150 Reasons Canada Is Great in Honor of Its 150th Anniversary

By Andrea Romano
June 20, 2017
Cultura Exclusive/Joe Schmelzer/Getty Images

Oh, Canada.

There are so many things to love about the “Neighbor to the North.” The politeness. The maple syrup. The way Canadians say “out” and “about.” But the country is so much more than its most-known features.

July 1, 2017 marks Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation, and that means there are going to be many things you can do to celebrate, sesquicentennial-style. Throughout the year, the country will be celebrating with dozens of events to mark the anniversary. Lovers of the great outdoors, for one, can take advantage of the 2017 Discovery Pass to gain access to all of Canada’s National Parks for free, all year.

Related: How to Visit Canada’s National Parks For Free

After 150 years, Canada hasn’t stopped growing, changing and really carving out its own identity as a place for nature lovers, foodies, history buffs, artists, sports fans and just about anyone who wants to see a big, diverse country with both spectacular views and bustling cities.

When you break it down, Canada is one of the only places in the world where you can camp in the Rocky Mountains and eat maple syrup infused entrees in a sugar shack. Or where you can stay in a hotel made of ice in a beautiful, cosmopolitan city, and see moose, caribou, beluga whales, wolves and polar bears in their natural habitat. Or you can do just about every outdoor activity from scuba diving to heli-skiing. And it all happens in the same country.

Frankly, you could probably name one or two things you love about Canada. Or 10. Or maybe 20. But we all know there are dozens of things that make Canada an awesome country to visit — or live in. Therefore, here are 150 reasons why we should all tip our mountie hats to Canada, one for each year it’s been part of our little blue planet.

There are probably a lot more great things you can find to love, but there’s always next year.

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1. The Canadian Rockies

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You can see a different side of the Rocky Mountains. British Columbia is home to the northernmost area of the notable mountain range, complete with crisp lakes and snow-capped peaks. Nakiska ski resort in the Canadian Rockies was also home to the 1988 Winter Olympics.

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2. Yoho National Park

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Yoho National Park practically has it all when it comes to getting into nature. Located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the park offers both scenic waterfalls as well as sites where dinosaur fossils were discovered. The park is also home to a natural rock bridge, which is quite a rare site.

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3. The Aurora Borealis

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Yukon, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories are some of the few places in the world where you can see the legendary Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. Visitors in Yellowknife, in the Northwest Territories have a 90 percent chance of seeing the lights in wintertime.

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4. Banff

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Banff National Park has over 2,000 campsites for enjoying the country's natural assets. You can access Banff, as well as 16 other Canadian national parks and historic sites for free in 2017 in honor of the country’s 150th anniversary by ordering a Discovery Pass online.

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5. Dinosaur Fossils

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Near Alberta, Canada, you’ll find Dinosaur Provincial Park, where you’ll find the world’s largest collection of dinosaur fossils. Some fossils date back over 75 million years and over 40 dinosaur species have been discovered there.

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6. More Fossils

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Joggins Fossil Cliffs in west Cumberland County, Nova Scotia, also has a rich source of dinosaur bones. It was here that the earliest known reptile was discovered, dating back more than 300 million years. The cliffs are so famous, they are even mentioned in Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species.

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7. Niagara Falls

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See the other side of Niagara Falls. The western side of the falls, located in Ontario, overlooks Horseshoe Falls, the most expansive side of the cascade. While you’re there, you can enjoy the cliffside promenade and the 520-foot-high Skylon Tower, with an observation deck.

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8. The Tides

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It’s home to some of the highest tides in the world. If you visit Hopewell Rocks, in the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick, the difference in high tide and low tide will surely amaze you. At high tide, you can kayak to your heart’s content. At low tide, you can literally walk on the ocean floor.

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9. Reverse Waterfalls

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The Bay of Fundy’s high and low tides also lend itself to another natural phenomena: watching the waterfalls in reverse. The Reversing Falls can be seen only in particular times during the day, about every 12 hours. If visitors are lucky enough, the strong pull of the tides will cause the falls to flow in opposite directions.

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10. Mountain Adventures

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This is where you can truly get away from the city. Mountain climbing and camping in Canada’s mountains, especially the Yukon territories, will make you feel like you’re truly exploring uncharted land. It’s the perfect place for an adventurer.

