As the second largest country in the world, Canada is a popular destination for tourists and immigrants alike. With its diverse population and natural beauty, it’s no wonder that Canada is such a popular choice for those looking for a new home. From the vibrant city of Toronto to the stunning Rocky Mountains, there is something for everyone in Canada.

Here is our pick of the top 10 things to know about Canada before you visit:

Number 10. Canada has three of the world’s ten largest islands

Among the top ten biggest islands in the world are three Canadian islands. Baffin Island (more than twice the size of Great Britain), Victoria Island, and Ellesmere Island (both roughly the size of England) are these islands.

Number 9. There was a war in Canada called the “Beaver Wars.”

That’s right, there was. However, despite its name, it was a brutal conflict and is considered one of the bloodiest in North American history. It is important to note that, in the 17th century, the Iroquians enlisted the support of England in order to dominate the fur trade in the region. France was sought out by rival nations. How did it turn out? It ended in a stalemate after bloodshed.

Number 8. Quebec is the only walled city in North America.

Canada is home to the only walled city on the continent – north of Mexico. In fact, Quebec’s city walls date back to the 17th century. The walls were then improved by British forces when they captured the city. In addition to being pretty well preserved, they are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Number 7.  Canada is home to more than half of all the lakes in the world

Canadian lakes make up more than half of all lakes in the world. Approximately 3 million lakes and 31,700 big lakes with an area of more than 300 hectares exist in the country. There are also two of the largest lakes in the world in Canada: Great Bear Lake and Great Slave Lake.

Number 6. About half of Canada’s landmass is covered by forest

Approximately half of Canada’s landmass is covered by forest. Canada has about 180 tree species. One of the main exports of the country is timber. Globally, Canada is the third most forested country.

Number 5. Canada has more than 2,800 hockey rinks.

The number of hockey rinks in Canada exceeds 2,800. Soccer, however, is played by almost twice as many kids under 14 years old as hockey. Among those over 15 years of age in Canada, ice hockey remains the second most popular sport. The game of ice hockey follows golf but precedes the game of soccer.

Number 4. Canada has the longest coastline in the world.

This is just one of the many reasons to visit Canada. With 202,080 km/125,567 miles of coastline, Canada has the longest coastline in the world. Another one of my favorite Canadian facts!

Number 3. There are two official languages in Canada.

At the time of Canada’s pioneering days, Britain wasn’t the only power-hungry colonial power. For a while, France also owned much of North America. It didn’t last, but France’s culture and language did. In Canada, English and French are the most widely spoken languages.

Number 2.  Canada’s biggest bay is Hudson Bay

Hudson Bay, discovered by English explorer Henry Hudson in 1610, is Canada’s largest bay. Every year, Hudson Bay is frozen between mid-December and mid-June in Eastern Canada.

Number 1. Canada is the world’s second-largest country.

Canada is the largest country in the Western hemisphere and the second largest country in the world after Russia and borders only one country, the United States of America.

To sum it up, Canada is a land of contrasts. The people who live in this vast land are as rich as the environment they live in. From amazing art to kind and caring people, to unforgettable views, Canada has it all.