Exploring the World: Canada

We are heading over to Canada to discover all about this incredible country that is known for its nature and wildlife!

Where is Canada?

Canada is the second largest country in the world and their capital city is Ottawa. It is located in North America and borders the United States. It also borders the Atlantic Ocean in the east, the Pacific Ocean in the west and the Arctic Ocean in the North. Although Canada is large in size it’s one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world.

What Language is Spoken?

Canada is a bilingual country with their official languages being English and French. In fact, the entire province of Québec speak French and French-speaking Canadians referred to as French-Canadians to differentiate from the English-speaking Canadians. The indigenous communities of Canada, which includes the First Nations, Inuit and Métis also have over 60 languages.

Food

Canadian food can vary by region. The majority of Canadian cuisine have English, Scottish, French, and Indigenous roots.

An iconic dish in Canada is poutine which was developed in Québec. It’s a tasty combination of French fries, cheese curds and gravy. Another popular staple is maple syrup, first collected by the indigenous people. It’s made from the sap of maple trees, and you can even find the leaf of a maple tree on the national flag. Maple syrup is usually used as a condiment for desserts such as pancakes and waffles.

The Inuit people, who live mostly around Northern Canada near the Arctic, consume a lot of food hunted from the sea for example seal and whale. One delicacy is Muktuk, which is the skin and blubber of narwhal, bowhead or beluga whales cut into cubes. It can be eaten raw or cooked and sometimes eaten with soy sauce.

Culture and Traditions

Canadian culture has become a blend of British, French, and indigenous influences. Canada is known for its incredible natural surroundings and many people enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. Similarly, sports such as ice hockey are commonly played during the winter. In fact, Canada has enjoyed a lot of success in the Winter Olympics over the years.

The indigenous communities also have their own unique cultures which they actively try to preserve for future generations. For example, the First Nations people are incredibly spiritual and one of their most important teachings is that people should live in harmony with the natural world and all its components.

Canadians also work very hard to protect their wildlife and they have some amazing animals living in their forests and grasslands. Animals such as bears, mountain lions and deer, including moose can be found roaming in nature. Further in the north, you may even come across reindeer!

Download and print out our blank Canadian flag below for a fun colouring activity for your children!