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11. Polar Bears

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Churchill, Manitoba, is hailed at the polar bear capital of the world. The majestic and endangered creatures still live in their natural habitat in this chilly area in Canada’s northern province. This area is one of the few natural places where humans can observe polar bear within a safe distance.

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12. And Even More Polar Bears

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If you can’t get all the way to Churchill, Polar Bear Provincial Park in Ontario is also a place to see the great white bears in their natural habitat. As many as 200 polar bears are inhabiting the coastal areas of the park at certain times. While there are no visitors facilities, potential visitors can obtain permits to land in one of the parks four airstrips.

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13. Nanaimo

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You can sample a unique Canadian sweet called the Nanaimo bar. The delicious, no-bake dessert, named after the city of Nanaimo in British Columbia, is a layered bar made up of a wafer crust, custard-flavored butter icing and chocolate.

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14. Butter Tarts

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While you’re devouring as many baked goods as possible, a Canadian butter tart is like nothing you can get in the U.S. (or anywhere else in the world). The simple dessert is made with butter, sugar, syrup, eggs and even more butter in a pastry shell. If you can enjoy it with a hot drink on a icy, Canadian day and that will probably complete your trip.

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15. The Beavertail

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If you’re really craving something fried, say hello to a Beavertail. It’s fried dough, with toppings like chocolate spread, bananas, and cinnamon. It’s like funnel cake but better. There are rumors that Beavertails may expand to certain states in the U.S. and possibly Japan, but for now, the Beavertail is a strictly Canadian sweet.

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16. Canadian Candy

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Speaking of sweets, tourists in Canada should also sample a bit of Crispy Crunch while they’re north of the border. The Cadbury-owned “exclusive” treat is just another candy that people just can’t get in the States. It has a peanut and wafer center, making it something of a cross between a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup and a Kit Kat Bar.

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17. Canadian Chocolate

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If you think the best Hershey chocolate is in Pennsylvania, think again. In 2013, Hershey’s debuted a creamier, milkier chocolate bar only in Canada. The new bar was made with simpler ingredients to appeal to Canadian consumers, who preferred a “less gritty” taste. More proof that Canadians get the best stuff.

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18. Gummy Fish

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Not a chocolate fan? Not a problem. The North American Swedish Fish Factory has you covered. The factory is housed in Hamilton, Ontario, so you don’t have to fly all the way to Sweden to taste freshly “caught” gummy fish. About 13 million fish are produced per day.

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19. The Waterfall Capital of the World

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Hamilton is also nicknamed the Waterfall Capital of the world. Located along the Niagara Escarpment, Hamilton boasts over 130 waterfalls within its city limits. The city celebrates its watery heritages with plenty of festivals, books, artwork, a waterfall fan group, Facebook pages, and waterfall-themed hikes, walks and adventures.

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20. Poutine

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Don’t forget about one of the best cuisines Canada has to offer: poutine. Poutine, traditionally, is French fried potatoes smothered in cheese curds and light brown gravy. And there are plenty of places across the country where you can dig into the delicious dish. Among the favorites include Belgian Fries in Vancouver and Whistle Stop Café in Petersborough, Ontario.

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21. Ice Wine

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The freezing temperatures in Canada aren’t all bad. They’ve actually lead to some incredible culinary innovation. Canadian ice wine is made with frozen grapes, which makes a delicious dessert wine that all visitors must try.

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22. Skiing

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If you’re a skier, you must stop at Whistler Blackcomb in Whistler, British Columbia. The famous ski resort is open for business from November to May, which is one of the lengthiest ski seasons on the continent. That leaves plenty of time to explore the slopes.

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23. Banff Yoga Festival

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Canada is the go-to place for yoga lovers to find inner peace. Take a trip to Lake Louise at any point in the year and you’ll find something to do, but the Banff Yoga Festival is a one-of-a-kind event for people who are looking to perfect their downward dog with the added bonus of being next to a crystal clear lake in the mountains.

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24. More Yoga

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Yoga lovers can also gather on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario for free yoga on the lawn every Wednesday in summer. The tradition was started by an instructor from a local Lululemon store and has morphed into a free, one-hour class that has reached over 1,000 participants for nearly every class.

