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Hidden Canada: 10 Surprising Facts About the Great White North

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Canada is a country full of natural beauty and exciting places to explore. Here are 10 surprising facts about Canada that might make you want to visit!

10 Surprising Facts About Canada

1. Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

In big Canadian cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, Hop On Hop Off bus tours are a great way to see the sights. These buses take you to famous spots like the CN Tower, Stanley Park and Old Montreal. You can hop off at any stop to explore, and then hop back on when you're ready to see more. It’s a fun and easy way to discover Canada’s best attractions!

2. Niagara Falls Is One of the World’s Most Powerful Waterfalls

Niagara Falls, located on the border between Canada and the USA, is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. The Canadian side of the falls, known as Horseshoe Falls, is especially impressive. Over 3,000 tons of water flows over the falls every second! You can get up close to the falls on a boat tour or see them from above on a helicopter ride.

3. Canada Is Home to Banff National Park

Banff National Park, located in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, is Canada’s oldest national park. It’s famous for its stunning mountain scenery, clear blue lakes like Lake Louise and plenty of wildlife like bears, elk and moose. People come from all over the world to hike, ski and enjoy the beautiful landscapes.

4. Vancouver Is Surrounded by Nature

Vancouver, a city on Canada’s west coast, is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. You can go from the busy city streets to peaceful forests and mountains in just a short drive. Stanley Park is one of the city's top attractions, offering beautiful walking trails, beaches and views of the mountains. You can also visit Granville Island, where you’ll find shops, markets and restaurants right by the water.

5. Canada Has More Lakes Than Any Other Country

Canada is known as the land of lakes because it has more lakes than any other country in the world. There are over 2 million lakes in Canada, including the Great Lakes, which are some of the largest freshwater lakes on Earth. These lakes are perfect for fishing, boating and swimming in the summer.

6. The Northern Lights Can Be Seen in Canada

One of the most magical sights in Canada is the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. This natural light show happens in the northern parts of Canada, like the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut. The sky lights up with bright colors, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Canada.

7. Canada Is a Bilingual Country

Canada has two official languages: English and French. While most Canadians speak English, the province of Quebec is mainly French-speaking. In cities like Montreal and Quebec City, you’ll hear both languages spoken, and many signs are in both English and French. It’s a unique feature that makes Canada’s culture even richer.

8. Canada is the Second Largest Country in the World

Canada is the second largest country in the world by land area, just after Russia. It’s so big that it covers six time zones! Despite its size, Canada has a relatively small population, with most people living near the southern border with the USA.

9. Canada Has the World’s Longest Coastline

Canada has the longest coastline of any country in the world, stretching over 151,000 miles. This means there are plenty of beautiful beaches and coastal areas to explore, from the Atlantic to the Pacific and up to the Arctic Ocean. Canada’s coastline is perfect for spotting whales, exploring tide pools and enjoying ocean views.

10. The Maple Leaf is a Symbol of Canada

The maple leaf is one of the most important symbols of Canada. It’s featured on the country’s flag and is a symbol of Canadian identity. Canada is also famous for its maple syrup, which comes from the sap of maple trees. In the fall, the leaves of these trees turn bright red, making Canada’s landscapes even more beautiful.

Beyond the Maple Leaf

Canada is a country full of surprises, from its stunning natural wonders like Niagara Falls and Banff National Park to its unique cultural features like bilingualism and the Northern Lights. Whether you’re exploring a city on a Hop On Hop Off bus or taking in the beauty of the great outdoors, Canada has something special to offer everyone.


Read on to learn more about the USA.