CANADIAN CULTURE: TRADITIONS, CUSTOMS, GASTRONOMY - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The culture of Canada is shaped by the historical influence of nations such as France and England, in addition to the millennial presence of more than two hundred indigenous populations that have contributed to the formation of their customs and traditions.

Located in North America and with Ottawa as its capital, Canada presents itself to the world as a multicultural place, full of interesting options and peculiarities that attract millions of people from all over the world.

Totem in Vancouver, British Columbia

Rachael Ashe from Vancouver, Canada

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Historic context

Being a former British and French territory contributed to the socio-cultural structure of Canada. In 1535 it was claimed for the first time as a French colony, but this concluded in 1763 with the Treaty of Paris, which was signed after the victory of the British over the French in the Seven Years' War.

In 1982, the North American country gained independence from the British Parliament, although it still belongs to the so-called Commonwealth, a commonwealth of nations historically and economically linked to the United Kingdom.

Currently, Canada is made up of ten provinces and three territories, governed by a federal parliamentary monarchy, with the Queen of England, Elizabeth II as Head of State, under the control of Parliament and the Canadian executive branch.

Canadian customs

Social

- Canadians dedicate themselves daily to maintaining their worldwide reputation as kind people, and they show it by allowing passers-by when driving, thanking frequently, and greeting in a friendly manner.

- Men usually do not reach out to a woman until she offers hers first.

- Canadians like their personal space and expect people to respect this and not get too close when talking to them.

- It is not usual for them to greet with a kiss, unless this meeting occurs in French-speaking regions, such as Quebec, where it is usual to kiss each cheek when greeting.

- They tend to take off their shoes before entering any home.

- If someone is invited to a house, it is common to arrive at the place with presents, such as wine, chocolate or flowers, as long as they are not lilacs, since these are reserved for funerals.

- It is not appropriate to give money as a gift.

- In Canada it is customary to leave tips of 15% of the amount of the amount and although this is not mandatory, it is socially recommended. It is also customary to tip taxi drivers and stylists.

Legal

- Alcohol is available only in liquor stores and cannot be consumed in public places such as the beach or the pool.

- The liquor is intended for those of legal age, from the age of 18, although there are some provinces such as British Columbia that establish this age at 19 years.

- In Canada it is forbidden to smoke indoors, even in a house. If they decide to smoke they should do so several meters away from the entrances to buildings or private homes.

- They have laws that support equal rights for women at work and for people with disabilities, the latter have architectural spaces designed for them, designated seats in public transport, among other benefits.

- Canadians are not prone to xenophobia and have labor laws that support foreigners and cultural diversity.

- They have a deep-rooted recycling culture, with corresponding garbage bins for each type of waste.

Canadian traditions

Winter carnival

Canadians have a true passion for their winter weather and that is why the Quebec Winter Carnival is one of their main celebrations. This event dates back to 1894 and has been carried out uninterruptedly since 1955.

During its 17 days, those attending this festival enjoy ice slides, an exhibition of snow sculptures, symphonic concerts, parades, a sleigh and canoe race.

They also have the opportunity to enter an ice castle, home to the event's mascot, the famous Bonhomme snowman.

Winterlude

This is a winter festival that takes place in Ottawa and Gatineau. It is a beautiful tradition dating back to 1979 and features ice sculptures and a skating area on the Rideau Canal, which forms the longest ice rink in the world at 7.8 kilometers in length.

Montreal Jazz Festival

It is the event of its kind considered the most important in the world. Held in July in Montreal, it brings together more than 2,000 musicians from more than thirty countries.

It has an average of six hundred presentations in indoor and outdoor stages, with paid and free modalities.

Canada National Day

Held every July 1, this occasion celebrates Canada's independence from the United Kingdom and is characterized by parades and open-air parties.

That day, and in honor of their flag, Canadians take to the streets wearing red and white.

National Aboriginal Day

In Canada there are more than two hundred ethnic populations that also have several linguistic groups. and June 21 is the day to celebrate their presence and influence on the country's culture.

Calgary Stampede

It is an event held in the city of Calgary, which receives at least three hundred thousand people during its ten days.

Those attending this event enjoy rodeos about bulls and horses, typical food, concerts, cart races, among other field activities.

Thanksgiving Day

Like Americans, Canadians also celebrate this occasion linked to family unity and the opportunity to stop and toast to the successes of life.

He also consumes turkey and pumpkin-based dishes, but they do not celebrate this holiday on the fourth Thursday in November but on the second Monday in October.

In the Canadian version of Thanksgiving, there are no big parades or special football games, it is just a time for reflection and family bonding.

Canadian christmas

In addition to the traditional Christmas lighting of streets and houses, Canada makes its distinctive contribution with Cavalcades of Santa Claus in several cities of the country, the most famous is Toronto that has been celebrated since 1913, a tradition with more than one hundred years of history.

The mummers

This is a very particular tradition that is celebrated in Newfoundland, where people in costumes walk making noise through the streets, knocking on doors and asking neighbors for sweets.

