Oh Canada! Ye Great Northern Wonder! Our brother from another mother! Our sister from another mister! There is much to love about Canada, particularly at the moment. Searches for ‘move to Canada’ spiked after the 2016 US election and then after the Brexit referendum! Yes, this Northern delight is truly appealing, especially after a great big old shock to the system. But what are the best bits about Canada? Let’s check them out.
1. Justin Trudeau
Since he bound into office in 2015 as the 23rd Prime Minister of Canada, we have been captivated not only by Justin Trudeau’s progressive style of politics but also his bouncy locks and dreamy looks. Justin’s dual appeal as a sex symbol and as a strong and progressive leader has seen him rise in the ranks of approval from folks all around the world.
2. Not even close Trump
With the US’s current leader perhaps a polar opposite to Trudeau, it’s easy to romanticize the Canadian as everything our own president is not. Would Trudeau be up to the task of leading the US? Well, we will never find out, but it sure is fun to think about…
3. Magic mushroom dispensaries
Americans seem to go through cycles of prohibition. Be it alcohol, marijuana, or real money online casinos such as automaty-kasynoonline.com. Canada being the liberal country it is, gives the choice over to its people. With a few caveats. Alcohol is limited and mainly through state-run stores and online casinos, of which there are many, are tightly regulated.
While the sale and use of magic mushrooms, or psilocybin, remains illegal under federal law in Canada, there are certain loopholes for medicinal use that have allowed advocates like Dana Larsen to operate magic mushroom dispensaries.
The psychoactive mushrooms are currently used in a range of therapies to varying effects. Zamnesia wrote an in-depth guide covering everything you need to know about magic mushrooms. The ability to help with conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety makes for a compelling argument – regardless of recreational use.
4. Poutine
Poutine, the beloved Canadian snack, meal, and diet staple that is comprised of fries, cheese curds, and gravy, is a clear winner in the food department. Of course, you can get poutine in the US however it doesn’t quite have that authenticism that goes along with getting a nice big batch from the local bar in Canada.
There are many different recipes for poutine so your favorite is really up to you, however Big 7 Travel has put together a list of the 25 Best Places for Poutine in Canada. If you are a sucker for this belly-warming delight – and let’s face it, who isn’t – then get to marking these locations on your Canadian map.
5. The French bit
Get yourself some culture! But don’t leave the country! Yes, we’re talking about Quebec, the province in Canada where mainly French is spoken.
The Quebec scene is a highly cultural experience, including arts, cafe culture, live entertainment, dance, and cinema. If you are looking for a European feel without traveling actually having to travel to Europe then Quebec, and in particular Montreal, could be exactly what you are looking for.
One of the highlights of the yearly calendar in Montreal is the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival. This festival is in fact the largest comedy festival in the world, so if you love a good giggle then hit up this 2-week long event.
6. Hockey, hockey, and more hockey
Is there any greater sport? Ice hockey is like football but the more exciting version. It’s fast, it’s brutal, it’s cold, and it really riles you up when you’re sitting in the stands – or standing at the bar for that matter.
Canada’s national sport does get a bunch of play in the States however it’s not followed with the same fervor as it is back home. If you’ve ever played hockey, watched hockey, or known someone that follows hockey then you’ll have an idea of the spirit in which the game is followed. And if you don’t have an idea as yet about the sport then go and have a watch of some games, or at least check out the Disney movies Mighty Ducks 1, 2, and 3 for some good family fun that revolves around the ice.
Get in on the action in Canada, it’s something else!
7. Bagged Milk
We need to mention one of the things that you probably saw on social media. Facebook and Instagram are full of memes with the picture of bagged milk. Despite that, there is also a text that says “You are Canadian if you know what this is”. That meme is viral for a while and we are sure you have seen it.
There is a good reason why Canadians prefer to purchase a product like that. When you compare the prices, you will see it is more cost-effective. Because of that, we recommend all Americans that visit Canada to try that type of milk.
8. “Eh”
Writing an article like this without mentioning “eh” is almost impossible. Physical products are not the only difference between these two neighbors. Americans consider it strange when people in Canada start saying “eh”. As you know, Canadians use “eh” quite often and it probably has the same meaning as the word “right?”. However, it seems that “eh” is more practical compared to the American “right”. In short terms, we can describe it as a friendly request for affirmation. Don’t get surprised if you hear “hey” in some parts of Canada as well.
Still, there is one interesting thing that we need to say. The majority of Canadians are not even aware that they are adding that “phrase” at the end of the sentence. It is simply a habit they get from an early age.
9. Donut Hole
It is hard to find an American that is not a big lover of Dunkin’ Donuts. However, rules in Canada are a bit different. More precisely, the most common snack they prefer is a popped out hole of the donut. The popular chain Tim Hortons is responsible for the popularity of this snack. Because of that, Canadians call it Timbits.
Of course, it is worth mentioning Craig Kielburger, the founder of charity organization ME to WE. The organization is proved to doing some great job in making the world a better place.
