18 Crazy Things You Can Only Find in Canada

Ever wonder what makes Canada stand out from the rest of the world? Well, you’re in for a treat. This great northern country isn’t just about maple syrup and hockey – it’s got some seriously weird and wonderful things you won’t find anywhere else.

From quirky foods to bizarre landmarks, Canada’s got it all. I’m about to take you on a wild ride through 18 of the craziest, most uniquely Canadian things out there.

Poutine

Poutine!” by Joe Shlabotnik is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

This messy but delicious dish is a Canadian classic. It’s made of french fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. You can find it everywhere, from fancy restaurants to fast-food joints. Some places even add extras like bacon or pulled pork.

Ice Hotels

Ice Hotel Suit @ Jukkasjärvi” by bjaglin is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Yep, you read that right – hotels made of ice! These cool (pun intended) buildings are rebuilt every winter. You can sleep on ice beds covered in warm furs. Don’t worry, they give you super warm sleeping bags too.

Polar Bear Jail

Polar Bear Jail” by wonder_al is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

In Churchill, Manitoba, there’s a special holding facility for polar bears who wander into town. It’s to keep both bears and people safe. The bears are released back into the wild when it’s safe to do so.

Moose Crossing Signs

While other countries have deer crossing signs, Canada has moose crossing signs. These massive animals can cause serious damage if they collide with a car, so the signs warn drivers to keep an eye out.

Caesar Cocktail

This drink is like a Bloody Mary, but better. It’s made with vodka, clamato juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. It’s usually served with a celery salt rim and garnished with a celery stick and lime.

Maple Syrup Everything

Strawberry buckwheat pancakes” by raludwick is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Canadians love their maple syrup. You’ll find it in candy, cookies, and even potato chips. There’s even a strategic maple syrup reserve to make sure there’s always enough of the sweet stuff.

Nanaimo Bars

Nanaimo Bars” by edwardkimuk is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

These no-bake treats are named after a city in British Columbia. They have a wafer crumb base, custard-flavored butter icing in the middle, and a chocolate ganache on top. They’re super sweet and super Canadian.

Milk in Bags

milk in bags” by Andrea_R is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

In some parts of Canada, milk comes in plastic bags instead of cartons or jugs. You put the bag in a pitcher and snip off the corner to pour. It might seem weird, but Canadians swear it keeps the milk fresher.

Ketchup Chips

Ketchup??? Chips” by Jeremy Johnstone is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

These bright red chips taste like, you guessed it, ketchup. They’re tangy, slightly sweet, and totally addictive. You can find them in pretty much any store that sells snacks.

Inuksuit

Inuksuit near Harmony Peak” by Ruth and Dave is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Inuit people first created these stone figures resembling humans to serve as guides and signposts. Today, these unique structures can be spotted throughout Canada, frequently adorning parks and picturesque locations.

The World’s Largest Axe

World’s Largest Axe” by jimmywayne is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Nackawic, a town in New Brunswick, is home to an enormous axe statue. This massive monument stands 15 meters high and tips the scales at 55 tons. It was erected as a tribute to the region’s vital forestry sector.

Newfoundland Screech-In Ceremony

Kissing the cod” by Simon Collison is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Newfoundlanders have a quirky custom to greet visitors to their province. This lively ritual includes planting a kiss on a codfish and downing a shot of screech, a local rum variety. It’s their unique way of officially welcoming “come from aways” (their term for non-locals).

Polar Bear License Plates

In the Northwest Territories, vehicles sport distinctive license plates crafted in the shape of polar bears. These eye-catching plates are widely considered among the most interesting in the world, and collectors highly seek them out.

Bunny Hug

Image Credit: Nikolai Ulltang on Pexels

In Saskatchewan, “bunny hug” doesn’t refer to a cute animal cuddle. Instead, it’s the local term for what others call a hoodie or hooded sweatshirt. Using this phrase outside the province might result in confused reactions from listeners.

Timbits

Healthier Timbits!” by yummysmellsca is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Tim Hortons, Canada’s beloved coffee chain, offers bite-sized fried dough treats. These small, round snacks come in a variety of flavors, ranging from chocolate to birthday cake to classic plain. They’re a popular menu item at the nation’s go-to coffee spot.

Banff National Park

Although national parks exist worldwide, Banff stands out as exceptional. It features impressive mountain ranges, vivid turquoise lakes, and abundant wildlife. The scenery is so picturesque it resembles a living postcard.

Northern Lights

Northern lights can be seen in various countries at high latitudes. However, Canada offers some of the most spectacular viewing locations for this natural phenomenon. The sky comes alive with vibrant displays of green, pink, and purple, creating a mesmerizing celestial spectacle.

Mounties

Mounties Fall Out” by Mikepaws is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, or Mounties, are Canada’s national police force. They’re known for their bright red uniforms and wide-brimmed hats. You’ll see them at important events or patrolling on horseback.

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Joy Fadogba

Joy Fadogba is a passionate writer who has spent over a decade exploring and writing about lifestyle topics. With a fondness for quotes and the little details that make life extraordinary, she writes content that not only entertains but also enriches the lives of those who read her blogs. You can find her writing on Mastermind Quotes and on her personal blog. When she is not writing, she is reading a book, gardening, or travelling.