Canada

Canada is the second-largest country in the world by land area, known for its stunning natural beauty, multicultural cities, and friendly people. Stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific and up into the Arctic Ocean, Canada offers everything from snow-capped mountains and glacial lakes to vibrant urban centres like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. It’s a land of wilderness, opportunity, and diversity.

Fun Facts or Highlights

  • Canada has more lakes than the rest of the world combined.
  • The national animal is the beaver.
  • Home to Niagara Falls, one of the most famous waterfalls in the world.
  • Hockey is the most popular sport, with deep cultural roots.
  • The name “Canada” comes from the Iroquoian word “Kanata”, meaning “village” or “settlement”.
  • Canada has two official languages and strong French cultural influence in Quebec.

Capital City

  • Ottawa

Official Languages

  • English and French

Currency

  • Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Time Zones

Canada spans 6 primary time zones:

  • Pacific Standard Time (PST) – UTC -8
  • Mountain Standard Time (MST) – UTC -7
  • Central Standard Time (CST) – UTC -6
  • Eastern Standard Time (EST) – UTC -5
  • Atlantic Standard Time (AST) – UTC -4
  • Newfoundland Standard Time (NST) – UTC -3:30

Most provinces observe Daylight Saving Time.

Area

  • 9,984,670 km²
    (approx. 3,855,100 square miles)

Climate Summary

Canada’s climate varies greatly by region:

  • Northern Canada: Arctic and subarctic, with long, harsh winters
  • Central and Prairie Provinces: Cold winters, hot summers (continental climate)
  • West Coast (British Columbia): Milder, wetter climate with rainy winters
  • Eastern Canada: Cold winters, warm summers, and frequent snowfall
  • Southern regions: More temperate and livable climates, where most of the population resides