Canada Information Guide & Facts

 Canada

Area: 9,984,670 million sq km
Population: Estimated population (July 2001) is 31.08 million
Capital City: Ottawa
People: Canada is a multicultural country with people from all over the world who have now made Canada their home. Ethnic Groups: British Origin 28%, French Origin 23%, Other European 15%, Aboriginal peoples 2%, Other (mostly Asian, African and Arab) 6%, Mixed Background 26%.  Many Canadians report their background as a mixture of, for example, French and British.  A fuller breakdown is available at
Languages: Canada has two official languages, English (60%) and French (23%).  17% of the population have another language as their ‘mother tongue’. (source: Statistics Canada – 1991 Census.)
Religion(s): Roman Catholic 45%; United Church 36%. (source: Statistics Canada – 1991 Census)
Currency: Canadian Dollar: 1 Dollar is made up of 100 cents.

Geography

History

People migrating from Asia, probably crossing the Bering Strait first settled the North American continent.  They formed a number of tribes that can be distinguished by language.  The largest group was the Algonquian, often migratory, who inhabited the eastern sub-arctic and maritime areas but by the 18th century had spread into the prairies and plains of the mid-west.  The Iriquioian speaking tribes lived mostly in the St Lawrence Valley and around Lakes Ontario and Erie.  The Salishan, Athabascan and other linguistic groups lived along the rivers and coastline of British Columbia.  Small, isolated Inuit bands developed a unique culture in the harsh environment of the Arctic.   The first Europeans to reach North America were probably from Greenland in about AD 1000.  But the firm knowledge of the existence of land was not established until around 1480 to 1500 AD.  John Cabot, a Venetian working in the service of the English sailed to Newfoundland in 1497.  This and later explorations formed the basis of the English claim to Canada.   The Frenchman Jacques Cartier undertook a series of explorations, mainly along the route of the St Lawrence River during the 1530s and 1540s and he claimed the land for France.

Hunting and trading was the principal interest of the European settlers in Canada and rival companies, including the Hudson’s Bay Company, dominated economic activity. But the rivalries in Europe spilled over into North America and a number of conflicts were fought leading up to the truce agreed in the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713. The peace was short-lived however and the period from about 1745 to 1760 was one of Anglo-French conflict leading to the surrender of Montreal to the British.  The 1763 Treaty of Paris brought British rule to the area known as British North America.   Tensions between the French and English speaking communities continued to affect the Colony although in the War of 1812 against the Americans most Canadians sided with the British army in the defence of what was known as Upper and Lower Canada.

Partly arising from concern about developments in the USA (the American Civil War of 1861-1865) came a movement for the unification of the colonies of British North America.  A new nation, called the Dominion of Canada, was created by the British North America Act of 1867 and proclaimed in Canada on 1 July 1867.  The federation included Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec and Ontario.  Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland refused to join.  The Province of Manitoba was created in 1870 and with the North West Territories joined the confederation.  British Columbia joined the confederation in 1871.  Prince Edward Island agreed to join in 1873.  The District of Saskatchewan was created in 1882.  The Yukon Territory joined Canada in 1898.  In 1905 Saskatchewan and Alberta joined the Dominion.  Newfoundland joined in 1949.  In 1999 Nunavut was created.

Adventure

Taming the Tatshenshini: Rafting isn't just about furious white water action. Try a river trip to combine bursts of adrenaline with the calm and serenity of a floating highway that delivers you to the heart of Canada’s stunning wildlife and scenery. Darrell Hookey shares his 11-day trip on the Tatshenshini and shows you how to leave behind modern life for a true appreciation of nature

New directions: If you want more from a holiday than a sun tan, an activity holiday could be right up your street. And there are lots to choose from

Where the bison roam: Wood Buffalo National Park covers an area larger than Switzerland and offers geological curiosities and flora and fauna in abundance, says Kisha Ferguson

Life on the Rock: Lighthouses, puffins, whales and floating icebergs, and that’s just round the edges. Find out why Hollywood was lured to beautiful Newfoundland

On your bike: What do you do in the mountains when the snow has disappeared? Get out on your bike and continue the adventure! Jennifer Hamilton outlines the thrills and the spills of the mountain bike trails that loop around Fernie in British Columbia

Summer in the ski resorts: If you think visiting Canada's mountain resorts is strictly a winter activity for skiers and snowboarders, prepare for a pleasant surprise

Riding the storm: The west coast of Vancouver Island is fast becoming an all-weather destination as intrepid visitors are lured by the promise of a perfect storm

Paths of plenty: Pull on your walking boots, or hop on your horse, skis or bike and join the greatest recreational trail on earth - the Trans Canada Trail

Take a holiday on ice: When the big freeze arrives in Churchill, polar bears gather for their annual seal hunt on the bay. You can watch their antics from a lodge or buggy on the tundra

Back to nature: Outdoor living is one of the best ways to experience Canada’s beauty. And what better way to see the country than from atop a mountain in an alpine hut?

Eastern promise: It has lobster festivals and crazy ceilidhs, but the wild and rocky east coast of Canada also lures nature lovers and romantics in search of Anne of Green Gables

Follow that polar bear: Manitoba is the 'polar bear capital of the world'. We talked to a man who likes to get up-close and personal with these fearsome but beautiful creatures.

Call of the wild: Wolves have always roamed the prairies and forests of Canada. Why not run with these beautiful, elusive creatures and learn how to howl in tune!

Lights fantastic: The Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights are one of the wonders of the natural world. If you are in Northern Canada in the winter months don't miss this truly magical sight.

Dinosaur country: Visit the Badlands of Alberta, a fascinating fossilised landscape that holds the secrets of millions of years past.

Trails of the unexpected: Take a trip with a twist. From the ice fields of the north to the prairies of the midwest, you can criss-cross Canada without ever setting foot in a car, bus or train.

Two hours from Montreal: If you're staying in Montreal, take advantage of the glorious landscape and excellent sporting facilities right on your doorstep

Canada's best eco-tourism destinations: Canada's well-kept wildernesses provide some of the most breathtaking and environmentally sound tourism around.

More than gold: Follow the trail of the original "Stampeders" and you'll find more than gold in the Yukon. It's wild and beautiful, with more than enough room to swing a scimitar-toothed cat

(Articles from http://www.spirit-of-canada.com/ )

Leisure

Cottage getawaysLooking for a relaxing and hassle-free way to spend your summer holiday? Lisa Bendall highly recommends renting a cottage in the beautiful province of Ontario

Sporting passions: Want to see the real Canada and discover what really stirs their passions? Attend an ice hockey game and you’ll get an opportunity to penetrate deep into the soul of Canadian culture and history