40+ Fun Facts & Must-Knows Before Visiting Canada

You’re planning a trip to Canada – maybe it’s your first time, or maybe you’ve been before and can’t wait to return. Either way, you’ve heard things. Cold winters, kind people, epic nature. But Canada is more than maple syrup and “eh.”

Canada is huge. Like, really huge. And wildly diverse. So it’s easy to underestimate travel times, pack the wrong gear, or miss cultural quirks that could make your trip smoother (and more memorable).

After multiple trips across Canadian provinces – from lobster rolls in the Maritimes to train rides in Ontario – I’ve learned a few things. Some the hard way (hello, Wi-Fi-less buses in a blizzard), some from friendly locals, and many from just paying attention.

So I’ve compiled over 40+ of the most useful, surprising, and just plain fun things to know before visiting Canada. Real tips, cool facts, and those little insights that help you travel smarter.

By the end, you’ll know more than just where to go – you’ll get Canada. The seasons, the slang, the snacks, the secret superlatives. And you’ll be better prepared to enjoy it all.

Table of Contents

First Things First: Canada Is Massive – Don’t Try to “See It All”

Canada is the 2nd largest country in the world, after Russia. You could fit all of the UK into Canada over 40 times.
Driving from Vancouver to Halifax would take you about 60 hours – and that’s without stops.
Flying from Toronto to Calgary takes nearly 4.5 hours (comparable to London → Istanbul).
It has 6 time zones and 13 provinces and territories.

Tip: Pick a region and explore deeply - East Coast for seafood and small towns, West Coast for mountains and outdoors, Quebec for culture and cuisine, or the North for adventure and Indigenous heritage.

Four Seasons. Sometimes All in One Day.

Winter: Temps can hit −40°C in the Prairies, with real-feel even lower. But you’ll also find ice hotels, frozen canals, and epic northern lights.
Spring: Unpredictable. It might snow in April… or feel like summer.
Summer: Warm and humid in cities like Toronto and Montreal, cooler in coastal areas.
Fall: Peak leaf-peeping season – especially in Ontario and Quebec.

What to pack? Layers are your best friend. A waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes, and real winter gear if you’re coming between November–March.

Languages, Culture & Canadian Politeness

Canada is bilingual: English and French are both official. Quebec and parts of New Brunswick are primarily French-speaking, but you’ll find bilingual signage almost everywhere.
More than 1 in 5 Canadians were born outside the country. Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are among the most multicultural cities on Earth.
Indigenous Peoples – First Nations, Métis, and Inuit – have called these lands home for thousands of years. Many cities have Indigenous-run cultural centers, markets, and museums.
And yes – Canadians are famously polite. Expect a lot of “Sorry”, even when you bump into them.

Essential Travel Tips Before You Go

Currency: Canadian dollar (CAD). Credit cards widely accepted, but keep a bit of cash for small towns or farmers markets.
Tipping: 15–20% is standard at restaurants. Tip taxi drivers, baristas, hotel staff too.
Emergency number: 911 (same as the U.S.)
Visa: Check if you need an eTA or visitor visa depending on your passport.
Transit: Major cities have public transit (TTC in Toronto, STM in Montreal), but Canada is still very car-dependent in many regions.
SIM cards: Get one at the airport or use eSIM. Wi-Fi is common, but not always reliable in remote areas.

Only-in-Canada Foods to Try

Poutine: Fries, gravy, and cheese curds. A must in Quebec, but you’ll find it nationwide.
Butter tarts: Sweet, flaky, sticky little national treasures.
Montreal-style bagels: Chewier, slightly sweet, and baked in a wood-fired oven. Don’t compare them to New York — just enjoy both.
Maple syrup: Quebec produces over 70% of the world’s supply.
Nanaimo bars: A no-bake dessert from B.C. with a custard middle layer.
Lobster rolls: Especially in the Maritimes (Nova Scotia and PEI).
BeaverTails: Fried pastry shaped like, well… you know.
Tim Hortons: Coffee, donuts, and an entire Canadian cultural institution.

Nature & National Parks That Will Blow Your Mind

Banff & Jasper (Alberta): Turquoise lakes, snowy peaks, and wildlife.
Pacific Rim (B.C.): Surf towns, old-growth forests, storm-watching.
Gros Morne (Newfoundland): Fjords and glacier-carved valleys.
Bay of Fundy (N.B./N.S.): Home to the world’s highest tides.
Cape Breton’s Cabot Trail: One of North America’s most scenic drives.
Niagara Falls (Ontario): A world wonder — and yes, it’s better from the Canadian side.

Pass Tip: The Parks Canada Discovery Pass gives you unlimited access to over 80 national parks and historic sites.

Cool Canadian Records & Quirky Facts

CN Tower in Toronto was once the tallest freestanding structure in the world.
Churchill, Manitoba is the polar bear capital of the world.
Confederation Bridge: Longest bridge over ice-covered waters.
Hartland Covered Bridge in N.B.: World’s longest covered bridge.
Mac the Moose (Moose Jaw, Sask.) once lost its “largest moose” record to Norway. Canadians rebuilt it bigger.

Festivals & Events to Plan Around

Montreal Jazz Festival: World’s largest.
Quebec Winter Carnival: Snow sculptures, ice palaces, night parades.
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF): Celebs and screenings galore.
Calgary Stampede: Giant rodeo and western culture fest.
Pride Toronto: One of the biggest and boldest pride celebrations in the world.

Don’t forget Canada Day (July 1st) - expect fireworks, concerts, and national pride across the country.

Winters Can Be Harsh – But Magical

Ottawa’s Rideau Canal becomes the world’s longest skating rink in winter.
You can stay in an ice hotel just outside Quebec City.
Popular winter sports: skating, skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and even curling (give it a try!).

Packing tip: You’ll need waterproof boots, thermal socks, mittens, and a proper winter coat - not just a “cute” one.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Canada isn’t about ticking off landmarks – it’s about soaking in the contrast. Remote wildlands and multicultural cities. Snowstorms and sunrises. Coastlines and cowboys. French charm and Indigenous wisdom.

It’s vast, welcoming, sometimes freezing – but always fascinating.

So whether you’re planning a coast-to-coast adventure or just a weekend in Montreal, you now know what most people don’t: Canada isn’t just big, it’s deeply layered – and totally worth exploring slowly.