Many wonderful Canadian cultures and traditions are as welcoming and comfortable as the country itself. How is Thanksgiving in Canada different from the rest of the world? How strong is the spirit of Halloween Canada? All the answers will be in this article.
Cottage culture is one of the best Canadian cultures and traditions
The cottage on the lake, the cabin in the woods — cottage culture is an important part of American history.
The term cottage conjures up images of summers spent on lakes, filled with crackling campfires, picturesque sunsets, and afternoons filled with boat rides and water sports, particularly in Ontario.
Cottages are not necessarily a status symbol — while there are some Hamptons-style cottages in Canada, for most of the country, it is an opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and relax.
There are regional terms for them as well:
- In British Columbia, they are known as cabins, in French Quebec.
- They are known as chalets, in English Quebec.
- They are known as lake houses.
- In parts of Manitoba and northern Canada, they are known as camps.
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Thanksgiving in Canada
Thanksgiving is another wonderful Canadian tradition. Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October, which makes more sense to me — you have two months to prepare for another Turkey feast.
Thanksgiving in Canada is closely associated with the harvest festival, which is why it is held in the autumn, and it is a very relaxed affair. There are no parades or floats, but there is the warmth of your Canadian friends who invited you over for turkey, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pies.
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It is a public holiday in Canada celebrated on the last Monday preceding May 25 and is pronounced as ‘May Two-Four.’ It is also known as Victoria Day.
Originally held to commemorate Queen Victoria’s birthday, it has since become the official birthday of Canada’s sovereign — but for many Canadians, May Two-Four marks the start of summer.
And, yes, you will most likely be traveling to cottage country to open up your home for the summer and spend most of the weekend sipping cold beverages on a dock.
Halloween
Halloween is one of the most important and exciting holidays in Canada. This harvest festival is celebrated worldwide, and it’s just as big in Canada. It is estimated to be worth more than a billion Canadian dollars annually! Let’s explore the spirit of Halloween in Canada!
In Vancouver, residents set off fireworks to celebrate from their back gardens as it is the only holiday they can legally do. They must obtain permits and be at least 19 years old to purchase fireworks. On Halloween night, the city can get very loud! The spirit of Halloween in Canada is awesome!
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Beaver tails
Do not be alarmed; Canadians do not consume beaver tails. Beaver tails are giant, deep-fried sweet delicacies in Canada.
You are stretching a ball of dough into a long, flat oval, frying it in oil, and serving it in a paper sleeve. If you’re a purist, you’ll use a mixture of sugar and cinnamon to sprinkle on top, but other options include maple cream, cookies, or chocolate spread.
It’s a delicious snack after an evening spent at a skating rink or pond. Next time you’re in Toronto during the winter, check out Nathan Phillips Square’s skating rink.
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St Jean Baptiste Day, Canadian cultures and traditions
St. Jean Baptiste Day, celebrated on June 24 as la Fête Nationale du Québec, is a hugely popular holiday in the Francophone culture (the National holiday of Quebec).
Prepare for a day of concerts, parades, and fireworks displays if you find yourself in Canada’s French province. Families gather for bonfires and barbecues, and Montreal and Quebec City are buzzing with activity and people.
St Patrick’s Day Parade in Montréal
St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the longest-running parade in Canada (uninterrupted since 1824), is one of the best days to be in Montréal.
Depending on the weather (and sometimes it’s even T-shirt weather in March), crowds range from 250,000 to 700,000 to watch hundreds of floats, marching bands, and performers parade down Saint-Catherine Street (one of the city’s main thoroughfares).
Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede is held each July in Calgary, Alberta. The ‘Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’ includes concerts, rodeos, carnival rides, exhibitions, parades, and agricultural competitions.
The organization’s main goal is to “preserve and celebrate western heritage, culture, and community spirit.” The Stampede is one of Canada’s most important traditions, attracting over one million visitors worldwide each year.
Bloody Caesar
The Canadian Caesar, one of the country’s most popular drinks, had to have its spot on this list (I miss it desperately). It makes an appearance at almost every summer party, and while it looks similar to a Bloody Mary, it is a hundred times better.
Instead of mixing your cocktail with tomato juice, Canadians use Clamato juice — a combination of clam and tomato juices — and, while it may sound strange, I assure you that my life has been divided into BC and AC: before Caesar and after Caesar.
