For me, one of the best things about traveling is the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new community, being able to learn more about the world and the people around you.
Unfortunately, traveling for months at a time isn’t an opportunity for all of us — but if you move to a different country, you have the opportunity to really get down to business.
Canada has long welcomed people of many cultures and nationalities. In Toronto alone, more than 140 languages are spoken, and nearly 50 percent of Canada’s population was born outside of Canada.
If you’re debating between Canada and the USA, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! See the study in Canada vs. USA.
Known for their friendly attitude, Canadians always welcome news from other cultures: think St. Patrick’s Day and Labor Day weekend.
But make no mistake – when Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving and carve pumpkins, don’t mistake them for their neighbors to the south.
There are so many wonderful Canadian traditions that are unique to the country, just as welcoming and comfortable as the country itself.
1. Cottage culture
A cottage on a lake, a cabin in the woods – cottage culture is an essential part of national lore.
When I first moved to Canada, I didn’t understand the importance of spending weekends “up north,” but almost a decade later I say I miss them dearly.
Especially in Ontario, the word cottage evokes memories of summers spent on lakes, filled with crackling campfires, picturesque sunsets and afternoons filled with boat rides and water sports.
There are hamburgers and milkshakes and the whole day is spent on the lakeside dock listening to music with friends who live around you.
Google “Muskoka sunsets” or “Muskoka chairs” and you’ll be inspired.
Cottages aren’t a luxury – sure, there are some Hamptons-style cottages in Canada, but for most people in the country, it’s an opportunity to spend some time away from the business of the cities.
There are also regional terms for them: in British Columbia, you’ll find a cabin, in French Quebec you’ll be welcome, in English Quebec a chalet would be a lake house, Manitoba and parts of northern Canada are called log house camps.
When I was asking my friends around for the purpose of this article, one of them laughed: “Our vacations are honestly surrounded by our cottages.
August long weekend so we can enjoy the cottage without mosquitoes. February is family day so we can go skiing near our cottage. And then there’s May 2-4.
2.may 2-4
Pronounced ‘May Two-Four’, also known as Victoria Day, is a public holiday in Canada, celebrated on the last Monday before May 25.
Originally to celebrate Queen Victoria’s birthday, it has since been celebrated as the official birthday of Canada’s sovereign — but for many Canadians May Two-Four is considered the start of summer.
And yes, there’s a good chance you’ll head to cottage country to open your summer house and spend most of the weekend sipping cold drinks on the dock.
3. Canadian Thanksgiving
Another great Canadian tradition is Thanksgiving. Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October, which makes a lot of sense to me personally – you have two months to prepare for another Turkish feast.
4. Beaver Tail
Canadian Thanksgiving is closely related to the harvest festival, which is why it takes place in the fall and is a very relaxed occasion.
There are no parades or floats, but the warmth of your Canadian friends who invite you to fill up on turkey, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie.
Don’t panic – Canadians don’t actually eat beaver tails. In Canada, beaver tails are giant, deep-fried sweet treats.
A ball of dough is stretched into a long, flat oval, fried in oil and served in a paper sleeve.
If you’re a purist, you sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon mixture on top, but there are other options like maple cream, cookies or chocolate spread.
It makes an especially brilliant breakfast when you’ve spent an evening at the skating rink or the pool. Next time you’re in Toronto during the winter months, check out the skating rink at Nathan Phillips Square.
5. St. Jean the Baptist’s Day
A hugely popular holiday with Francophone culture, Saint Jean Baptiste Day falls on June 24 and is known as La Fête National du Québec (Quebec’s National Holiday).
If you find yourself in the French provinces of Canada, prepare yourself for concerts, parades and fireworks displays.
Families gather for bonfires and barbecues, and Montreal and Quebec City are filled to the brim with energy and people.
6. St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Montreal
Canada’s longest running parade (unbroken since 1824), the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the best days to find yourself in Montreal.
Depending on the weather (and sometimes you get T-shirt weather in the city in March), there are crowds of 250,000 to 700,000, with hundreds of floats, marching bands and performers marching down Sainte-Catherine Street (the city’s one). major arteries).
7. Bloody Caesar
One of the country’s most beloved drinks, the Canadian Caesar had to earn its own spot on this list (I miss it dearly).
He shows up at almost every summer party — and even though it looks like a Bloody Mary, it’s a hundred times better than its American cousin.
Instead of mixing your cocktails with tomato juice, Canadians use clamato juice — a mixture of clam and tomato juice — and as strange as it may sound, I promise you that my life is separated into BC and AC: before Caesar and after Caesar.
Some other traditions that should be mentioned include, but are not limited to: poutine, tire dearable, apple picking, pride and the Canadian National Exhibition.
8. Halloween
Halloween is one of the most important and exciting times of the Canadian year. People all over the world celebrate this harvest festival, and it’s just as big a deal in Canada.
It is believed to be worth a billion Canadian dollars a year!
In the city of Vancouver, residents set off fireworks from their back gardens to celebrate because it’s the only holiday they can legally do so. however.
They must obtain permits, and must be over the legal age to purchase fireworks, which is 19. The city can get very loud on Halloween night!
9. Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede takes place every July in Calgary, Alberta. It is known as the ‘Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’ and includes concerts, rodeos, carnival rides, exhibitions, parades and agricultural competitions.
Its main objective is to “preserve and celebrate Western heritage, culture and community spirit”.
The Stampede is one of Canada’s biggest traditions, as more than a million people from around the world visit each year.
The festival is at the heart of Canadian culture, bringing the old with the new and celebrating all that is great about Canadian traditions.