On your way to Canada? Congratulations! Canada is a beautiful and vast country with so much diversity and a rich culture and history. There is so much to learn about Canada and some of the facts may even shock you. Make sure to brush up on your Canadian trivia before you land, you never know if you’ll bump into a Canadian troll that requires you to answer three bits of Canadian trivia so you can cross a bridge….just kidding… that PROBABLY won’t happen but it’s good to know some fun facts about your new home anyway. 

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Canadian Thanksgiving is OLDER than American Thanksgiving! 

Did you know America and Canada both celebrate Thanksgiving, but for very different reasons. In fact, Canadian Thanksgiving has been a tradition for longer than American Thanksgiving. American Thanksgiving commemorates the Autumn harvest between the Native Americans and English colonists. Canadian Thanksgiving dates back to 1578 when Martin Frobisher hosted a ceremony in Newfoundland to express gratitude for a successful voyage. Although both countries celebrate the holiday for very different reasons, it’s a great excuse to gather with family and eat lots of turkey, pie and soak in the Autumn vibes. 

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Canada’s National Sport? 

When anyone thinks of Canada’s national sport, they automatically say Hockey. How could it not be? A sport played on ice has to be Canada’s national sport. What if I told you it’s not the only one? Basketball originated in Canada but it’s not basketball EITHER. It’s Lacrosse! Lacrosse is a sport that was played by Indigenous people in North America. The netting on the sticks was made from deer sinew, and the Lacrosse balls were made of deerskin and filled with fur. The game has a direct historical tie with Canada’s Indigenous history which is why it’s so important to Canada’s culture. Plus it’s super fun! Canadians love to play their sports with sticks for some reason… 

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Where was the Telephone Invented?   

Ever heard of the Canadian telephone company, Bell? It’s named after the inventor of the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell. Although he was Scottish, he was living in Brantford Ontario when he invented the telephone- so us Canadians will definitely never shut up about that. 

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Canadians are NERDS!

According to a study by World Population Review, Canada ranks as the most educated country in the world, based on the percentage of people holding some form of post-secondary degree. Coupled with the fact that Canada is made up largely of immigrants, the country benefits from a wealth of knowledge brought by geniuses from around the globe—something that sets it apart from many other nations. Canadian culture is shaped by immigration, making Canada a true melting pot of diverse cultures and ideas from all corners of the world.

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