What is Canada Known For? (17 Things It’s Famous For)

Canada is located in North America with a total area of 3,855,100 square miles, making it the second largest country in the world. It is directly north of the United States of America, and its coastline includes the Atlantic coast, the Pacific coast, and the Arctic coast.

Canada is known for its majestic natural wonders and diverse population from different countries that breathe life into its cities. The country offers countless activities and sights that will surely entertain people from all walks of life. It has a very high literacy rate and known as the most educated country.

Visit Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a set of three large waterfalls located on the Niagara River on the border of Ontario and New York. The Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls are the three waterfalls. It is a major tourist destination and is visited by millions of people each year. The falls offer a variety of activities and attractions, such as boat tours that take visitors close to the falls, the Journey Behind the Falls, which allows visitors to walk behind the Horseshoe Falls, and the Niagara SkyWheel. This giant Ferris wheel offers views of the falls and the surrounding area.

The Canadian Rocky Mountains

The Canadian Rocky Mountains in Western Canada are mountain ranges that span British Columbia and Alberta. They are known for their rugged peaks, glaciers, alpine meadows, and pristine lakes. The range includes several national parks, including Jasper, Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay, all offering a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, skiing, and wildlife viewing. The Rocky Mountains are also home to many indigenous animals, such as grizzly bears, moose, and mountain goats. The Canadian Rocky Mountains offer a vast and breathtaking landscape, with many opportunities for adventure and exploration, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Winter Sports at Whistler 

Whistler is a world-renowned winter sports destination located in British Columbia. It is known for its extensive ski and snowboard terrain, with over 8,100 skiable acres, 16 alpine bowls, and three glaciers. The resort features two connected mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, which offer a variety of runs for all skill levels. The resort has a vibrant après-ski scene, with many bars, restaurants, and nightlife options. With an average of 11 meters of snowfall per year, the resort offers some of the best snow conditions and the longest ski season in North America.

A Boat Tour of the Thousand Islands

The Thousand Islands is an archipelago of 1,864 islands that straddle the border of Ontario and New York State. The tour offers a chance to see the beautiful landscape, including picturesque lighthouses, historic castles, and the charming cottages of the wealthy elite who built summer homes there. Boat tours of the Thousand Islands typically depart from the towns of Kingston or Gananoque, the main gateways to the islands. The Thousand Islands is a popular destination for boating and fishing enthusiasts. Visitors can also take a fishing charter or rent a boat to explore the islands. 

Indulge in Some of Canada’s Local Delicacies

Poutine is made up of French fries, cheese curds, and gravy. The dish originated in Quebec in the 1950s and has become very popular. Other famous Canadian foods include maple syrup, produced in large quantities in Quebec and used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes, and Nanaimo bars, a no-bake dessert bar made with a wafer crumb base, custard filling, and chocolate ganache topping. Additionally, Canadian bacon and whiskey are famous food and drink items.

The Northern Lights in Yellowknife

Yellowknife is known for being one of the best places in the country to see the Northern Lights. It is a natural phenomenon caused by the collision of solar particles with the Earth’s atmosphere, and they are typically visible in the northern latitudes. The best time to see the Northern Lights in Yellowknife is between September and April, when the nights are the longest. Visitors can take a tour with a local outfitter, which typically includes transportation to a remote location away from the city lights. Some tours also include activities such as dog sledding or snowmobiling.

Explore the Historic City of Quebec

Quebec City is a historic city known for its vibrant culture and unique blend of French and North American influences. It also has a well-preserved Old Town, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city’s fortified walls surround the Old Town and feature narrow cobblestone streets and 17th and 18th century buildings such as the Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral. The city is also home to the Château Frontenac, a grand hotel that sits atop a hill and offers spectacular views of the city and the St. Lawrence River. 

Wildlife Safari in Churchill

Churchill is known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World.” It offers the best opportunity to see polar bears. It is also home to various other Arctic wildlife, such as beluga whales, Arctic foxes, and snowy owls. Visitors can take a guided safari tour by tundra buggy or boat to see the animals in the wild. These tours are typically led by experienced guides who have a deep knowledge of the region and its wildlife and can provide information about the animals and their behavior.

