Moving to Canada? Here’s some fun facts you need to know!
Coastline
Canada has the longest coastline in the world, stretching 151,019 miles. Ten of Canada’s provinces have a coastline, ranging from Newfoundland and Labrador’s 18,000 miles to the Yukon’s 213 miles. Canada has a population of just over 36 million and only around 7 million of those people live at or near the coast.
Forests and Lakes
Canada has 30% of the world’s boreal forest and 10% of its total coverage. 396.9 million hectares of forest and woodland can be found in Canada and, unlike many countries, these forests are publicly owned.
Canada has more lake area than any other country in the world. 563 of its lakes are larger than 100 square kilometres. It’s said that just the Great Lakes contain 18% of the world’s fresh lake water.
The Pager and Peanut Butter
Canadian Alfred J. Gross invented the pager in 1947. Gross, who was a wireless communications pioneer, is also often cited as the inventor of the walkie-talkie. Although, another Canadian, Donald Hings, is often credited with this invention, along with his achievement of creating the two-way radio in 1939.
Another great invention is that of peanut butter. Peanut butter was not invented by American George Washington Carver but by Canadian pharmacist Marcellus Gilmore Edson in 1884.
Maple Syrup
Canada produces 71% of the world’s maple syrup and 91% of that is produced in Quebec. It was the Amerindians who taught the settlers how to harvest the sap and boil it to make syrup. To produce one litre of syrup, you need forty litres of sap, and, as the trees only yield between 35 and 55 litres per season, it’s a long and intensive process. It also explains why pure maple syrup is so expensive.
Aliens
In 1967, a UFO landing pad was built in St. Paul, Alberta.
Father Christmas
The Canadian government has granted Santa Canadian citizenship. In fact, you can write a letter to Santa at The North Pole, H0H oHo, Canada and he will reply to you.
Basketball
Basketball was invented by a Canadian, James Naismith while working as a PE instructor at the YMCA in Massachusetts. It’s said that he used peach bottomless peach baskets and a ball as a new way of keeping fit in the winter months. Hockey and lacrosse are Canada’s national sports.
Longest Street
Yonge Street in Ontario is almost 2,000 long, ending at the Minnesota border.
Lowest Recorded Temperature
Canada’s lowest recorded temperature was -63°C on 3rd February 1947 in Snag, Yukon.
