95 Magnificent Canadian Culture Facts

Canada is one of the most tolerant countries in the world when it comes to different cultures and religions.

Canada Day is commemorated annually on July 1. This is the day when Canadians pay homage to their country's founding fathers and the veterans who fought for its freedom.

There are many different types of popular tourist attractions found in Canada. These include the CN Tower in Toronto, Niagara Falls, and the Rocky Mountains located near Banff. Wood Buffalo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Canadian culture was initially influenced by Celtic customs, French traditions, and British customs brought over by the European settlers. Many of Canada's citizens speak both French and English fluently. 23% are of French origin.

Hockey is a national pastime in Canada because it was first developed there, and many Canadian athletes have since become famous professional hockey players. Due to Canada's location and vast history, the culture of Canada has been influenced by many different cultures over time, including Irish, English, French, American, and Aboriginal customs.

Roughly half of Canadians live in cities, while the other half live in rural, more isolated areas.

Almost 90% of Canadians consider themselves tolerant and accepting of other people's personal choices regarding religion and sexual orientation. They are regarded as the most polite people, and as a result, a formal apology act was enacted by Canadian law in 2009.

The History Of Canadian Culture

Ontario, New Brunswick, Alberta, Prince Edward Island, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland are the country's provinces. Canada's capital city, Ottawa, is known for its international music festivals.

Several religions are practiced in Canada, but the country has no official religion, and support for religious pluralism is an important part of Canada's political culture.

In 2006, 42.9% of Canadians (increasing to 43.5% in 2011) declared themselves as Catholic; 24.6% of Canadians declare themselves to be Protestant or other Christian; 17.3% of Canadians identify with non-Christian religions such as Islam, Hinduism, and Judaism; and 1.9% (increasing to 3% in 2011) do not practice a religion.

The United Church was formed in 1925 from several denominations that trace their roots back to the missionary work during colonization days by groups including the Church Missionary Society, Methodist Church, Anglican Church, and Presbyterian Church.

As of 2011, this is the second-largest religious denomination in Canada after Roman Catholicism.

Canada has a social security program known as Medicare, which provides publicly funded health care to residents of Canada.

It is designed to ensure universal access to health care regardless of financial means and ability to pay.

Healthcare services are provided through thirteen provincial or Canadian territory health plans for most urgent medical services, while longer-term surgical procedures are mostly treated on a fee-for-service basis under the publicly funded system.

The cost of prescription medications is partially subsidized by the provincial Canadian government.

However, cost-sharing may be required depending on various circumstances.

The country ranks among the highest in the world for life expectancy.

Canadian society is as diverse as its geography. In Atlantic Canada, influenced by early French and Irish settlement, a tradition of sea shanties and Celtic music remains common.

In Quebec city, French-Canada folk traditions remain strong.

English-Canadian culture has been greatly influenced by that of the United States due to its proximity and long history of migration between the two countries.

There are significant immigrant populations from Asia and Europe with most people in Vancouver being from China or India.

Multiculturalism is an official policy in Canada maintained by immigration policies that promote cultural diversity, while also ensuring adherence to laws that emphasize equality between all citizens, regardless of race or religion.

The federal government has influenced culture in Canada through programs and funding, and by creating laws aimed at cultural growth, such as the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Canada's national symbols are influenced both by natural features associated with its vast geography, and artistic representations of its people and places.

As a landmass covering 3.85 million sq mi (9.9 million sq km), Canada is dominated by its variety in landscapes which has been further highlighted by distinctive building styles.

Canadian coins feature many landmark buildings in their designs, which were commissioned to mark significant events or to depict influential Canadian people.

Queen Victoria Women's Canadian Silver Jubilee Medal, designed in 1887, was the first time that a country designed a coin using a woman for inspiration.

Since 1908, seaworthy ships have been built for the Royal Canadian Navy, which has a history of maritime service.

In 1959 Queen Elizabeth II commissioned a song written by Burton Portsmouth to mark her visit to Canada.

The maple leaf, as it appears on the flag, is an important symbol for Canadians, who are strongly associated with their nation's natural landscape.

Indigenous peoples designed decorative art forms for use in spiritual ceremonies and everyday life.

From 1876 to 1908, immigration from England was encouraged through 'An Act Respecting Immigrants', which allowed for assisted immigration of 10,000 people from Britain, annually.

After 1896, young men from rural communities were sent to countries such as Australia and New Zealand after Canada passed a law prohibiting Asian immigrants.

Settlement of the west was made possible by the construction of railways and better infrastructure, which helped to both open new areas for settlement and allow people to travel across Canada easier.

In 1885, the Chinese Immigration Act excluded Chinese immigrants from entering Canada as people feared that they would take jobs away from European-Canadian workers.

