Kid's Guide to Canada

KIDS’ GUIDE TO

Canada

1 Toronto

Welcome to Canada Canada is the second-largest country in the world, stretching across North America from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, and north to the Arctic Ocean. Much of the country’s northernmost land is made of thousands of islands.

Let’s learn about Canada from kids like you.

Olivia lives in Edmonton, Alberta, in the western part of the country.

She is 8 years old.

Olivia is from the Latin word “oliva” meaning “olive” or “olive tree.”

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Olivia lives in the countryside and her family owns horses.

She loves to ride and care for her horse, Curlicue.

Olivia wears high boots when she rides.

Her horse Curlicue wears a saddle, which Olivia sits in to control him. Special brushes help her keep Curlicue clean and shiny.

Lucas is Olivia’s brother.

His name means “bringer of light.” Lucas is in middle school. He likes to play outside and spend time with friends.

Lucas likes to curl. It is a popular sport in Canada and especially Alberta.

Hockey is a popular pastime in Lucas’s country. Some of the game’s best players come from Canada.

Olivia and Lucas love their country and hope you will, too. Let’s learn some more about Canada.

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Where in the World?

Canada is the second-largest country in the world, covering more than 6.2 million square kilometers (3.8 million square miles) of northern North America. The country’s southern border is nearly 8,850 km (5,500 mi) long, shared with the northern border of the United States and is the longest binational border in the world.

The Rocky Mountains run through the western regions of Canada.

Emma lives in Québec City, located in the eastern province of Québec. The city is one of the country’s oldest cities. Most people here speak French.

CANADA

Liam lives in Vancouver, a seaport surrounded by mountains. Vancouver is a popular filming location for television shows and movies.

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Can You Find It? Calgary

Goose Bay

Saskatoon

Vancouver

Québec City

Winnipeg

Whitehorse

Edmonton 5

Canada has four distinct seasons, including hot summers and cold winters. In the farthest northern region, Canada has an arctic climate where winter persists year-round.

Mia lives in Yellowknife, in Canada’s Northwest Territories. The region is one of the coldest in Canada, especially during the winter, though summers are warm.

Nearly half of Canada is covered in forests that are populated with various types of poplar, spruce, and pine trees. Canada features numerous ecosystems including prairies, tundra, and kelp forests in the ocean.

Canada is home to numerous small mammals as well as wolves, coyotes, bobcats, cougars, grizzly bears, owls, eagles, and hawks. Reptiles and amphibians can be found in the nation’s rainforests and near its rivers and lakes.

Hundreds of species of fish are found in Canada’s abundant fresh and saltwater habitats.

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Great Bear Lake This is the largest lake that is entirely within Canada. It is the fourth-largest lake in North America and the eighth-largest in the world.

Rocky Mountains The Rocky Mountains run through western Canada and into the United States.

They include dramatic wilderness, diverse wildlife, and alpine lakes.

Great Bear Lake

Rocky Mountains

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls Niagara Falls is both the name of a city and a group of three waterfalls. The waterfalls are called Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and American Falls.

The falls border Ontario, Canada, and the US state of New York.

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History 1608 CE Samuel de Champlain establishes a settlement at Québec City, which becomes the first permanent French settlement in the New World and the capital of New France.

1689-1763 Britain develops its Canadian interests and by 1750, English-speaking immigrants outnumber French speakers.

1847 A famine in Ireland brings more than 800,000 English, Irish, and Scottish immigrants to Canada.

1867 The Dominion of Canada is formally established, signifying its status as a self-governing colony of Great Britain. Canada is now empowered to defend itself and to organize itself into a series of provinces.

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1931 The Parliament of the United Kingdom enacts the Statute of Westminster.

This effectively grants Canada independence.

1958 Canada joins the United States to provide aerospace warning, air sovereignty, and defense for North America.

1982 The British Parliament passes the Canada Act. It grants Canada its own constitution.

2010 Vancouver hosts the Winter Olympic Games, where Team Canada wins the gold medal in ice hockey, the country’s most popular spectator and participant sport.

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People Many Canadians have links to Native American tribes, with other common ancestors including French, Scottish, Irish, and Germans.

Chandran has Indian ancestry. His lessons at school are taught in English, but he speaks Punjabi with his family at home.

Canada is a nation of immigrants and people from all over the world live there.

Ukrainians, Indians, Italians, Koreans, and Chinese make up some of the country’s largest minority groups.

English and French are the official languages in Canada.

Many other languages are spoken in the country including Cantonese, Punjabi, German, Spanish and Italian.

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Canada has no official religion. The majority of the population identifies as Christian. Most are Roman Catholic, with Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jews also present.

The country takes pride in being a cultural mosaic that values equality and respect.

