15 reasons why Canada is a great place to visit or live
Canada is one of the world's top tourist destinations and also attracts large numbers of immigrants who want to enjoy its amazing landscapes, winter sport-friendly weather, job opportunities as well as its bilingual French/English culture. Latest statistics state that each year 250,000 migrants cross the Canadian border and 150,000 become Canadian citizens - proof enough that the country has a lot to offer people who come from different shores!
Here are 15 reasons why Canada is an awesome place in which to settle down or, at least, a country to put on your vacation wish list! What about you? Have you ever been to Canada and what did you think of the country? Have we missed out any reasons that you'd like to add? Share your comments with us below!
1. Canadians are kind people, who will happily tell you how awesome you are!
2. They have the coolest car license plates in the world!
These car license plates were used in Nunavut, a northern territory, until 1999. This design was the territory's official symbol. In order to harmonize all car license plates, they were later changed to the classic rectangular design, but these polar bear plates have since become sought-after collector items!
3. Canadians are known for their great sense of humor
You may have heard of certain funny Canadian personalities including Anthony Kavanagh, Stéphane Rousseau, Yacine Belhousse and Rico Chico, but famous people aside, Canadians in general are known for their great sense of humor! This guy decided to prank the cops by sculpting a car out of snow in a no-parking zone. The result was so convincing that the cops were caught on camera examining the car in order to issue a parking fine...
4. Canada has the 3rd largest oil reserves in the world
After Venezuela and Saudi Arabia, Canada has the 3rd largest oil reserves in the world. And oil isn't the country's only valuable commodity: it's breathtaking landscapes, freshwater lakes and magnificent protected forested reserves make this country truly unique!
5. Canada helps seriously ill women to live at home rather than in a hospice
© Cleaning For A Reason / Facebook
'Cleaning For A Reason' is an American charity that also operates in Canada. It provides free housekeeping services to seriously ill women so that they can continue to live at home, but without having to do exhausting chores.
6. Canadian dollar bills are the toughest on Earth and even hide a secret!
© Silmarillion-Black-Cat / tumblr
Seeing how harsh the climate can be, Canadian dollars need to be protected from water and the cold. This is why they're made from plastic and even if you accidentally leave a bill in a pocket and put your garmet through the washer, your hard-earned cash will come out unscathed! Another cool feature is the hidden hologram... If you point a laser or bright light at the bill you can project the hologram on to a wall!
7. Canadians are friendly and welcoming... They've even built a special landing pad on the off-chance that aliens decide to pay them a call!
Canadians are well-known for their hospitality and they won't just open their doors for human visitors! If you visit Saint Paul in Alberta, you'll find a landing pad for any UFO's that decide to take a pit stop!
8. Their cops are known to be nicer than in other countries
Don't be surprised if you see a cop stop and buy lemonade or cookies from a kid's stand. Canadian police have a reputation for being approachable and friendly - they may spend most of their time hunting down criminals, but they'll also happily let their hair down if they're policing a public event.
9. Politeness is everything!
It's not an urban myth... Canadians are really polite and quick to excuse themselves, even if it's not their fault! They'll still laugh if you tell a bad joke, talk through a dispute rather than throwing punches...
10. They managed to save a forest that's twice the size of Belgium!
© Jack Borno under CC License 3.0
They may be polite and friendly, but they fiercely guard and protect their environment. Industry has begun to scar their landscapes and when it came to the amazing Great Bear Rainforest they decided to put a stop to over-exploitation. In 2016, the government decided to divide up the forest: 15% of the land could be used for industrial purposes, but the remaining 85% must be fully preserved. Being a realistic nation, Canadians always try to find a compromise - a lesson that many other countries should learn!
11. They have the coolest Prime Minister on the planet
Most of us have heard of Justin Trudeau, the sexy Canadian Prime Minister who seems like a really cool guy! His kooky dress sense (he has a penchant for colorful socks), his non-jet set lifestyle (he shops in supermarkets), his zen attitude (he's a yoga fan), his love of animals (pandas are a favorite) and his friendly approach means he's become one of Canada's most popular public figures.
12. Canadians love to help their fellow man/woman
It all started with a school in Halifax, where students began to leave their old, but perfectly functional, clothes out on street posts. They attached labels telling people in need to help themselves. The idea was picked up across the country and even extended to people paying in advance for hot drinks so that homeless people could enjoy the comfort of a warm coffee shop.
13. Canadians are honest people
One of the turnstiles in a Canadian subway was broken, but that didn't mean people expected to travel for free! People began to leave their ticket money on the turnstile - proof that Canadians don't freeload like so many other cultures!
14. You'll never take a bad photo in Canada
© TRANSPORT QUEBEC
Think this was taken by a pro for the National Geographic? Well, it was actually shot by a freeway traffic camera! Even if it can get extremely chilly, Canada is without doubt one of the most beautiful countries in the world!
15. Canadians like to leave little notes
© Meanwhile in Canada / twitter
Most of us expect to find parking fines or flyers on our windscreens, but in Canada you're just as likely to find a friendly note!
By Straker Julia
Writer
Passionate about writing, I write articles on the subjects that I love. Creativity and Animals themes are my favorites!
