Fast Facts

Use the facts below as a starting point for your own research!


    Welcome to Canada – Who We Are
  • The final province to join Confederation was Newfoundland & Labrador in 1949. Up to that point, Newfoundland & Labrador was a British Colony.
  • Canada's official motto is "A mari usque ad mare," which is Latin for "From sea to sea."
  • The Territory of Nunavut was separated from the Northwest Territories on April 1, 1999.
    Where We Came From
  • Prior to Confederation, the provinces now known as Ontario and Quebec were actually part of a single province – the Province of Canada.
  • Canada did not have its current flag until 1965, almost 100 years after becoming a country. Until that point, Canada used what is known as the red ensign – a red flag, with a British Union Jack in the left corner and the shield of the Canadian Coat of Arms on the right.
  • Canada was originally known as "New France", having been claimed for France by explorer Jacques Cartier in 1534. The first European settlers of Canada were known as "les habitants" and lived in what is now Quebec. This is the inspiration for the nickname of the NHL's Montreal Canadiens – "The Habs", short for "habitants."
    Symbols of Canada
  • The maple leaf has been used as a symbol in Canada since the 18th century; before appearing on our flag the maple leaf was on Québec and Ontario's coats of arms, the Canadian coat of arms, a coin, and some military uniforms, but it was often green instead of red. The maple leaf on the Canadian flag has 11 points.
  • In Inuktitut, inukshuk means "to act in the capacity of a human." In the Arctic, inuksuit are placed to help the Inuit find their way and know where food is stored.
  • Did you know that Canada has a national horse? The Canadian Horse first developed in New France, and is known for its intelligence, strength, endurance, and good temper.
    True North Strong and Free – Making Our Mark
  • Elijah McCoy was born in Ontario to former slaves from Kentucky. He invented a device to keep railroad machinery oiled so that boys would not have to do the dangerous work. Because his invention was so much better than the others, railroaders would ask for "the real McCoy," which is still a saying we use to mean something is authentic or the original version.
  • Did you know that before it was retired, the first Canadarm was used in NASA's space shuttle program for 30 years?
    Hall of Fame
  • Did you know Grammy award-winning artist and rapper Drake appeared on the Canadian television series Degrassi: The Next Generation?
  • Did you know athlete Clara Hughes competed in both the Summer Olympics in the sport of cycling and in the Winter Olympics in the sport of speed skating?
  • Did you know that Canada has its own giantess? Anna Swan was born in Nova Scotia in 1846 and she measured 7 feet 6 inches.
    The World is Our Stage
  • Did you know that Cree singer Buffy Sainte-Marie appeared on the children's television series Sesame Street?
  • Roch Carrier, author of the children's book The Hockey Sweater, was the National Librarian of Canada from 1999-2004.
  • The well known Canadian author Robert Munsch has sold over 30 million copies of his books in more than a dozen languages.
    The Nature of Canada
  • Did you know that Canada's highest mountain is Mount Logan, 5,959 metres (19,551 ft) high. As a result of tectonic activity, Mount Logan continues to gain height by an average of a few millimetres each year.
  • The most freshwater lakes on Earth are found in Northern areas of the Northern Hemisphere; for example, Canada is estimated to have around 2 million lakes.
  • Did you know the world's biggest and loudest animal is sometimes found along Canada's east coast? Blue whales can grow up to 27 metres long and weigh up to 132 tonnes, and their cry is louder than a jet plane, reaching 186 decibels.
    This is Our Home
  • The tallest lighthouse in Canada is located in Cap-des-Rosiers, Québec. It was built between 1854 and 1858, and still stands today at 34 metres high!
  • Did you know Canada grows most of the world's supply of mustard seeds?
  • Books in the medieval ages were written on dried sheepskin or dried calfskin. They were individually written using quill and ink, and then decorated with silver or gold. They were rare and valuable, sometimes even chained to their cases in libraries!
  • Did you know that Québec City has a cool hotel called Hôtel de Glace? This unique hotel is rebuilt from scratch every year (after melting during the summer) using about 400 tons of ice and 12,000 tons of snow.

 




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