Canada: The Land of Maple and Hockey

Written by: Natalie Yao

Geography and Nature

Canada is located in North America, spanning more than half of the Northern Hemisphere. It also borders the United States in two locations, one to the south, and one to Alaska. The country is organized into ten state-like provinces: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Some major cities include Ottawa (which is the nation’s capital), Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. 

Much of the land contains many natural features like valleys, rivers, mountains, plains, and large lakes. This makes the area home to numerous diverse animals such as moose, lynx, black bears, wolves, and hares in the forest. In the tundra, one can find animals like seals, polar bears, caribou, arctic foxes, and snowy owls.

People

The people of Canada are related to the French and British immigrants that moved during the era of French and British colonial empires. Yet, they still only make up half of the country’s population of 36 million people. The second largest ethnic group in Canada are Asian and other European immigrants. Most Canadians are bilingual, meaning that they can speak two languages. In fact, the nation has two official languages, English and French! The majority of the population speak English as a first language, and a smaller number of people speak French. Yet, most of the people who speak French live in the east, because that is where the French colonies were.

Culture

Canada’s culture is largely influenced by the ones of their old rulers, England and France. In addition, its mixture of influences also includes Indigenous, American, and immigrant cultures. This has made Canadian culture very diverse, which can be seen in its sports, music, and films. 

Sports are an enormous aspect of Canadian daily life, most importantly ice hockey and lacrosse. The origin of ice hockey comes from Canada, created in the 17th century. In fact, the National Hockey League (NHL) is from Canada, then later added teams from the United States. And lacrosse was first played by local indigenous peoples then when the French arrived they gave the sport its name.

In terms of the arts in the country, more specifically music and literature have also had a great influence on the world. For example, Robert Munsch is a famous Canadian children’s book author. Musical artists from Canada include Céline Dion, Shania Twain, Shawn Mendes, and Justin Bieber, all who have won multiple Grammy Awards.

National Symbols

• National Animal: the beaver

• National Tree: the Maple Tree

• National Sports: Lacrosse and Hockey

• National Anthem: O Canada

• National Colors: Red and White