Canada occupies much of the continent of North America. Canada stretches from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west; to the north lies the Arctic Ocean.
By total area (including its waters), Canada is the second-largest country in the world but by land area alone, however; Canada ranks fourth. Of Canada’s thirteen provinces and territories, only two are landlocked (Alberta and Saskatchewan) while the other eleven all directly border one of three oceans.
Canada consists of eight distinct forest regions, including extensive boreal forest on the Canadian Shield. Canada has over 2,000,000 lakes—563 greater than 100 km2—containing much of the world’s fresh water. There are also fresh-water glaciers in the Canadian Rockies and the Coast Mountains.
Occupying the northern half of the North American continent, Canada is known for its natural beauty – few nations in the world can boast anything close to its wealth of forests, lakes and mountains – and for its multicultural diversity. The country has official bilingual status, with English and French used concurrently in government and official documents.
It’s also known for its sparse population (despite being the world’s second-largest country, it has a population smaller than that of California) and for its harsh winters. In some parts of Canada, snow covers the ground for almost half the year!
Canada is a vast country with significant cultural differences across its regions. Canada has one of the highest per-capita immigration rates in the world and proudly accounts for over 10% of the annual global refugee resettlements.
The official languages spoken in Canada are English and French. There are more than 60 Aboriginal languages spoken across the country. Canada takes great pride in it’s multiculturalism and ethnic diversity – Canadian culture exists because people accept and encourage many cultures to thrive together in our society.
There is no recognized exclusion relating to gender in the workplace and both men and women can participate in political life and enter government with equal status.
Children are required by law to attend education from the age of 6 until 16. Although parents are permitted to use physical means to discipline a child, corporal punishment not considered reasonable under Canadian law.
In 2005 same sex marriage became legal giving couples the same rights in marriage and common law unions.
You could spend a lifetime exploring Canada’s cities and towns, national parks, lakes, ocean shores and mountains. You’ll enjoy every minute of it! In fact, Canada is the second-largest country in the world. Discover all that Canada has to offer. You’ll find plenty to see and do. The possibilities are endless.
What do they say about Saskatchewan? Hard to spell, easy to draw – eh?
Saskatchewan has two major cities: Regina is Saskatchewan’s second largest city and is also the capital of Saskatchewan. Saskatoon is Saskatchewan’s largest city and is centrally located within the province.
Some of the most beautiful national parks in Canada, landmarks in First Nations history, and wonderful outdoor adventures create the attractions in Saskatchewan. There are numerous heritage and cultural enticements in the province and two National Parks.
There are also National Historic Sites operated by Parks Canada in Saskatchewan. There are 39 provincial parks and 60 regional ones. Saskatchewan is home to multiple purple sand beaches plus the Athabasca Sand Dunes are a hidden gem – the largest set of active sand dunes in Canada. The sky here is frequently alive with beautiful displays.
Saskatchewan has Canada’s very own dead sea — the saltwater lake of Little Manitou. This distinctive lake is filled with briny water that has natural skin and body care properties, not unlike the Dead Sea. The salt density in the water is so high that when you lay back, you literally float.
Saskatoon is a picturesque city in central Saskatchewan, elevation 482 m. Incorporated in 1906, it is the largest population centre in Saskatchewan (246,375), and is the 17th largest metropolitan area in Canada.
Located in the prairies along the Trans-Canada Highway, Saskatoon is known as “Paris of the Prairies” and “Bridge City”, as the city straddles the South Saskatchewan River and at present has 9 river crossings.
Saskatoon is named after the berry of the same name, which is native to the region, and is itself derived from the Cree misâskwatômina. The city has a significant Indigenous population and several urban Reserves.
Saskatoon experiences a borderline cold semi-arid/humid continental climate, with typically warm summers and long, cold winters.
Summer in the city experiences a whole new definition in Saskatoon. The entirety of life in the city seems to revolve around the river during the more temperate months of the year. Saskatoon boasts numerous parks, trails and festivals – including the Meewasin Valley Trail, River Landing, Gabriel Dumont Park, Kinsmen Park, Victoria Park (including a skatepark and waterslide at Riversdale pool) and Rotary Park – that are along the riverbank.
The Children’s Festival of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon Dragon Boat Festival, Saskatoon Pride Festival, Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan, Nutrien Fringe Theatre Festival, SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Fest, Nuit Blanche and Saskatoon Folkfest events, among other, all take place in Saskatoon during the summer months.