Aiyanna’s family believes in the Great Spirit, a power or being that created the world and everything in it.

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Names Cheyenne

Bao Bao is a popular Chinese name meaning “treasure.”

Cheyenne derives from the French word chien, meaning “dog owner.”

Alastair Charlotte

Charlotte is a French name meaning “free.”

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Alastair is the Scottish form of Alexander, meaning “defender of mankind.”

e (Male) Nam

Andre

Origin

M e aning

French

manly

Celtic

high, noble

Daniel

Hebrew

“God is my judge”

Doug

Scottish

dark stream

Gordon

Scottish

spacious fort

Greek

healer

Jean Kevin

French Irish

“God is gracious” handsome

Michel

French

“Who is like God?”

William

German

resolute protector

Brian

Jason

e (Female) Nam

Origin

M e aning

Amanda

Latin

worthy of love

Andrea

Greek

manly

Carol Donna

English Italian

joyful song lady of the house

Helen

Greek

light, bright

Kelly

Irish

warrior

Margaret Marie

Hebrew French

pearl star of the sea

Michelle

French

“Who is like God?”

Wendy

English

friend 13

Learn French French is one of the official languages of Canada, English is the other. Most of Canada’s French speakers live in Québec and are called Francophones. There are many minority languages in Canada, with Mandarin an important one.

Bonjour

Bawn-ZHOOR (Hello)

Enchanté

Awn-shawn-TEH (Pleased to meet you)

Je m’appelle

Zhe mah-PEL_____ (My name is ___)

Comment allez-vous

Coman talle voo (How are you?)

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J’ai faim

Zhe fahm (I’m hungry) J’ai soif

Zhe swahf (I’m thirsty)

Merci

MARE-see (Thank you)

S’il vous plaît

SEE voo PLEH (Please)

Oui

wee (Yes)

Non

noh (No)

Au revoir Oh-reh-VWAHR (Goodbye) 15

Holidays and Festivals Canada has a rich and dynamic culture, and Canadians celebrate many holidays and festivals throughout the year.

Here are a few:

Canada Day This summer holiday commemorates the establishment of the Confederation of Canadian Provinces in 1868. Canadians celebrate with picnics, parades, and music. The national anthem, “O Canada” is played and fireworks light up the night. Fireworks are common in the evening.

Thanksgiving Day Thanksgiving traditions stem from celebrations in thanks of successful harvests.

Family gatherings include a celebratory meal. Canada’s Thanksgiving tradition stems from when explorer Martin Frobisher held a ceremony of thanks for surviving his dangerous attempt to discover a passage through North America to the Orient in 1578.

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Remembrance Day Celebrated on November 11, this holiday began to honor Canadian soldiers who fought and died in World War I. Today, the day memorializes those killed in subsequent wars as well. Across the country two minutes of silence are observed and programs take place.

Celebration of Light This summer festival is an annual fireworks competition in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Over one million spectators gather at English Bay for the three-day competition.

Boxing Day Celebrated on December 26, Boxing Day is a day of leisure after Christmas. Canadians spend the day visiting with friends and family. Boxing Day originated in England when servants and tradespeople that worked on Christmas received boxes filled with gifts on December 26, when they could rest.

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Food The cuisine of English-speaking Canada is similar to that of the United Kingdom and United States, while the food in Quebec has roots in French cuisine. Food in the Central Plains provinces reflects German, Ukrainian, Polish, and Scandinavian roots, while Newfoundland and Maritime cuisine is more like that of the Irish and British, relying on beef, pork, and salt-cured fish. West Coast and urban Canadian cuisine includes a mix of culinary influences from Asia, Europe, Latin America, and elsewhere.

Smoked Salmon and Pumpernickel Canada produces some of the best smoked salmon.

Served on pumpernickel with cream cheese, red onion, capers, and dill, it is a savory appetizer.

Canadian Cheddar Soup This rich cheddar soup warms up a Canadian winter and includes milk, cheddar cheese, and vegetables.

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Butter Tart This small pastry is filled with butter, brown sugar, and egg, and sometimes nuts and coconut. One of the earliest known Canadian recipes is from northern Ontario and dates to 1915.

Poutine Poutine is a dish of French fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in beef or pork gravy.

Canadian Bacon with Maple Glaze Baked Canadian bacon with a maple syrup and brown sugar glaze is a true classic.

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Seafood Chowder A favorite in the Atlantic Provinces, this is a rich, thick soup with whitefish, bacon, onions, and leeks.

Roast Beef Roast beef is a traditional Sunday meal for many Canadians.

Fish and Brewis A traditional recipe in Newfoundland, this dish often features salt cod and hard bread, foods that can be stored through the long winter months.

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Poutine Poutine is the Canadian solution to hunger pangs and is served throughout the country. The contrast between crisp fries, creamy cheese, and hot gravy makes this recipe a classic.

