3. Ice hockey is Canada’s national sport… and so is lacrosse
Canada officially recognizes both ice hockey and lacrosse as its national sports. Ice hockey, the official winter sport, is deeply woven into Canada’s identity. Lacrosse is the summer sport of Canada and reflects the country’s Indigenous heritage. The dual designation was made official through the National Sports of Canada Act in 1994.
What countries have multiple official sports?
Canada
- Hockey (winter)
- Lacrosse (summer)
Philippines
- Arnis (a martial art)
- Sipa (a traditional game like kickball)
Sri Lanka
- Volleyball (the national sport)
- Cricket (the national game)
- Elle (a game played with a bat and ball)
![A close-up shot of the trans-canadian highway with mountains in the background.]()
The Trans-Canadian Highway is one of the world’s longest national highways.
4. The Trans-Canada Highway is one of the longest national highways in the world
The Trans-Canada Highway is one of the longest national highways in the world, spanning approximately 4,848 miles (7,800 kilometers). It runs through the entire country from the Pacific coast in British Columbia to the Atlantic Ocean in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Visitors can explore Canada’s national parks on their journey, such as Nahanni National Park Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
You could also visit a Canadian mine to see the world’s oldest pool of water along the way, though that’s less interesting.
5. Canada is the second-largest country in the world by land area
Canada is the second-largest country in the world by total area at 3.85 million square miles (9.98 million square kilometers).
Canada also has the world’s longest coastline, stretching along the Pacific Ocean, Arctic Ocean, and Atlantic coast. To the south, it shares the world’s longest international border with the United States.
![European architecture in Quebec City.]()
Quebec City is full of European architecture.
6. Quebec City is the only walled city in Canada and the U.S.
The French built Quebec City’s original fortifications in the 17th century to protect New France. British forces captured the city in 1759 during the Battle of the Plains of Abraham. They reinforced the walls to defend against American invasions during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.
Canada’s only walled city along with Old Quebec is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. French settlers founded Quebec City in 1608, making it one of the oldest cities in North America. The cobblestone streets, European-style architecture, and French-speaking culture make it a must-visit destination.
![A view of a lake surrounded by trees.]()
Canada has almost 9% of the world’s forests.
7. Canada contains almost 9% of the world’s forests and Canadians can get prescriptions to spend time in nature
Canada has almost 9% of the world’s forests, making it the third-most forested country globally. The top five most forested countries in the world are:
- Russian Federation (20.1%)
- Brazil (12.2%)
- Canada (8.6%)
- U.S.A. (7.6%)
- China (5.4%)
In Canada, the value of nature is so widely recognized that doctors can prescribe time outdoors through the PaRx initiative, which promotes physical and mental health benefits.
Nature lovers can explore Canada’s iconic national parks, including the Canadian Rockies, home to two of the country’s most celebrated parks: Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, known for their breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife.
8. King Charles III is the Head of State in Canada
Canada is a constitutional monarchy and recognizes King Charles III as its head of state after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. The King’s role in Canada is ceremonial but his presence symbolizes the country’s ties to the British monarchy and British Parliament.
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A Rustic Pathways student enjoys a game of basketball.
9. Wood Buffalo National Park is one of the world’s largest
Wood Buffalo National Park is the largest national park in Canada and the second largest in the world, behind Northeast Greenland National Park in Greenland. Located in Alberta and the Northwest Territories, the park has one of the largest free-roaming bison herds in the world. Visitors can explore salt plains, karst sinkholes, and boreal forests. The park also offers exceptional stargazing as the world’s largest Dark Sky Preserve.
Getting There
Visitors can reach the park by road or air. Highway 5 connects Hay River, NT, to Fort Smith, the main access point. Travelers can also fly to Fort Smith or Fort Chipewyan from Edmonton.
How Long to Stay
Stay for 3 to 5 days to see major attractions and explore nature fully.
Address
149 McDougal Road, Fort Smith, NT X0E 0P0
Contact Information
Tips for visiting Wood Buffalo National Park
- The park is remote. Make sure your vehicle is in good condition, that you are carrying extra fuel, and bring ample supplies.
- Wildlife safety is critical, especially with potential encounters with bison and bears.
- Wear protective clothing to avoid mosquito and horsefly bites in the summer.
>> LEARN MORE: 7 Things You Need to Know About Wildlife Conservation
