You know how sometimes you hear things about other countries and think, “No way, that can’t be true”? Well, I recently fell down a rabbit hole of Canadian facts, and let me tell you, some of these are wild!
I’ve put together a list of 18 fun facts about Canada that sound like they’re made up, but are actually true. From magical lakes to unusual laws, Canada’s got some seriously quirky stuff going on.
Canada has a lake said to have magical healing powers
In Northwest Territories, there’s a lake called Little Limestone Lake that changes color. It goes from bright turquoise to deep blue depending on the temperature. Some people believe its waters can heal illnesses. Whether that’s true or not, it sure sounds like a magical place!
There’s a town in Canada that apologizes for Christmas
The town of Dildo in Newfoundland sends out apology letters for having such a funny name. They do this every Christmas as a tradition. The town name often makes people laugh or feel awkward. It’s a quirky way to address the elephant in the room!
Canada has its own version of the Loch Ness Monster
In Lake Okanagan, British Columbia, people claim to have seen a sea monster called Ogopogo. It’s described as a large, snake-like creature. While there’s no proof it exists, it’s become a local legend. Some tourists even visit hoping to catch a glimpse of the mysterious beast.
There’s a desert in Canada
Most people think of Canada as cold and snowy, but it actually has a desert. The Okanagan Desert in British Columbia is small but real. It gets very little rain and has cacti and rattlesnakes. It’s like a little piece of the American Southwest in Canada!
Canadians eat more mac and cheese than any other nation
Apparently, Canadians really love their macaroni and cheese. They eat 55% more of it than Americans do. It’s the most popular boxed item in Canadian grocery stores. Who knew cheese and pasta were such a big deal up north?
There’s a place in Canada where license plates are shaped like polar bears
In Nunavut, the license plates are shaped like polar bears. They’re the only non-rectangular license plates in North America. The plates are white and blue, matching the icy landscape. It’s a cute way to show off local wildlife!
Also read: 15 Boomer Myths About Money That Have Been Busted
Canada has the world’s smallest jail
On Sark Island in Nova Scotia, there’s a jail that’s only 270 square feet. It can only hold two prisoners at a time. The jail was built in 1892 and is still functional today. It’s more like a tiny room than a proper jail!
Canadians love ketchup-flavored potato chips
While most countries stick to classic flavors, Canadians have a thing for ketchup chips. They’re bright red and taste like, well, ketchup. This flavor is hard to find outside of Canada. It’s one of those love-it-or-hate-it snacks!
There’s a town in Canada where gravity doesn’t work normally
In a place called Magnetic Hill in Moncton, New Brunswick, cars appear to roll uphill. It’s actually an optical illusion caused by the surrounding landscape. People come from all over to experience this weird phenomenon. It’s like a natural magic trick!
Canada has a national UFO landing pad
In St. Paul, Alberta, there’s an official landing pad for UFOs. It was built in 1967 as a Centennial Project. The sign welcomes aliens from all galaxies. It’s a quirky tourist attraction that shows Canada’s sense of humor.
There’s a cloud factory in Canada
In Ontario, there’s a nuclear power plant that creates its own clouds. The steam from the cooling towers forms these perfect fluffy clouds. People often mistake them for UFOs or weather phenomena. It’s like having a cloud-making machine!
Canadians have their own currency called the “Loonie”
The Canadian one-dollar coin is called a “Loonie” because it has a loon (a type of bird) on it. The two-dollar coin is called a “Toonie”. These fun names make Canadian money sound more like toys than currency. It’s a playful approach to something as serious as money!
There’s a town in Canada where it’s illegal to whistle
In Petrolia, Ontario, it’s against the law to whistle in public. This odd law was apparently made to keep the town quiet. No one’s sure if it’s ever been enforced. Imagine getting in trouble for being too happy!
Canada has the world’s longest street
Yonge Street in Ontario is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest street in the world. It’s about 1,178 miles (1,896 km) long. The street runs from Lake Ontario all the way to the Minnesota border. That’s one long road trip!
There’s a hotel in Canada made entirely of ice
Every winter in Quebec, they build a hotel completely out of ice and snow. It melts every spring and is rebuilt the next winter. Guests sleep on beds made of ice (with warm sleeping bags, of course). It’s like staying in a fancy igloo!
Canada has its own version of the Dead Sea
In Saskatchewan, there’s a lake called Little Manitou Lake that’s so salty you can float in it. The water is full of minerals that some people say are good for your skin. It’s often called the “Dead Sea of Canada”. Who knew you could go for a salty swim in the prairies?
There’s a place in Canada where you can mail a letter to Santa
In Nunavut, there’s a postal code that’s officially recognized as Santa’s address: H0H 0H0. Kids can send letters to Santa at this address and volunteers respond. It’s a sweet way to keep the magic of Christmas alive. Imagine getting a letter postmarked from the North Pole!
Canada has a town that’s the world’s polar bear capital
Churchill, Manitoba is known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World”. Every year, hundreds of polar bears pass through the town. There are special tours to see the bears, and the town has a “polar bear jail” for bears that get too close to humans. It’s like a real-life arctic safari!
11 Weird Yet Fascinating Canadian Traditions
11 Weird Yet Fascinating Canadian Traditions
13 Unusual Canadian Laws That Will Surprise You
