capital City
Ottawa (province of Ontario)
Head of State
Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister 2015 – present)
Government
federal parliamentary democracy (Parliament of Canada) under a constitutional monarchy – a Commonwealth realm
Official Language(s)
English and French
Religion
Catholic 39% (includes Roman Catholic 38.8%, other Catholic .2%), Protestant 20.3% (includes United Church 6.1%, Anglican 5%, Baptist 1.9%, Lutheran 1.5%, Pentecostal 1.5%, Presbyterian 1.4%, other Protestant 2.9%), Orthodox 1.6%, other Christian 6.3%, Muslim 3.2%, Hindu 1.5%, Sikh 1.4%, Buddhist 1.1%, Jewish 1%, other 0.6%, none 23.9% (2011 est.)
Currency
Canadian Dollar (CDN) $
Population
38,232,593 (2022 est.)
National Holiday
1 July (1867) Canada Day (formerly called Dominion Day)
Area
total: 9,984,670 sq km (land: 9,093,507 sq km; water: 891,163 sq km) 6 time zones – see chart below.
Life Expectancy
83.8 years (2022) Male 81.52, female 86.21
Location
Canada is located in Northern North America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean on the east, North Pacific Ocean on the west, and the Arctic Ocean on the north, north of the United States of America.
6 Time Zones in Canada
| Offset | Time Zone Name & Abbreviation | Sample City |
| UTC – 8 | PST Pacific Standard Time | Vancouver |
| UTC – 7 | MST Mountain Standard Time | Edmonton |
| UTC – 6 | CST Central Standard Time | Winnipeg |
| UTC – 5 | EST Eastern Standard Time | Toronto |
| UTC – 4 | AST Atlantic Standard Time | Halifax |
| UTC – 3:30 | NST Newfoundland Standard Time | St. John’s |
10 Canadian Provinces + 3 Territories
| Name of Province | Provincial Capital | Most visited areas |
| Alberta | Edmonton | Calgary, Banff, Jasper |
| British Columbia | Victoria | Vancouver, Whistler, Kelowna |
| Manitoba | Winnipeg | Churchill – one of the top three places to observe the aurora borealis (the Northern Lights) |
| New Brunswick | Fredericton | Bay of Fundy, Appalachian Range |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | St. John’s | Gros Morne National Park (known for soaring glacial fjords), icebergs, and whale watching |
| Nova Scotia | Halifax | Peggy’s Cove, Annapolis Valley wine country |
| Ontario | Ottawa | Toronto, Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-lake |
| Prince Edward Island | Charlottetown | best known for the novel Anne of Green Gables |
| Quebec | Quebec City | Quebec City, Montreal, Plains of Abraham |
| Saskatchewan | Regina | Saskatoon, Prince Albert |
| Territories | ||
| Northwest Territories | Yellowknife | Northern lights, the midnight sun, the Nahanni River, the centerpiece of Nahanni National Park Reserve |
| Nunavut | Iqaluit | One of the world’s most remote locations; watch the narwhals, see the polar bears |
| Yukon | Whitehorse | Northern lights, the historic Klondike Gold Rush locations, Mount Logan (the highest mountain in Canada) in Kluane National Park |
History
Canada has a long and complex history that spans thousands of years. Before European colonization, the region was home to various indigenous peoples, who had their own languages, cultures, and traditions.
In the 16th century, French and British explorers began to arrive in Canada, establishing settlements and trading posts. The French established colonies in what is now Quebec and the Maritimes, while the British took control of Newfoundland and the Hudson Bay region. These European powers often fought over control of Canada, with the Seven Years’ War (1756-1763) ending in British victory and the signing of the Treaty of Paris.
In 1867, the British North America Act established the Dominion of Canada, a self-governing entity that included Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. Over the years, other provinces and territories joined Canada, with the country now consisting of 10 provinces and 3 territories.
In the 20th century, Canada played a significant role in both World War I and World War II, with its soldiers fighting alongside allied forces in Europe and other parts of the world. Canada also experienced a period of economic growth and prosperity, with industries like manufacturing and resource extraction driving the country’s economy.
In recent years, Canada has become known for its progressive policies and commitment to multiculturalism, with a diverse population that includes indigenous peoples, immigrants from around the world, and many others. Today, Canada is a major player on the world stage, with a thriving economy and a rich cultural heritage.
Canadian Flag
The maple leaf flag was made official by a proclamation from Queen Elizabeth II on January 28, 1965. On February 15 of that year, it was inaugurated in a public ceremony on Parliament Hill.
The Proclamation of the Canadian Flag, 1965.
© Library and Archives Canada, Acc. No. 1989-253-1
Iconic Food by Province
Alberta: Beef steak (Alberta is known for its high-quality beef)
British Columbia: Wild salmon (BC is known for its fresh and sustainable seafood, including wild salmon)
Manitoba: Perogies (dumplings filled with potatoes, cheese, and other fillings)
New Brunswick: Poutine râpée (a boiled potato dumpling filled with salt pork and served with molasses)
Newfoundland and Labrador: Jiggs Dinner (a boiled dinner with salt beef, cabbage, potatoes, turnip, and carrots)
Nova Scotia: Garlic fingers (pizza dough topped with garlic butter and mozzarella cheese, often served with a side of donair sauce)
Ontario: Butter tart (a small pastry filled with a mixture of butter, sugar, and eggs)
Prince Edward Island: Lobster roll (a sandwich filled with fresh lobster meat, mayonnaise, and other seasonings)
Quebec: Poutine (French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy)
Saskatchewan: Saskatoon berry pie (a sweet pie made with Saskatoon berries, a local fruit similar to blueberries)
