As a country with a diverse population, geography, and history, Canada has influenced many cultures, traditions, and customs. People’s values, beliefs, and ways of life are displayed in a variety of Canadian traditions and rituals. Canadians of all backgrounds are welcome. Approximately half of all Canadians were born outside the country, and Toronto alone speaks more than 140 languages. Immigrants who want to move to Canada are mainly interested in the Express Entry draw.
In this article, we will examine nine iconic Canadian customs that have helped shape Canada’s character. From the renowned sport of ice hockey to the adored food poutine, these customs remain strongly embedded in Canadian society and are still embraced and appreciated by all walks of life.
You should know these 9 Canadian traditions and celebrations
Cottage culture
Cottage culture is an integral part of American culture, whether it is a lakeside cottage or a log home in the woods.
When I first came to Canada, I was not aware of the significance of spending the weekend “up north,” but after almost ten years here, I really miss them now.
In Ontario, cottages are conjurers of summer vacations on lakes filled with roaring campfires, romantic sunsets, and boat rides.
A pier by a lake, ice cream, hamburgers, and milkshakes await, as well as the chance to spend the entire day with neighbors’ friends. Search for “Muskoka sunsets” or “Muskoka chairs” to evoke the feeling.
Cottages in Canada are not all Hamptons-style. For many people, however, cottages provide a getaway from busy city life. A cabin is called a cabin in British Columbia, a chalet is called a chalet in French Quebec, a lake house is called a lake house in English Quebec, and a camp might be called a camp in Canada’s northeast.
May 2-4
Victoria Day is celebrated on the Monday before May 25 and is pronounced: “May Two-Four.”
It was originally observed to honor Queen Victoria, although May Two-Four is now recognized as her birthday. Nevertheless, this date marks the beginning of summer for many Canadians.
You’re probably going to be heading out to cottage country to prepare your home for summer and spending the remainder of the weekend on a dock sipping iced drinks.
Canadian Thanksgiving
Canada also enjoys the custom of Thanksgiving. Traditionally, Thanksgiving is celebrated in Canada on the second Monday of October, which seems more logical since you have two months to prepare for the next meal. Generally held in the fall, Canadian Thanksgiving is a relatively relaxed celebration of the harvest. Despite the absence of parades and floats, the warmth of your Canadian friends is enough to make up for the absence of parades.
Beaver tails
It’s not necessary to be afraid, Canadians don’t eat real beaver tails. Canada’s favorite sweet treat is beaver tails, a huge, deep-fried treat.
The method of stretching a dough ball into a long, flat oval, frying it in oil, and serving it in a paper bag. Sugar and cinnamon are traditional toppings, but you can also use chocolate spread, cookies, or maple cream if you’re a purist.
A snack like this is particularly suitable after a skating rink or pond outing. If you’re in Toronto during the winter, be sure to visit Nathan Phillips Plaza’s skating rink.
St Jean Baptiste Day
Known as Quebec National Day, St. Jean Baptiste Day, celebrated on June 24 of each year, is a widely celebrated festival within the Francophone world.
When you visit Canada’s French-speaking region, you can expect a day of concerts, parades, and fireworks displays. Both Montreal and Quebec City are humming with activity during the summer. Families gather around bonfires and barbecues.
St Patrick’s Day Parade in Montréal
The longest-running parade in Canada has been taking place since 1824, and it is one of Montréal’s most popular events.
On Saint-Catherine Street, one of the city’s main thoroughfares, hundreds of floats, marching bands, and artists parade, and depending on the weather (it is even possible to wear a T-shirt in March in the city), there are crowds ranging in size from 250,000 to 700,000.
Bloody Caesar
It was necessary to include the Canadian Caesar, one of the nation’s favorite beverages. The Bloody Mary resembles it very much, but it is far superior to its American counterpart.
Canadians make cocktails with Clamato juice, which combines clam and tomato juices. In spite of what may seem strange, my life has been divided into two time periods: the BC period and the AC period, which is the period before Caesar and the AC period.
The Canadian National Exhibition, poutine, apple harvesting, and tire d’érable are some other customs that must be addressed.
Halloween
Halloween is a popular and exciting season in Canada. People around the world observe this harvest festival, including Canadians. An estimated $1 billion Canadian is generated by the industry every year!
Residents of Vancouver light fireworks from their back gardens to celebrate because it is the only occasion on which they are allowed to do so legally. Nevertheless, they must possess a license and be older than the legal age for purchasing fireworks, 19 years old. The city might become very noisy on Halloween night!
Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede is a yearly celebration that takes place in Calgary, Alberta, every July. Agricultural competitions, rodeos, exhibitions, parades, funfair rides, and concerts are all part of the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.”
As its main goal, it aims to preserve and cherish Western culture, history, and community spirit. More than a million tourists visit the Stampede each year, one of Canada’s major annual traditions.
Taking place at the center of Canadian culture, the event celebrates all that is wonderful about Canadian customs.
Exploring Canada’s Beauty through Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
If you’re eager to explore the diverse beauties of Canada and immerse yourself in its rich customs and traditions, consider the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) as your gateway. This immigration pathway allows you to select a specific Canadian province or territory that aligns with your preferences and aspirations. Each region offers its own unique blend of natural wonders, cultural festivals, and local traditions waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re drawn to the stunning landscapes of British Columbia, the vibrant culture of Quebec, or the western heritage celebrated at the Calgary Stampede in Alberta, the PNP offers you the chance to experience the many facets of Canada’s beauty and traditions firsthand.