The Bay of Fundy and the Highest Tides in the World

The Bay of Fundy is a natural wonder known for having the highest tides in the world, with a tidal range of up to 52 feet. The tide comes in and out twice daily, revealing and submerging large portions of the shoreline. As a result, the bay is home to a diverse range of wildlife and plants, including seals, whales, and bird species. Visitors can take a boat tour to see the whales and seals or watch the tide come in and out from the shoreline. The Bay of Fundy is a unique and beautiful place to visit, with a diverse range of activities to explore.

The Butchart Gardens in Victoria

The Butchart Gardens is a 55-acre botanical garden known for its stunning display of flowers, plants, and trees. These are arranged in themed gardens, including the Sunken Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, and Mediterranean Garden. The gardens were first created in the early 1900s by Jennie Butchart, the wife of a local cement company owner, who transformed an exhausted limestone quarry into a beautiful garden. Today, Butchart Gardens is a National Historic Site of Canada and a popular tourist destination, attracting over a million visitors yearly. Butchart Gardens is a great place to spend a relaxing day surrounded by nature. 

Maple Leaf, Canada’s National Symbol 

The maple leaf is a symbol of Canada because it is one of the country’s most common and recognizable trees. The maple leaf is also deeply rooted in the country’s history, with the maple tree having been a source of food and medicine for Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. It also appears on the Canadian flag and the national coat of arms and has been featured on Canadian coins and stamps.

Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island

Cabot Trail is a scenic roadway which loops around the northern tip of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. The trail is 185 miles long and offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline, lush forests, and inland mountains. Visitors can stop at picturesque villages, historic sites, and natural attractions such as the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. It is also popular for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and wildlife viewing. Many tourists enjoy the local culture, including traditional music and cuisine. Overall, Cabot Trail is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Nova Scotia. 

Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology in Alberta

The Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology is a world-renowned museum dedicated to studying and displaying fossils, focusing on the paleontology of Alberta and the surrounding area. The museum has a large collection of fossils, including dinosaurs, marine reptiles, and plants. Visitors can also see ongoing paleontological research conducted by the museum’s scientists. It also has an interactive area where visitors can learn about the paleontology process, a 3D theatre, and a virtual reality experience where visitors can journey back in time. 

CN Tower in Toronto

The CN Tower is a 1,815-foot iconic observation and telecommunications tower located in Toronto, Canada. Completed in 1976, it was the tallest free-standing structure in the world until 2007. The CN Tower offers visitors breathtaking views of the city from its observation deck, located 1,122 feet above the ground. The tower also has a revolving restaurant called 360 Restaurant, which offers a unique dining experience with panoramic views. The CN Tower also has an EdgeWalk, an attraction where visitors can walk outside the tower’s main pod, 116 stories above the ground.

The Beautiful Town of Banff

Banff is a town located in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada. It is situated within Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is popular for its stunning natural scenery, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences. Visitors can enjoy hiking, skiing, hot springs, and wildlife watching in the surrounding mountains. The famous Banff Upper Hot Springs is a must-visit attraction, where visitors can soak in natural hot springs while enjoying the views of the mountains. Overall, Banff is a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. 

The Scenic Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway, also known as Highway 93, is a scenic roadway that stretches to 144 miles through the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, Canada. The road connects the towns of Jasper and Banff and is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world. The Icefields Parkway offers visitors stunning views of the mountains, glaciers, and lakes. Visitors can stop at various viewpoints and pullouts to take in the views and snap photos. There are also several hiking trails and natural attractions along the way. Overall, the Icefields Parkway is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Canadian Rockies. 

The Longest Coastline in the World

Canada’s coastline is one of the longest in the world, stretching over 125,567 miles and featuring various landscapes and experiences. The coastline includes the Atlantic Coast, the Pacific Coast, and the Arctic coast. The Atlantic coast is known for its rugged cliffs, lighthouses, and small fishing villages, while the Pacific coast is known for its towering mountains, fjords, and long stretches of sandy beaches. Visitors can enjoy activities such as kayaking, sailing, fishing, and whale watching along the coast.