Common Misconceptions About Canada To Know Before Going

Traveling to Canada for the first time? Get ready for some of Earth’s most stunning landscapes and lovely cities. Before you go, however, you should make sure you do your part to inform yourself. Going into a country with preconceived notions can lead to confusion and potentially frustrate or insult the locals. To make your trip the best it can be, let’s clear up some of the common misconceptions about Canada to know before going.

It’s Cold Everywhere

One of the most widespread misconceptions is that Canada is freezing cold everywhere. Though it’s true that many of Canada’s bucket-list destinations are quite chilly, especially in the winter, others are pretty temperate!

For example, the polar bear capital of the world (Churchill in the northern part of Manitoba), popular for seeing polar bears and the northern lights, averages about 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. In the winter, it drops to a ghastly average of 10 degrees Fahrenheit, regularly dipping into the negatives. However, most people think it stays that cold all year, and that’s simply not true.

Additionally, cities like Vancouver and Victoria enjoy temperate weather year-round, with winters that are positively balmy compared to the icy stereotype.

Everyone Speaks French

While French is one of Canada’s official languages, not everyone speaks it fluently. The majority of French speakers reside in Quebec, and even there, English is commonly spoken. Throughout the rest of Canada, English is the predominant language. So don’t worry if your French is a bit rusty—you’ll get by just fine!

Canada Is Just A Bigger Version of the USA

Yes, Canadians and Americans share some similarities, but Canada has a unique culture and identity all its own. From the politeness and friendliness of its people to its distinct culinary delights like poutine and butter tarts, Canada offers a wonderfully diverse experience quite different from its southern neighbor.

Moose and Mounties Are Everywhere

While you might be hoping to spot a moose during your travels and perhaps even catch a glimpse of a Mountie in full dress uniform, these aren’t everyday sights for Canadians. Wildlife is abundant but not typically visible in urban areas. Likewise, Mounties primarily work in standard police uniforms, and seeing them in their iconic red serge is typically reserved for special occasions or parades.

Before going to Canada, keep these debunked common misconceptions to know in mind and enjoy discovering the country as it really is. Doing so will help you have a more authentic and enriching travel experience. Safe travels!