Canada is a country full of surprises and hidden gems that even some locals might not know about. From wild horses to underground laboratories, here are seven fascinating things you probably didn’t know about the Great White North.
8. The Norse Found Canada Long Before Columbus
Forget Columbus—Canada was actually discovered by Norse explorer Leif Erikson around the year 1000 CE. Erikson was headed to Greenland when he accidentally landed somewhere in Canada, likely on Baffin Island. He and his crew set up camp in Labrador, spending the summer exploring parts of the Canadian coast. Despite their brief stay, they were met with hostility from the indigenous peoples, leading Erikson to depart back to Europe, leaving Canada off the map for almost 500 more years.
7. We Welcome Aliens – Specifically Green Ones
Canada has a quirky side, and nowhere is this more evident than in the small Alberta town of St. Paul, home to the world’s first UFO landing pad. Constructed to welcome extraterrestrial visitors, this unique site is part of the town’s effort to address some very odd occurrences in the region—particularly cattle mutilations. These unexplained events, which include surgical-like mutilations of livestock, have sparked rumors of alien activity. To add to the fun, Alberta also has a town called Vulcan, which celebrates its connection to Star Trek with a replica Starship Enterprise.
6. We Have an Island Strictly for Horses – Sable Island
Nestled southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia, lies Sable Island, a mysterious place that the average citizen can’t even visit without written permission. This fragile ecosystem is home to over 400 wild horses that roam freely, with only five humans allowed on the island to watch over them. These unique horses have called Sable Island home since the early 1500s, and despite over 350 shipwrecks happening in its shallow, dangerous waters, the island has grown into a sanctuary for these majestic creatures. Designated a National Park in 2011, Sable Island continues to protect its delicate ecosystem and its iconic inhabitants.
5. Santa Claus Sends Us Letters
Yes, you read that right. Every year, thousands of Canadian children send their letters to Santa Claus, and he writes back! Canada has made this a beloved tradition, with a dedicated address for jolly old Saint Nick. The best part? No postage required! If you’d like to join the fun, you can send your letter to:
Santa Claus
North Pole
H0H 0H0, Canada
Just be sure to write early, because Santa has a lot of mail to get through during the holiday season!
4. It’s Illegal to Lock Your Car’s Doors in Churchill
In the remote town of Churchill, Manitoba, residents are outnumbered by polar bears, and for good reason: Churchill is known as the polar bear capital of the world. To increase the chances of survival in case of a bear attack, it’s illegal to lock your car doors. An unlocked car can provide an emergency escape for someone fleeing a polar bear. While these massive creatures are protected and can’t be hunted, locals have had to adapt by ensuring that cars, buildings, and even homes can provide immediate shelter in case of danger.
3. The Dutch Royal Family Exists Because of Canada
During World War II, Canada played a crucial role in protecting the Dutch royal family. When the Nazis invaded the Netherlands, Princess Juliana sought refuge in Canada, where she gave birth to Princess Margriet in Ottawa in 1943. To ensure that Margriet could carry on the royal line, the Canadian government declared Princess Juliana’s hospital room as extraterritorial Dutch soil, allowing Margriet to be born as a Dutch citizen. After the war, the Dutch royal family never forgot Canada’s kindness, and the Netherlands continues to send tulip bulbs to Ottawa every year as a symbol of gratitude.
2. Canada is Home to the World’s Longest Coastline
With three oceans (the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic) bordering the country, Canada boasts the longest coastline in the world, stretching over 243,000 kilometers. This vast coastline is not only a stunning natural feature, but also home to diverse ecosystems, ranging from temperate rainforests on the west coast to icy tundras in the north. Whether you want to explore rugged cliffs, tranquil bays, or remote Arctic shores, Canada’s coastline offers endless opportunities for adventure and discovery. And yes, that’s more coastline than any other country on Earth!
1. We Have an Underground Atomic Laboratory
Tucked deep below the earth in Sudbury, Ontario, is SNOLAB, the world’s second-deepest underground laboratory. Originally built to study neutrinos—sub-atomic particles emitted by the sun—SNOLAB is a research hub for studying seismic activity, dark matter, and other mysterious elements of the universe. Located in a former nickel mine, SNOLAB has become a cutting-edge facility where scientists explore the unknown, including research into dark matter, which is thought to be the “cosmic glue” holding the universe together.
From islands full of horses to welcoming extraterrestrial visitors, Canada is a country full of surprises. These seven quirky facts highlight the rich history, natural beauty, and unique culture that make Canada truly one of a kind.
