Canada is one of the biggest countries in the world, but a lot of people don’t really know that much about it. Because of its close ties with the United States, many just assume it’s basically the same, just a little colder.
Well, let me tell you – that’s totally not the case! There are so many weird myths and misunderstandings about Canadian culture and life.
This article will bust some of the most common misconceptions about our friendly neighbors to the north.
1. All Canadians Live in Igloos
No, Canadians don’t actually live in igloos made of ice and snow. Igloos were temporary winter shelters for some Indigenous Arctic communities, but most Canadians live in regular houses and buildings like anywhere else. In reality, igloos are not practical long-term housing for the vast majority of Canadians.
2. Canada Has Polar Bears Roaming the Streets
While polar bears do live in the far northern Arctic regions of Canada, they don’t just roam around cities and towns. The idea of polar bears in Canadian streets or backyards is just an exaggerated myth about Canada’s wildlife.
3. Everyone in Canada Speaks French
Despite being one of Canada’s two official languages, the majority of Canadians speak English as their first language.
Only about 22% speak French as their mother tongue, mainly concentrated in the province of Quebec. Assuming all Canadians are bilingual French speakers is a common misconception.
4. Canadians Constantly Apologize
The “overly polite Canadian” trope has led people to believe Canadians are always saying sorry for every little thing. In reality, Canadians apologize at normal rates just like anyone else – they’re not pathologically apologizing left and right.
5. Canada Has Horrible, Freezing Winters Everywhere
Thanks to Canada’s sheer size, its climate actually varies a lot across regions. While northern parts do experience brutally cold Arctic winters, cities like Vancouver have relatively mild coastal temperatures year-round.
6. Canadians Drink Milk from Bags
In some parts of Canada, milk does actually get sold in bags instead of cartons or jugs. But this packaging choice is not nearly as widespread as the misconception suggests.
Most Canadians simply purchase regular milk containers like those found in any grocery store. Bagged milk is really only common in Eastern provinces like Ontario.
7. Canadians Love Putting Maple Syrup on Everything
Sure, Canadians are proud of their maple syrup production. But the notion that they drown all their foods in syrup is hugely exaggerated. Maple syrup is typically used just as pancake topping, not some crazy ingredient for savory dishes or other meals.
8. Canada Has No Major Cities
Some people question if Canada even has any real cities since it has a relatively small population compared to its massive size.
In fact, Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver are all major metropolitan areas with populations well into the millions. Along with others like Calgary and Ottawa, these bustling Canadian cities have towering skyscrapers and urban downtowns like any other big global city.
9. Canadians Constantly Say “Eh”
In movies and TV shows, Canadian characters are always ending sentences with “eh?” To be fair, some Canadians do use this speech pattern informally.
But the “eh” trope is largely an exaggerated stereotype that makes it seem like all Canadians constantly pepper their dialogue with “eh” after every statement, which simply isn’t true across the board. Like any cultural phrase, it gets overplayed.
10. Canadians are British
Despite its history as part of the British Empire, the vast majority of Canadians today have no real cultural ties to Britain beyond using English and having Queen Elizabeth on their currency. In terms of actual attitudes and heritage, most Canadians don’t consider themselves British at all.
11. Canada Has No National Cuisine
With dishes like poutine, tourtière, and Nanaimo bars, Canada absolutely has its own rich array of national cuisine and regional specialties.
The misconception that Canada has no distinct culinary identity of its own underestimates the unique flavors and dishes found across this diverse nation. From indigenous foods to French-Canadian fares, the Great White North offers plenty of iconic bites.
Conclusion
There are so many weird myths and false beliefs that people around the world have about Canada. From thinking we all live in igloos to assuming we put maple syrup on everything, a lot of these misconceptions come from stereotypes that get exaggerated.
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