I have never actually been to Canada, but I want to and one day, I will. So for now, I will just list all of the reasons to love Canada. But really, what's not to love?
1. The Milk
In Canada, milk comes in bags (you can also get it in jugs if you just can't handle the idea of bagged milk). Apparently, it's more cost efficient, the milk stays fresh longer, and the bags are biodegradable.
2. The Ketchup
According to Heinz, their ketchup has slightly different ingredients depending on the country it is being sold in. In Canada, their ketchup is sweeter than ketchup in the US. Canada also has ketchup flavored potato chips, it's a very popular snack
3. The Maple
I'm not sure why Canada loves maple leafs so much, maybe it's because of the 13 different species of the maple tree found in Canada or the fact that all 10 Canadian Provinces have at least one maple syrup farm. Canada produces 80% of the world's maple syrup. The maple leaf has become a national symbol and is used on the nation's flag and on Canada's currency.
4. The Poutine
I'm not 1oo% sure what Poutine is. It's made of Fench fries and cheese curds topped with a brown gravy. It's very popular. There are many variations of Poutine because you can get different toppings on it at different restaurants. It's supposedly very good and puts American food to shame.
5. The Chocolate
There are several chocolate bars in Canada not available in the US. Candy bars like Coffee Crisp, Aero, Crispy Crunch, Smarties, Caramilk, Crunchie, and Wunderbar. I just spent an unreasonable about of money ordering Coffee Crisps to be sent to me. So... I am completely sold on Canadian chocolate.
6. The Drinking Age
In the United States, the drinking age is 21 which many Americans feel is too high since they can join the military, vote, buy cigarettes, and play the lottery at age 18. In Canada, every province and territory are free to set their own drinking age. In Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec, the drinking age is set at 18 and in every other province, it is 19.
7. The Healthcare
While Canada's healthcare system is not perfect, it has been consistently rated above the United States in affordability, accessibility, and quality. The Legatum Institute, a research facility in London, recently conducted a study and released a list of 16 countries with the world's best healthcare systems. While Canada placed dead last on the list, the United States didn't rank at all. Plus, health care is universal in Canada, so they win.
8. The Marijuana
Canada is currently working to pass a bill that will legalize the recreational use of marijuana.The bill is expected to pass and in 2018 Canada could become the second country to legalize marijuana.
9. Niagra Falls
The best view of Niagra Falls is on the Canada side. no argument. Chalk another one up for Canada.
10. The Air
Apparently, the air quality is way better than it is in America. It's one of the best in the world. I'm not even surprised.
11. The Land
Canada is undoubtedly beautiful. It has one of the World's best cities as well as beautiful mountains, countryside, and glaciers. Canada has it all.
12. The Northern Lights
Canada is home to one of the most spectacular places to view the Northern Lights (Arora Borealis). Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories is one of the best places to view the Northern Lights because it is directly under the auroral oval and appears directly overhead. Yellowknife is mostly flat giving a clear view of the lights and because the area receives little rain, the skies are usually clear.
13. The Stars
Canada has produced many famous people that we love here in the states. No matter what your preferred movie/TV genre is, chances are one of your favorite stars are from Canada. Ryan Gosling, Jim Carey, Craig Olejnik, William Shatner, Sarah Chalke, Michael Cera, Ryan Reynolds, Rachel McAdams, Howie Mandel, Rachelle LeFevre, Will Arnett, and Neve Campbell all hail from Canada.
14. Basketball
Basketball is Canadian. Well, sort of. Basketball was invented by a physical education instructor in Michigan. James Naismith is credited with the creation of the game of basketball. Naismith was born and raised in Canada and credits his idea for basketball to his early life in Ontario.
15. Hockey
I love hockey. While the origins of the sport are not verified, the first organized indoor hockey game was played in 1875 in Montreal. Hockey is the national winter sport in Canada and is widely considered Canada's national pastime. In Canada, hockey is a big deal and I totally understand why. Canada has 7 teams in the NHL and roughly half of all of the players in the league are Canadian. The Canadian team. The Montreal Canadians have won the most Stanley Cup Championships with 23.
16. The Animals
Moose. So many Moose. The population of moose in Canada is estimated between 500,000 and one million. Canada is also home to Wolverines, which is a real animal and most closely related to a weasel. Beluga, minke, humpback, and killer whales can all be seen in the waters off Canada's coast. Canada even has an Orca, or Killer Whale,
17. Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons is a Canadian staple. It sells donuts, but it means much more.
18. The Music
Canada gave us Avril Lavigne, Celine Dion, Nickelback, Sarah McLachlan, Drake, and Justin Bieber. It's an interesting mix, to say the least.
19. The Crime
Not surprisingly, The United States has significantly more crime than Canada, almost 5x as much. The US has more rape, murder, burglaries and drug and gun crimes than Canada.
20. The Politeness
Canada has a stereotype of being extremely polite. I don't think it's wrong.
21. The Money
I love the Canadian currency. They use the Canadian dollar. They have 5 different paper bills: The $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. Each is a different color and made of a synthetic polymer (this plastic) which is more durable. They have a 5, 10, and 20 cent coin along with a $1 coin called a loonie and a $2 coin called a toonie. In true Canadian fashion, the $100 bill even smells like maple
22. The Metric System
Chances are if you do not live in the United Staes, you use the metric system. Myanmar (Burma), Liberia, and the Unites States are the only three countries that have not adopted the metric system. Props to Canada for not being ridiculously confusing.
23. The Prime Minister
Canada's Prime Minster is
24. The Anthem
"O, Canada" It's just so epic.
25. It's Canada
I just really love Canada for all of its glory.
