Being Canadian is pretty awesome. How awesome? Check out 15 reasons why we rock and why living in Canada is the best.
We’re super nice
One of the things Canadians are known for (and let’s face it, often teased about), is our incessant politeness and constant need to say we’re sorry. We’ll probably even apologize for apologizing. Sorry.
Poutine
Along with a penchant for being polite, being Canadian means getting to indulge in poutine, that decadent, gooey combo of French fries, cheese curds and gravy. Montreal is known to have some of the best poutine, but you can get the good stuff all over the country.
We can lay claim to Ryan Gosling
Hands off, every other country – he’s ours. We’re happy to share, but just remember where he came from.
We have some of the best cities in the world
According to the 2015 Quality of Living survey by global consultancy Mercer, three Canadian cities were ranked among the most livable in the world, including Vancouver at number five, Toronto at number 15 and Ottawa at 16, out of 230 cities.
Some of the best musicians are Canadian
In addition to actors named Ryan (Gosling and Reynolds), Canada also has a knack for producing great musicians. From Neil Young to Drake to Celine Dion to Arcade Fire, we’ve given the world a lot of good music.
We help make breakfast better
If you like syrup with your pancakes or waffles, you can thank a Canadian. Canada produces 71 per cent of the world’s pure maple syrup, the majority of which comes from Quebec. You’re welcome.
We’re pretty funny
Canadians aren’t just musically inclined, we’re also pretty funny. Some of the best comedians and comedic actors were born here including Jim Carrey, Martin Short, Mike Meyers, Seth Rogan, Norm Macdonald, Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy, just to name a few.
We can skate on one of the world’s longest rinks
At nearly eight kilometres, Ottawa’s Rideau Canal Skateway is one of the longest skating rinks in the world. There are change huts, snack stations and places to buy hot chocolate along the canal at various points. You can also rent skates if you don’t have any.
We have one of the world’s longest trail networks
The Trans Canada Trail is one of the longest trail networks in the world and currently consists of more than 17,000 kilometres of trails. When completed, the Trail will stretch nearly 24,000 kilometres from the Atlantic to the Pacific to the Arctic oceans.
We have a giant nickel
Need any spare change? Canada, in particular Sudbury, is home to the world’s largest coin. The massive five cent coin was built in 1964 and weighs nearly 13,000 kilograms. The Big Nickel is an exact replica of a 1951 Canadian nickel – only about 64 million times bigger. You can see it at Science North.
We have really recognizable national branding
Thanks to the Canadian flag, the maple leaf is synonymous with Canada and we wear it with pride. You can immediately spot a Canadian abroad by the tiny flag or maple leaf they have sewn on their backpack or other travel gear.
We have the oldest walled city in North America
The fortifications around Quebec’s Old Town (Vieux-Québec) make it the only North American fortified city north of Mexico whose walls are still intact. The walls are 4.6 kilometres in length and you can walk along them to get great views. The fortifications are also a national historic site and due to their unique nature, have made Quebec a UNESCO World Heritage City.
We have the better view of Niagara Falls
There are two sides to Niagara Falls, a Canadian side and an American side, and we’re proud to say we have the better view. The Canadian side of Niagara Falls, known as Canadian Horseshoe Falls, is higher than the American Falls at 670 metres versus 260 metres. Plus we think the view from our side is prettier.
Caesars
Not to be confused with a bloody Mary, the Caesar is arguably one of Canada’s favourite cocktails. A staple beverage on most brunch tables, Caesars are something that can be tough to find outside of Canada. The savoury cocktail is traditionally made with Clamato juice, vodka, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lime and celery salt.
We have a lot of lakes
Canada has more lake area than any other country in the world – 563 lakes that are larger than 100 square kilometres. The Great Lakes alone contain more than 18 per cent of the world’s fresh water.
Featured image: Kare Davey, Oh Canada, EH! via Flickr CC BY 2.0