In 1914, wounded soldiers returned home after World War I, which helped provide a boost in the economy.

As men left their farms to fight overseas, women were expected to help out with harvesting and other farm-related tasks. Farmers who stayed on their land had higher efficiency due to better equipment and new methods; changes like these allowed more work to be done with less effort.

With immigration happening again after World War Two, Canada grew and became a modern country.

The Coast Salish people developed various forms of artistic expression as individuals within this nation.

The carvings on totem poles, masks, and other items were made to teach morality tales, such as those about family or community relationships.

The poles themselves told stories through symbols like crossed salmon (representing wealth) that were only visible from the front side of the poles, so others could not see their significance without being invited to do so.

Western Canadian art took a dramatic turn during World War II when Fraser Delta artist, Emily Carr, started painting traditional totem poles, which she had noticed being neglected by locals in favor of more modern materials.

In her paintings, Emily used the Northwest Coast art style, which often depicted landscapes and nature.

She helped lay the groundwork for a tradition of contemporary Indigenous art that would later be taken up by younger Aboriginal artists, such as Alex Janvier.

In 1885, William Van Horne, who was the president of the Canadian Pacific Railway, commissioned a song to boost morale among workers.

The lyrics were written by Sir Adolphe-Basile Routhier (1839–1920), with music composed by Calixa Lavallée (1842–91).

'O Canada' became an unofficial anthem in English-speaking Canada after it was performed on June 24 at the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston during Queen Victoria's Diamond Jub; however, it didn't catch on in Quebec until the First World War.

The Aboriginal people of the Northwest Coast developed a variety of art forms that included wood carving, mask making, and totem pole creation. One type of wooden carving is Haida totem poles, which were created to mark family lineage and for use in ceremonies like potlatch celebrations or funerals.

Famous Traditions Of Canada

The famous traditions of Canada are interesting and quite famous around the world. Halloween, Christmas, and hockey are well known in Canadian culture.

The totem pole tradition spread along the coast, so much so that today there are also Tlingit, Kwakwaka'wakw, and Tsimshian poles in areas such as New England in the United States.

The Northwest coast was one of the few places, in what is now Canada, where the first nations had access to metal-working, which helped to improve their skills with woodwork.

Totem poles became taller because iron was needed for nails and other attachments to hold together pieces of wood that otherwise would have just been lashed together.

Totem poles were mostly made using giant red cedar trunks, though other types of wood could be used too; among these are yellow or brown cedar, western hemlock, Sitka spruce, fir, and pine.

From the mid-19th century, totem pole production was part of a revival of indigenous art, which included other types of wood carvings, such as masks and rattles.

The Canadian Museum of Civilization has several totem poles on display, including some so tall they had to be lifted with a crane.

Aboriginals also created masks for use in ceremonies like the Potlatch or the Sun Dance to represent spirits that would watch over their people; it took months or years to create these items that were believed to contain spiritual powers that allowed them to connect with their ancestors.

Sometimes children inherited them, though many times families chose another relative who needed to possess the toughness required for carving work, because it wasn't something that could be done under just any condition.

As a result, many times, men decided to pass their masks down to their sons, so the tradition stayed within the family, while others elected to give them to a different relative.

Canadian citizens celebrate Halloween as one of their main holidays. Some Canadians even say that it's better than Christmas!

At first glance, it may seem like an American tradition, but the truth is that this holiday had its origin in Celtic countries such as Ireland and Scotland.

Every year, Canadians put on costumes and go trick-or-treating through the streets, asking for candy or small gifts from neighbors.

Christmas is another one of Canada's famous traditions. It doesn't matter which religion you are, every Canadian has their own way of celebrating this holiday!

Some people like spending time with friends and family; others love to decorate Christmas trees and sing Christmas carols; some children can hardly wait to see what Santa Claus will bring them as presents; while other couples drop by churches on Christmas Eve for midnight mass (although increasingly few do).

One thing is certain: almost everyone shows up at parties where there is a big Christmas tree decorated with many decorations and a star topper on top of it.

On the very first day of winter, you can witness a moving ceremony at high schools and some colleges: students decorate trees and put them in front of the building.

In 1982, 'O Canada' officially became the national anthem and was adopted by Parliament.

While many English-speaking Canadians sang it with French words, others sang 'God Save The King' or even used different lyrics entirely, such as Robert Stanley Weir's version, which began: 'O Canada!' Our home and native land! A true patriot loves thou dost in us command.'

Hockey is probably one of Canada's best-known sports. Children play at outdoor rinks during the winter, while adults either watch or join in.

