Canada Day 2007

Around the world Canadians are known for adding “eh” to the ends of our sentences. But that’s not the only vocabulary we’re known for. Did you know that we’re also famous for ordering our coffee “double double”? And for coming up with the term “Hoser”, not to mention the “Two-Four” when referring to a case of beer? And in case you ever try to do this in another country, only Canadians know how to “deke” each other out.

We wear toques on our heads, use serviettes when we eat, and if you’re in Saskatchewan, wear “bunnyhugs” instead of hooded sweatshirts.

Do you have a favourite Canadianism? Add it here, eh.

Canada has a reputation for being mild mannered, polite and sometimes boring. Well, for all of those people who think they know everything about Canada, try these stats on for size.

Did you know that Canadians consume more macaroni and cheese than any other nation on earth? Or that there are more doughnut shops per capita in Canada than anywhere else on the planet? How about the fact that more than 75% of the world’s supply of maple syrup comes from Canada? Did you know that Canada has more automobiles per person than any other country in the world with at least one car for every two Canadians?

Do you know any quirky Canadian facts? Share them here.

If you’re planning on spending July 1st around a barbeque, why not go truly Canadian and use a national ingredient in your cooking? You can put back bacon on your burgers, serve poutine on the side, or whip up some Maple Syrup Barbecue Sauce:

MAPLE SYRUP BARBECUE SAUCE
3/4 cup (175 ml) pure maple syrup
1 cup (250 ml) ketchup
2 tsp (10 ml) grated lemon rind, optional
1 cup (250 ml) onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup (50 ml) brown sugar, firmly packed
1/4 cup (50 ml) lemon juice
2 Tbsp (30 ml) Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup (50 ml) water
1/2 tsp (2 ml) salt
2 Tbsp (30 ml) garlic, finely chopped or crushed
1/2 tsp (2 ml) coriander, optional

Combine all ingredients in medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, uncovered. Store in refrigerator for up to 1 month. Yield: about 4 cups (1 L). Use on your favourite meat. For oven or barbecue.

Do you have a favourite Canadian recipe? Don’t keep it to yourself—post it here.

While many Canadians automatically think about hockey when you say the words “Maple Leaf”, the fact is the maple leaf been Canada’s national emblem since the 1830s. Although unofficial until the National Flag of Canada was proclaimed by the Queen in 1965, the maple leaf had been used on the coats of arms for Quebec and Ontario and on the royal arms of Canada, which were proclaimed in 1921. The maple leaf has also served as the symbol of the Canadian Armed Forces, famously identifying Canadian contingents in both world wars and around the world.

What do you think of when you hear the words “Maple Leaf”? Have you ever sewn one onto a backpack when travelling? Is it still a good symbol for Canada? Share your thoughts here.

We might be a country of modest people, but when we go for it, we go all the way. Did you know that Canada holds a number of world records?

For example, the West Edmonton Mall employs over 15,000 people and holds the record for the largest mall in the world, attracting about 20 million visitors every year. The CN Tower in Toronto is the world’s largest free-standing structure on land, measuring at 553.33 meters. Every winter, the Rideau Canal in Ottawa turns into the world’s longest skating rink during February’s Winterlude, measuring about eight kilometres. The Trans-Canada Highway (using the Perth-Peterborough-Parry Sound route) is 7604 kilometers, making it the longest national highway in the world.

And don’t forget that Sudbury, Ont. has the world’s largest nickel, and Drumheller, Alta., is home to the world’s largest dinosaur.

Do you know of a great Canadian attraction that breaks records—or something that shouldn’t be missed? Share your favourite spot here.