Canada is a vast and diverse country located in North America. Here are eight fascinating fun facts about Canada that you might find interesting:
- John Cabot’s Exploration: In 1497, the Italian explorer John Cabot reached Canada. He was hoping to find a shorter route to Asia but ended up landing on the coast of Newfoundland.
- Viking Visitors: Surprisingly, the Vikings visited Canada around 1021, several hundred years before Christopher Columbus. They are believed to have settled in L’Anse aux Meadows, on the northern side of Newfoundland.
- National Animal: Since 1975, the beaver has been Canada’s national animal. Early settlers traded beaver fur instead of spices, and today, these industrious creatures are protected by conservation efforts.
- Extreme Cold: Canada holds the record for the coldest recorded temperature: a bone-chilling -63.0°C in Snag, Yukon, back in 1947. During that frigid winter, Siberian air stalled over Canada, leaving Canadians scrambling for warmth.
- Dual National Sports: Canadians are passionate about sports. In winter, hockey takes center stage, while in summer, it’s all about lacrosse. Parliament officially declared this dual-sport status in 1994.
- Trans-Canada Highway: Canada boasts the fourth-longest highway globally—the Trans-Canada Highway. Stretching 4,860 miles from coast to coast, it passes through all ten provinces.
- Maple Leaf Symbolism: The iconic maple leaf has deep roots in Canadian history. It was first used in 1806 and later became an official emblem. In 2011, the Canadian government even made it the official tartan.
- Lakes Galore: Canada is home to an astounding 879,800 lakes, making it the country with the most lakes in the world. Many of these lakes remain undiscovered and unresearched, constantly changing due to melting glaciers.
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