Updated: Jan 05, 2024
Canada is the northern neighbour of the United States on the North America continent. Canada is the second-largest country in the world by total land and water areas, yet it is sparsely populated. Canada touches the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west. This positioning gives Canada a lush maritime environment in the provinces that touch the oceans. The central part of the country features the Boreal Forest. When it comes to inhabitants, Canadians are very welcoming and accepting of foreign visitors, this can be attributed to the enormous numbers of immigrants from other continents. Whether you are travelling to Canada on a visa or an eTA, here are some aspects of Canadian culture that will you gain a better understanding and appreciation for what Canada can offer to visitors.
Canada’s bilingual history can be attributed to its past as a country colonized by two European superpowers. The country has two commonly spoken languages, which are English and French. The word Canada means a village or a settlement scheme. Over the past decade, the number of English native speakers has risen while that of French native speakers has declined. Currently, more than 15% of Canadian citizens are conversant in both French and English languages.
There are universal symbols that tend to be displayed in official and unofficial Canadian events. These symbols are assumed to be general national cultural symbols. Here are the main symbols that are connected to Canada.
Hockey is considered to be a national sport which gives Canadians a source of national pride. The sport is used to signify the unity and cohesiveness of various communities living in Canada. Since 1920, National Canadian hockey teams for men and women have won 20 Olympic medals of which 13 are gold medals.
Perhaps the most iconic symbol of Canada, the maple leaf is prominently featured on the national flag. It represents unity, tolerance, and peace, and has been a symbol of Canada and its nature since the 18th century. The maple leaf is also associated with the autumn season in Canada, where maple trees turn vibrant shades of red and orange.
These stone cairns or figures traditionally built by the Inuit people have become widely recognized symbols of Canada's Indigenous heritage and the country’s Arctic regions. They represent safety, hope, and friendship.
The Canada goose, often seen migrating in V-shaped formations, symbolizes the changing seasons in Canada. Their annual migration is a herald of spring or autumn.
Each Canadian province and territory has its own tartan, a patterned cloth that is a symbol of Celtic heritage. These tartans are often used in clothing, representing the pride of each province or territory.
Originally played by Indigenous peoples, lacrosse was declared Canada's national summer sport in 1994. It symbolizes Canada's Indigenous heritage and the country's commitment to recognizing and integrating Indigenous culture into the national identity.
The beaver has earned respect for its industriousness. Beavers toil to create elaborate nesting structures from twigs and mud. The beaver is a peaceful animal that puts peace as a priority. It is a humble, diligent, and nonpredatory animal that is known to be special due to its unique values.
The RCMP represents the interest of Canadians in humility and diligence. The core values that steer forward these symbols are hard work, cooperation, politeness, and patience. The insignia of the RCMP contains a buffalo head and the Canadian maple leaf, which itself can be considered another example of Canadian symbolism.
The Canadian food industry is diverse, yet there are fewer national dishes. Perhaps the reason why the country does not have many distinctive national dishes is because of multiculturalism. Immigrants of other countries have introduced their authentic recipes and added to the diversity and range of available food options. You will find a range of restaurant options in Canadian cities of all sizes which is a testament to Canadian diversity and inclusion.
Perhaps the most famous Canadian dish, poutine originates from Quebec and consists of french fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy. It's a beloved comfort food found across the country.
Canada, particularly Quebec, is the world's largest producer of maple syrup. This sweet, amber syrup is made from the sap of maple trees and is often used as a topping for pancakes and waffles, as well as an ingredient in baking and cooking.
The coastal regions of Canada, especially the Atlantic provinces and British Columbia, offer an abundance of seafood. Atlantic lobster, Pacific salmon, and various types of shellfish are significant components of the culinary landscape in these areas.
A classic Canadian dessert, butter tarts are small pastries filled with a mixture of butter, sugar, syrup, and egg. They can be runny or firm, and sometimes contain raisins or nuts.