Many Canadians dream of playing hockey for their country; even more people gather around TV sets to cheer for their favorite teams when it's time for the NHL (National Hockey League) playoffs! No other sport can compare with this national passion.

Canadian traditions are not limited to these three examples only, many other unique things make up Canadian culture and make it special compared to others.

If you plan on visiting Canada soon, make sure not to miss some of these traditions. In North America, Canada is famous for its natural beauty and wildlife.

In addition to that, there are some peculiar Canadian traditions as well. Whether or not you have a job, a family with children, or a significant other, if you live in Canada, you may be familiar with these unique traditions.

Once you start celebrating them regularly, they'll become one of your favorite traditions too!

Canada’s Main Culture

Maple syrup production is a main part of Canadian citizen culture, including Canadian food.

Most Canadians tend to believe that maple syrup is just a tradition of their beloved country. And most of them are unaware of the great significance of the main Canadian culture that is responsible for giving us more than just sugar on our pancakes.

Maple syrup is an important part of the Canadian economy, and it's not only about the amazing pancake breakfasts either.

This exceptional product has become one of the country's symbols, as well as its main export commodity (next to oil).

The first thing you should know is that three types of maple can be harvested: sugar maple, red maple, and black maple (which is also called striped maple).

Only 10% of all maples are perfect for making pure, 100% maple syrup. Also, when talking about maple production, it's very important to know that only the sap can be used to make this delicious product.

The sap is gathered in the spring time when the tree starts to wake up and thaw out in the sun after winter.

And if you're wondering what would happen in the event that someone boiled sap instead of sugar-maple mixture (we call it 'incorrectly boiled'), then you should know that the result would be maple candy, because boiling down pure sap produces maple sugar, which is not suitable for further processing into maple syrup.

Maple syrup was produced by Native Americans long before Europeans arrived in North America.

It became a good way to preserve maple sap in the cold season.

It was also used as food when no other resources were available, and during wartime because of its high sugar content. 71% of the world's maple syrup is found in the country. As such, Canadians eat products made with maple syrup. 

The tradition of maple syrup production didn't die after European settlers arrived in North America.

In French Canada, it became part of their culture that has survived until this day, thanks to different innovative ways of processing and served with pride across the country.

The first large-scale commercial maple syrup producer served in 1850 in Ontario's Niagara Peninsula, while around the same time, production started in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

Maple syrup quickly spread out west through Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia to reach its peak at around 1990.

When it comes to the maple syrup producers of Ontario, a non-profit organization working in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs was established in 1966.

The organization's goal is to represent, protect, and promote maple syrup producers from different parts of the province.

Ontario was even mentioned when the country celebrated its 150th anniversary back in 2017 at 'The Greatest Canadian' contest, organized by CBC Television in 2004.

Examples Of Canada’s Culture

Canada's culture is mostly based on immigrant cultures, because it is a land of immigrants.

One main social structure in Canada would be its capitalistic society and democratic government, in which citizens know and believe in their right to own private property, freedom of speech, and the freedom to vote.

Its economic structure would be classified as a capitalist society where its people believe in using their intellectual knowledge and skills to generate profit and invest it into machinery, land, tools, and other forms of capital that produce goods and services.

Canada was created for political, economic, and social reasons. It is rich in resources, which makes it an industrialized nation. Canada has contributed significantly to peacekeeping efforts around the world since its first mission to provide security for the 1956 Suez Canal Crisis.

A part of Canada's foreign policy is to help people in need, provide support for countries in the UN, and promote human rights around the world. English and French are their two official languages.

French was used when the country was first created because it was viewed as a language that Canadians could identify with and is commonly spoken in the province of Quebec.

The core Canadian values would be multiculturalism, bilingualism, and a global perspective, because they have contributed to Canada's culture of accepting immigrants from all over the world for years, and its government is focused on foreign policy.

The church has no significant power in Canada. Canadians view themselves as a secular nation and it is not very religious.

The government does not keep track of any religious or non-religious events, and different religions are allowed to be practiced. Hockey has been considered Canada's national sport for years, and it even particiaptes in playing it in the Olympics.

Canadians, especially those in the northern parts of Canada, like hockey and love to play it whenever they get a free chance.

Hockey has become part of their culture, which has helped to make it one of the nation's official symbols.

Canada celebrates specific events through its Heritage Moments, which include the first European contact, Canadian Confederation, and world wars.

These moments all contribute to Canada's culture because these events taught Canada how to stand strong as a nation by staying united and protecting the country from invaders, which helped them gain their sovereignty and freedom.

Poutine, lobster chowder, Montreal smoked meat sandwich, maple syrup, maple sugar, maple butter, maple candy, Nanaimo bars, Beaver Tails, and Smarties are popular Canadian foods.