10 Best and Unique Canadian Facts and Traditions

Canada is a multicultural and diverse country with its own set of customs and traditions. As newcomers to Canada or as international students, its helpful to familiarize oneself with the cultural norms that govern day to day living and should play a role in forming your national identity. Knowing about Canada’s rich and diverse history not only makes for good conversation at dinner parties but also is a big deal when stepping into a workplace.

1. Treaty Lands and Indigenous Culture : Over 40% of Canadian Land is considered treaty land. The historic treaties signed after 1763 provided large areas of land, occupied by First Nations Peoples, to the Crown, transferring their Indigenous title to the Crown in exchange for reserve lands and other benefits. Moreover Canada is the world’s second largest country after Russia. According to Canada FAQ, the country stretches across 3.8 million square miles (9.9 million square kilometers). On July 1, 1867, Canada was created and this became one of the most prominent holidays – Canada Day
2. First Peoples, French Canada , English Canada : Canada’s indigenous populations were the original inhabitants of the land before the French came to Canada. French Canadians and French culture is very distinct and different from English Canadian culture. While you maybe able to find French speaking people across all Canadian cities, French Canadians mainly live in Quebec and a large majority of them can be found in New Brunswick as well.
3. Official Languages : English and French are the official languages of Canada. However, according to statistics aside from English and French, Mandarin and Punjabi were the country’s most widely spoken languages. In 2021, more than half a million Canadians spoke predominantly Mandarin at home and more than half a million spoke Punjabi. Among Canadians whose mother tongue is neither English nor French, 7 in 10 spoke an official language at home at least on a regular basis.
4. Food : When French fries meets cheese curds an all time favorite Canadian traditions –  Poutine is born. The good old Pumpkin pie is a close second with it being a staple at Canadian Thanksgiving especially in English Canada
5. National Symbols – Canada also referred to as the Great White North has 9 official symbols. A very common way of identifying Canada and related things is the good old Maple leaf (as also seen in the logo for this website arrivedincanada.com )
6. Sport : Ice hockey and Lacrosse are amongst Canada’s most popular winter sports and summer sports respectively. However, basketball , soccer, baseball and curling are also extremely popular across the country
7. Coffee and Brewery culture : Canadians love their coffee and beer. While you may see the most popular Canadian coffee shop – Tim Hortons at every major intersection, be sure to discover the local breweries when traveling across Canada.
8. Province Specials : 
   1. Calgary Stampede – The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. – This is more than a 100 year old event which celebrates all things that remind one of the Western culture and heritage –  It is a rodeo, a music and arts festival, a carnival, a foodie’s paradise, and a celebration of western heritage.
   2. New brunswick – New Brunswick is Canada’s only officially bilingual province. English and French have been the province’s official languages since 1969. New Brunswick’s Bay of Fundy has the highest tides on earth and is one of the most accessible viewing areas for marine life in the world
   3. British Columbia -British Columbia is perhaps the most beautiful province in Canada, thanks in part to its many mountains, sandy beaches, lakes, rainforest, and the Pacific Ocean.
9. Dual Nationality : More than a million Canadians also are citizens of the United States. While there are subtle American influences across Canada, be sure to understand that these two are very difference and separate countries.  
10. Respect for Diversity: Canadian society celebrates diversity and various cultures. Embrace cultural differences and respect people from different cultures backgrounds, religions, and beliefs. Tolerance and acceptance are highly valued in social situations.