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25. A Giant Nickel

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You can see a really giant nickel. The 30-foot Big Nickel in Sudbury, Ontario was created in 1964 by Ted Szilva, a Sudbury fireman, who decided the monument was a good way to honor Canada’s Centennial. The twelve-sided, super nickel sits at the intersection of Municipal Road 55 and Big Nickel Drive at the westernmost end of the Gatchell neighbourhood. There’s also a big dinosaur statue next to it. It’s a motherload of roadside attractions.

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26. The World’s Largest Dinosaur

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Canada holds the record for the world’s largest dinosaur. Surprisingly, it’s not a fossil. The giant T-rex in Drumheller, Canada is 86 feet high, nearly four times larger than what a real T-rex would be. Still, the monument earned itself a Guinness World Record. It’s even surrounded by smaller statues of other dinosaurs, just in case you didn’t realize how big it was.

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27. The World’s Largest Lobster

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If giant lizards don’t impress you, perhaps a giant crustacean will. The World’s Largest Lobster in Shediac, Canada is a massive concrete, steel, and fiberglass sea bug that serves as a mascot for the town. Shediac, the self-proclaimed “lobster capital of the world” built the 35 foot long statue to honor their most beloved industry.

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28. Giant Perogy

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If you haven’t had enough of roadside attractions, Canada also paid tribute to eastern European cuisine with a statue of a giant perogy (and fork). In 1993, Glendon, a village in Alberta north of St. Paul, unveiled its giant tribute. The perogy stands 27 feet tall, weighs approximately 6,000 pounds, and is considered one of the “Giants of the Prairies,” a collection of sculptures that can be found across North America.

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29. Tim Horton's

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Two words: Tim Horton’s. There’s a reason this convenience store/restaurant has gained both cult status and international fame. You can get anything from a humble (but very good) cup of coffee from a delicious breakfast that will get your day started off the right way. No 7-11 can do that for you.

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30. Timbits

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If you think Dunkin Donuts and Krispy Kreme have a monopoly on donut making, you’re wrong. Canadians will swear by Timbits, the adorable donut holes you can only get a Tim Hortons. The deliciously doughy treat comes in all kinds of flavors from classic cruller to perfectly inventive like apple cider and sour cream glazed.

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31. Livable Cities

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You can visit one of the most livable cities in the world. Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver all have been named some of the world’s most livable cities by The Huffington Post. With their low crime rates, amazing cultures and beautiful views, it’s no wonder why. Just try not move in.

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32. A Walled City

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You can see a truly walled-in city. You might think a city with walls are a thing out of medieval times, but Québec City is the only place north of Mexico where city walls still exist. Québec City is also built near the water, so the city looks absolutely stunning, especially at night.

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33. The Ice Hotel

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Québec City is also home to the famous Ice Hotel. The Hôtel de Glace features beautifully carved ice sculptures, bars, ice chandeliers, and 44 rooms and suites. Montreal also built a similar hotel, so you have more chilly destinations to choose from. If you’re not sure about staying for the night, you can always schedule a day trip instead.

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34. Muskoka Cottage Country

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You can literally go to the best vacation spot in the world, according to National Geographic. In 2011, the magazine named Muskoka Cottage Country the best place to take a vacation. Tourists can visit lakes, waterfalls and wander through 17 historic villages. Not a bad way to spend the summer.

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35. Real Maple Syrup

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Nothing says Canada like real maple syrup. 80% of the world’s syrup is produced in Canada, and there are 8,000 businesses that bring that syrup to the consumer every single day. Not only can you find this liquid gold in the grocery store, you can also tour a maple syrup farm.

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36. Great Water

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You can drink straight from the tap. While this might seem like a hum-drum activities while you’re exploring America’s northern cousin, you might be amazed at the water quality you can get right inside your hotel. Studies have shown that no other North American bottled water is better than what comes from a Canadian tap.

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37. Clean Air

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Also amongst the clean resources of Canada is the cleaner air. Sure, you can get a breath of fresh air anywhere, but Canada’s air quality is particularly cleaner than many other places on earth. According to a study done in 2011, Canada was reported as having the 3rd cleanest air out of any other country.Also amongst the clean resources of Canada is the cleaner air. Sure, you can get a breath of fresh air anywhere, but Canada’s air quality is particularly cleaner than many other places on earth. According to a study done in 2011, Canada was reported as having the 3rd cleanest air out of any other country.

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38. Pineapple Pizza