Canada

Description of Canada

By size, Canada is the largest country of North America and is second in size in the world, with the only country that is larger being Russia. Canada is renowned throughout the world because of its vast and mostly untouched landscape combined with its rich blend of cultures and it multifaceted history. Canada is one of the wealthiest countries in the world and is a major destination for tourists. 

Canada offers a land of rich natural beauty and vast distances. Technologically and economically it closely resembles the United States. However, there are many significant differences between the neighbors. Canada is very happy and proud of their British heritage. The country has been influenced and built by immigrants from both France and Britain. When visiting Canada, you will find that there are parts where French is the primary language, particularly near areas of New Brunswick and in Quebec. 

The country became self-governing in 1867 through an act by the British parliament. Canada is still a Commonwealth of Nations Member. By the year 1931, it had become mostly independent from the U.K. It is a medium sized country when considering the population is just 35 million, but despite its small population it has earned respect in the world for having strong diplomatic skills and for its peacekeeping efforts. 

The people of Canada enjoy a high life quality as the country often scores very high on the indices of economic freedom, civil rights respect, corruption, and others. The country has domestically displayed the willingness to negotiate compromises amongst its own population, which is a difficult task when you consider that the culture, language, and the history vary significantly throughout the entire country. 

Similar to the United States, Canada is considered a melting pot of sorts with many different minorities from around the world living throughout the country. Canadians are used to interacting and living with people who have different ethnic backgrounds regularly. Most Canadians are very friendly and understanding when approached in public.

Things to Do 

There are many chances of wildlife viewing throughout Canada. In Manitoba, you will find Riding Mountain National Park and the Parkland area are known for black bears that vary in color from black to chocolate, cinnamon, and even blond. There are belugas and polar bears in the area as well as other “watchable” wildlife. 

Canada has a rich cultural heritage. There are events and festivals held throughout the country each year celebrating the multicultural heritage of the nation. Each of the festival represents a cultural facet of the diverse population of the country. The festivals are identified by the season.

Spring 

In the spring, the months of April and May will start the music festival season for some areas of the country. The Cariblues Festival is held in Yellowknife, which is one of the Northwest Territories. Chamber music is showcased in Halifax during the Ottawa highlights concert and the Scotia Festival for Music. You will also learn about history and flowers during the Canadian Tulip Festival. 

The country is also known for the theater festivals held there including the Stratford Festival that is held in Ontario as well as the Shaw Festival that is held in Niagara on the Lake. These film festivals start in the spring and continue through to the fall.

Summer 

From the 21^st of June through the first of July there are 10 days of celebration held in the country. Not every area of Canada participates in each of the celebrations. National Aboriginal Day starts on June 21^st. Saint-Jean Baptiste Day is celebrated throughout Canada starting on June 24^th. June 27^th marks Canadian Multi-culturism Day. The festivities come to an end on the first of July with parties everywhere celebrating Canada Day. You will find the best Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa at parliament hill. 

Additionally, summer is the best season for festivals of all kinds. Many of the large cities including Toronto, Montreal, Winnipeg, and Edmonton, pride themselves on offering diverse festivals during the summer months. Many of these festivals are based on music such as the blues, jazz, and folk.

Fall 

Typically, the fall months are when film festivals and literary festivals are held. Those who love the spoken and written word may enjoy the Trois-Rivieres Festival, the Storytelling Festival in Halifax, or the International Author’s Festival held in Toronto. Film lovers may enjoy one of the international film festivals held in Vancouver, Montreal, or Toronto. There are also film festivals found in Newfoundland and many other places throughout the country. 

There is also a 9 day Oktoberfest held in Kitchener-Waterloo in the fall. This festival features many entertainment and cultural activities. Local venues are turned into beer gardens and take on German names for the festival’s duration. The Oktoberfest attracts more than 700,000 visitors each year. 

The fall months are also a great time to simply enjoy the outdoor splendor that the countryside has to offer.

Winter 

The winter months are when Canadians and tourists hit the slopes. There are some great ski resorts located throughout the country as well as many great hockey rinks. The world famous winter festivals are held during the late part of January into February. One of the most famous is the Carnival which is held in Quebec City as well as the Winterlude held in Ottawa. There are several winter events that take place to pay homage to the pioneers of the country. 

The month of January is dedicated to showcasing difficult international and national dance, theater, and music in Calgary. This happens during a High Performance Rodeo, which is one of the top festivals for new and experimental theater. 

British Columbia is well-known for its ski resorts and it is here where many people flock to enjoy many winter sports during the season.

Shopping 

When visiting Canada you will find that items seem to be a bit more expensive than in the United States, with some items costing as much as 50% more. The reason for this is because of a higher sales tax and the cost of importing from other countries, as well as other reason. There is very little bargaining while shopping and trying to get a lower price will typically not get you anywhere.

Some facts about Canada

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