Canada, a country known for its awe-inspiring landscapes and vibrant culture, is also packed with quirky and delightful surprises. These weird facts about Canada reveal a side of the nation that will intrigue and amuse you. From kissing fish to drinking cocktails with a frostbitten toe, join us on this unusual exploration of Canada’s most peculiar traits.
5 Weird Facts About Canada
1. Get Screeched in Newfoundland
One of the top weird facts about Canada comes from the rocky shores of Newfoundland. Here, you can engage in a bizarre yet beloved local tradition known as “Kissing the Cod.” This ritual involves smooching a dead cod fish followed by taking a shot of a local rum aptly named Screech. This quirky initiation rite is a must for anyone looking to become an honorary Newfoundlander. Beyond the oddity, it’s a testament to the province’s rich fishing history and its residents’ sense of humor and hospitality.
2. In Churchill, Manitoba, Nobody Locks Their Doors
In most places around the world, locking your doors is a basic security measure. However, in Churchill, Manitoba, another weird fact about Canada surfaces with its open-door policy. This practice stems from the town’s unique geographic location in Polar Bear Alley, where polar bears frequently roam. Keeping doors unlocked is a safety measure, allowing anyone who might encounter a polar bear a quick escape route. This open-door policy also highlights the extraordinary coexistence between the residents and the majestic polar bears, reinforcing Churchill’s reputation as the Polar Bear Capital of the world.
3. Canadians Put Milk in Bags
When it comes to dairy, Canada stands out in terms of storing milk in bags rather than bottles or cartons. This might sound weird, but bagged milk is a staple in Canadian households, especially in Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes. This packaging method is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendlier than plastic jugs or cartons, as it uses less plastic. About 75% of Canadians in these regions opt for their milk in bags, which can be seen prominently even in large retailers like Costco. This unique Canadian practice is just one of the many weird facts about Canada that reflect its practical and eco-conscious spirit.
4. Canada Has National Parks That Are Bigger Than Many Countries.
Another astonishing detail in the list of weird facts about Canada is that some of its national parks are bigger than entire countries. Take, for example, Wood Buffalo National Park in Alberta, which is larger than Denmark and Switzerland combined, covering over 44,000 square kilometers. Then there’s Nahanni National Park Reserve in the Northwest Territories, which exceeds the area of Israel with more than 30,000 square kilometers. These massive parks highlight Canada’s vast and varied natural beauty, offering endless adventures for nature lovers and wilderness explorers.
5. A Toe-Tally Bizarre Drink in Dawson City, Yukon
Perhaps the most eyebrow-raising on our list of weird facts about Canada is the infamous Sour Toe Cocktail of Dawson City, Yukon. This drink includes a real, preserved human toe that floats in your whiskey. The toe must touch your lips as you drink to truly count as participating in this strange tradition. Accidentally swallowing the toe comes with a hefty fine, but fear not—generous donors occasionally contribute their own amputated toes to keep the tradition alive. This peculiar custom is not only a testament to Canadian daring but also a bizarre attraction that draws the curious to Dawson City.
Wrapping Up
These weird facts about Canada provides a glimpse into the country’s more playful and unconventional side. Behind the stunning landscapes and friendly faces lies a nation that embraces its quirks and oddities with pride. From unique traditions and security measures to peculiar culinary practices and immense natural parks, Canada offers a charming mix of the conventional and the unexpected, ensuring that visitors and locals alike never run out of surprises.