In many parts of Canada, particularly the North and rural areas, game meats like bison, moose, deer, and duck are common. These meats are often used in stews, roasts, and grilling.
Known in Canada as "back bacon," this type of bacon is a lean pork loin that's brined and rolled in cornmeal. It differs from the streaky bacon commonly found in the United States.
This traditional French-Canadian meat pie is typically made with minced pork, beef, or veal and seasoned with spices. It's particularly popular during the Christmas season.
A popular Canadian treat, especially in winter and in tourist areas, Beavertails are a fried dough pastry stretched to resemble the shape of a beaver's tail, topped with various sweet toppings like cinnamon sugar, chocolate, or fruit.
An indigenous bread, bannock is a simple, flat loaf that can be baked or fried. It's a versatile staple in many Indigenous communities and has been widely adopted across Canada.
Canada has a thriving craft beer scene, with microbreweries across the country offering a wide range of unique brews. Additionally, Canada, particularly Ontario's Niagara region, is known for its ice wine, a type of dessert wine produced from grapes that have frozen while still on the vine.
The country has four distinct seasons. The weather can be icy, snowy, and cold during the winter. The weather in the summer can be hot, yet average temperatures don’t usually exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the peak summer months.
During the winter, Canadians are engaged in outdoor activities such as snowboarding and skiing. The spring and summer are ideal for Canadians to take part in hiking and biking. In your visit to Canada, you can go to the beach in the summer, enjoy the stunning flowers bloom during spring and witness leaves change colour in the fall.
Canadians are known for their politeness. Saying "please," "thank you," and "sorry" is common in everyday interactions. Even if you bump into someone accidentally, it's customary to apologize.
Timeliness is important in Canada. Being late for appointments, meetings, or social gatherings is generally considered rude. If you're going to be late, it's polite to call and let the person know.
Canadians value personal space and privacy. It's customary to maintain a reasonable distance while conversing with someone. Respecting privacy also means avoiding personal or potentially sensitive topics in initial conversations.
Tipping is a standard practice in Canada for services such as dining in restaurants, haircuts, taxi rides, and hotel services. The usual amount is 15-20% of the total bill before tax.
Standing in line patiently and waiting your turn is a deeply ingrained aspect of Canadian etiquette. Skipping the queue or pushing ahead is considered very impolite.
Given Canada's diverse population, being respectful and sensitive towards different cultures, religions, and lifestyles is important. Avoid making assumptions based on appearance or accent.
Engaging in small talk is common in Canadian social interactions, especially in casual or business settings. Topics like the weather, sports, or general news are safe choices.
When dining, it’s polite to wait until everyone has been served before eating. Table manners are similar to those in other Western countries - keep your elbows off the table and place your napkin on your lap.
In social situations like dinner parties, it’s customary to bring a small gift for the host, such as a bottle of wine, flowers, or a dessert.
It’s customary to address people by their first names in many settings in Canada, but it’s always safe to start with more formal titles (Mr., Mrs., Dr., etc.) and then follow the other person’s lead.
Canadians are known for their frequent apologies, even in situations where they might not be at fault. It's seen as a way to express empathy and maintain harmony.
Canadians generally have a strong sense of environmental responsibility. Recycling and proper waste disposal are taken seriously, and littering is frowned upon.
Canada strives to create an environment where all genders are treated equally. Canada is one of the few countries that allows its citizens to identify as transgender by denoting their gender with an ‘X’ n their passports. Canada is also one of the few countries which have legalized same-sex marriage.
Canada is relaxed and has a diverse culture. If you want to experience the tranquillity of Canadian nature, travel outside the cities.
There is a large area of unspoilt wilderness that is sparsely populated and ideal for nature-seekers. Travellers can hike across a glacier in the Rocky Mountains, hike through coastal blooming rainforest on Vancouver Island, or go canoeing through Lake Ontario.
Canada is geographically rich country that offers travellers opportunities to explore its highly urban and rural settings. The diversity of the geography and the people of Canada create a welcoming atmosphere for all travellers.
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