A version of this tradition also occurs in Nova Scotia, only in this case the participants of this holiday are dressed as Santa Claus.

The polar bear swim

There is nothing more exhilarating than swimming in the cold waters of the Pacific in the dead of winter, and this is how many Canadians welcome the new year.

It occurs in Vancouver every January 1, when at least two thousand people dive into the icy waters.

Canadian gastronomy

The union of French, British and indigenous gastronomy have merged in recent centuries to create traditional Canadian dishes.

And to this is added the contribution of other regions of Europe; Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, all as part of a migratory process that has generated a much more varied evolution of local dishes.

Here are a few:

Poutine

Poutine, one of the most iconic Canadian dishes.

Source: commisceo-global.com

This is a dish that is basically a mix of French fries, cheddar cheese, and gravy. It is one of the most recognized in Canada born in 1950 and whose origin is disputed by several Canadian regions.

Maple syrup

Canada is famous for its maple syrup, and chefs are not afraid to blend it with local or international dishes. So it is not only used in pancakes but in main dishes and desserts.

Montreal Bagels

Bagels are donut-shaped, but traditionally have a crunchy texture and are salty in taste. However, the Canadian version is sweeter, contains malt and is dipped in honey water before the wood-fired baking process.

Calgary Beef Hash

This is a smoked meat that is served in steaks or in hamburger or sandwich buns. It is served with beans, pickles, and French fries.

Tourtière

It is a meatloaf from the Montreal region dating back to the 17th century. It is a dough filled with ground beef, venison or pork that is traditionally served on New Years, Christmas or birthdays, although its popularity has made this dish be served on any occasion.

Fiddleheads

This dish is made with roasted fern leaves and in the form of rolls that are served with chicken, potatoes and other vegetables.

Artich Char

This dish comes from British Columbia and is made with fish, which is seasoned with butter, herbs or citrus-based sauces.

Canadian Bacon

The Canadian variation involves bacon or bacon tenderloins that are cut into thin layers, subjected to a curing process, and then passed through cornmeal.

Butter tarts

This is a dessert whose origin dates back to the 19th century and is presented with a base made from wheat flour with a creamy center formed after mixing butter, sugar and eggs.

Winnipeg Goldeneye

Fish lovers have this creative option that includes a freshwater fish, which is dyed red and subjected to a wood-smoking process.

Canada in detail

Its conformation

- The name Canada comes from Kanata, a word of indigenous Iroquois origin that means village or settlement.

- Canada is the second largest country in the world, only surpassed by Russia, however its population density is so low that it is estimated that there are only 4 inhabitants per km².

- Both French and English are their official languages.

- Its currency is the Canadian dollar

- Its renowned flag with the maple leaf on a white background surrounded by red bars, only began to be used since 1965, replacing the flag of the United Kingdom.

- Their national sports are hockey during the winter and lacrosse in the summer.

Indigenous totems from indigenous settlements in British Columbia

Canada in numbers

- Canada has the longest highway in the world. It is called Trans-Canada and has 7,604 km of extension.

- It has the longest coastline in the world with 202,080 kilometers.

- More than half of the polar bears in the world live in Canada.

- Its education system is quite personalized, since the presence of one teacher for every 12 students is estimated.

- It is the third country in the world with the cleanest air.

- 31% of the territory is occupied by forests.

- It has the largest number of lakes in the world, at least three thousand.

- A third of the inhabitants of Canada speak French.

- Due to the inclement climate of northern Canada, 90% of the population lives near the border with the United States.

- Canada has the smallest desert in the world, with only 2.6 km². It's called Carcross and it's located in the Yukon Territory.

Carcross Desert. The smallest desert in the world.

Diego Delso

Source: Wikimedia Commons

- The longest street in the world is located in Ontario with an extension of 1,896 km.

Three Canadian inventions

Insulin isolation

Canadian scientists Grant Banting and Charles Best are responsible for isolating the hormone insulin that is secreted by the pancreas in 1921.

For this breakthrough, which has helped save the lives of millions of people with diabetes, both scientists received the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1923.

Walkie-talkie

In 1937 a worker at a mining company experimented with portable radios to improve communications.

The prototype was called the packset and although it did not prosper, the Canadian military took an interest in the idea and perfected it, creating the renowned portable communicators that everyone knows.

Hawaiian Pizza

The controversial Hawaiian pizza, featuring pineapple as its signature ingredient, was invented in the 1950s by Greek immigrant Sam Panopoulos at his Ontario restaurant.

A peaceful nation

Its high oil reserves make it a powerful country, however, Canada has always opted for peace, to the point of refusing to militarize its borders.

References

1. Canadian customs. Taken from mystudentpathways.com
2. Traditions and customs of Canada. Taken from redleaf.es
3. Guide to Canadian Culture, Customs, Business Practices & Etiquette. Taken from commisceo-global.com
4. Ten must-try Canadian dishes. Taken from readerdigest.ca
5. Quality of life in Canada. Taken from thecanadaguide.com
6. Canada. Culture life. Taken from brittanica.com