Total Time

25 min

Ingredients 4 cups (950 ml) vegetable oil, for frying 1 can, (10 1/4 oz/290 g) beef gravy 5 medium potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch thick sticks 2 cups (450 g) cheese curds

Directions In a heavy skillet, heat the oil to 365°F (185°C).

Heat the gravy in a saucepan.

Fry the potato fries in the hot oil until they are crisp and golden, about 5 minutes.

Drain the fries on paper towels.

Arrange the fries on a plate. Sprinkle the cheese curds on top of the fries, then pour gravy over the entire dish.

6 Serve immediately.

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National Symbols National Bird Common Loon (common name) Gavia immer (scientific name)

National Day Canada Day July 1

National Flower Maple Leaf (common name) Acer saccharum (scientific name)

National Animal North American beaver (common name) Castor canadensis (scientific name)

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National Flag First used – February 15, 1965 Nickname(s) – “The Maple Leaf”

National Currency Canada’s official currency is the Canadian dollar and the cent.

1 Canadian dollar = 100 cents

National Anthem “O Canada”

Lyrics by: Adolphe-Basile Routhier

Official French Lyrics

English Translation

Ô Canada!

O Canada!

Land of our forefathers Thy brow is wreathed with a glorious garland of flowers.

As is thy arm ready to wield the sword, So also is it ready to carry the cross.

Thy history is an epic of the most brilliant exploits.

Thy valour steeped in faith Will protect our homes and our rights Will protect our homes and our rights.

Terre de nos aïeux, Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux!

Car ton bras sait porter l’épée, Il sait porter la croix!

Ton histoire est une épopée Des plus brillants exploits.

Et ta valeur, de foi trempée, Protégera nos foyers et nos droits Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.

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Things to See and Do CN Tower The tallest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere, CN Tower stands at 553 meters (1,815 feet) tall. Located in downtown Toronto, the view from the top is expansive and scenic.

Banff National Park About 140 kilometers (87 miles) east of Calgary, Banff National Park is a land of rivers, lakes, mountains, and forests. Outdoor enthusiasts will find many recreational opportunities here.

Chinese Cultural Centre Located in Calgary, the center’s highlight is the Dr. Henry Fok Cultural Hall, modeled after the Hall of Prayers of the Temple of Heaven found in Beijing.

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Biosphere, Environment Museum An architectural emblem of Montreal since 1967, the Biosphere is housed in a geodesic dome and offers a breathtaking view of downtown Montreal and the St. Lawrence River.

Calgary Zoo This is Canada’s second-largest zoo, and houses more than 1,000 animals from around the world. The zoo includes different geographic areas including South America and Australia, each with their own unique animals.

Cabot Trail Named for the 15th-century Italian explorer John Cabot, the trail covers just under 300 kilometers (186 miles). It connects major communities from the Acadian, Irish, and Scottish regions, fishing villages, and rugged highlands.

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Canada Science and Technology Museum The museum is the largest of its kind in the nation, located in Ottawa. It details Canada’s history in space and the outdoor Technology Park includes a windmill, lighthouse, and rocket.

Gros Morne National Park Gros Morne National Park is the second-largest national park in Atlantic Canada.

Breakneck Stairs This stairway is an essential link between Québec City’s Lower Town and Upper Town.

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic Tens of thousands of artifacts in this important maritime museum document Nova Scotia’s relationship with the sea.

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Location Guid e CN Tower Banff National Park Chinese Cultural Centre Biosphere, Environment Museum Calgary Zoo Cabot Trail Canada Science and Technology Museum Gros Morne National Park Breakneck Stairs Martime Museum of the Atlantic 27

Fun Facts Pour It On The province of Québec manufactures more than 80 percent of the world’s maple syrup. Ten different species of maple tree are native to Canada.

Road Trip Canada has the longest highway in the world: The Trans-Canada Highway covers an astonishing 7,821 kilometers (4,860 miles). It runs west to east, between Victoria, on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, and St. John’s, in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Rock On Some of the oldest rocks on Earth can be found in the Canadian Shield; they are about 4.28 billion years old. It is the largest mass of exposed Precambrian rock in the world.

Take a Dip Canada has around 2 million lakes—more than any other country. Great Bear Lake is the largest lake located entirely in Canada. Lake Huron, Lake Superior, and Great Slave Lake are among the largest as well.

Eat Up! Canada played a major role in developing the type of Chinese food popular in North America that bears little resemblance to traditional Chinese cuisine.

The Chinese buffet restaurant was first introduced in Gastown, Vancouver, around 1870.

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KIDS’ GUIDE TO

Canada Quebec City

New Brunswick

Toronto

Vancouver

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