Colburn Kerry - So, You Want to Be Canadian: All About the Most Fascinating People in the World and the Magical Place They Call Home

Canada is located directly to the north of the United States on the continent of North America and is host to nearly thirty-two million residents known as Canadians. Within its whopping ten million square kilometers of space is a wonderland of scenic wilderness, cosmopolitan cities, and nonstop excitement. Come along as we explore this peaceful and benevolent kingdom that the natives call Canada.

10 Provinces to Know and Loveand Three Territories to Cuddle With

British Columbia: Never a dull moment in fun-filled B.C., where hippies and hipsters sail, smoke, ski, and happily drink to Canadas coolest (not coldest) province.

Alberta: Its no wonder Texas is called the Alberta of the U.S. Big steers and black gold make this beefy province the last bastion of real cowboys and range-riding before the slide into liberal, hemp-happy B.C.

Saskatchewan: The province where you can watch your dog run away for three daysexpansive, sleek Saskatchewan doesnt bother with mountains, but concentrates on raising hockey players, and people who can spell Saskatchewan.

Manitoba: Here in Canadas heartland, Manitobans celebrate having the coldest intersection in the countryPortage & Main in Winnipeg, immortalized by many Canuck musicians, including Pegger Neil Young in the song Prairie Townand for having a town called Flin Flon. (Its fun to say!)

Ontario: Canadas political elite, corporate bigwigs, and blue-collar industrialists rub elbows in this cosmopolitan province. Its home to the nations capital, Ottawa, and its biggest city, Torontoknown affectionately as New York without the garbage and London with better teeth.

Quebec: Lovingly deemed Canadas smoking section, Quebec overflows with European culture, architecture, accents, and of course, . Rumors of its secession have been greatly exaggeratedalthough feisty and independent-minded, Quebec is still firmly part of Canada. Hydroelectric power is Quebecs gift to the Northeast and Celine Dion its gift to the world. (Oh yes, and maple syrup.)

Did you know?

Quebecs Ice Hotel, unique in North America, is built anew each winter from ice and snow and disappears by spring.

New Brunswick: The only officially bilingual province in Canada, this quiet, unassuming little brother stays out of the limelight except once every twelve hours, when it shows off with the mind-blowing tides of Fundy. (Well, that happens in Nova Scotia, too, but whatever.)

Nova Scotia: Seafood and sailing reign supreme in Nova Scotia. So climb aboard and fill your gullet with Digby scallops and lobsters bigger and cheaper than in Maine. If you dont understand a word someone is saying, youve met an Acadian, the Canadian equivalent to the Cajun. (Well, that happens in New Brunswick, too, but whatever.)

Prince Edward Island: A teeny, tiny island covered in rich, red muck, Prince Edward Island is proud of its two famous exports, Anne of Green Gables and potatoes, the latter celebrated in song by Canadian folk hero Stompin Tom Connors: Bud the spud from the bright red mud rolling down the highway smilin, the spuds are big on the back of Buds rig and theyre from Prince Edward Island.

Newfoundland/Labrador: Like the friendly dogs of the same name, folks from this province are loveable, frisky, often wet, and loyal at all costs. Newfs, as theyre affectionately called, are appreciated all the more for graciously stepping forward in their waders to become the constant punchline of the countrys jokes (so that no one had to make fun of foreigners).

Yukon Territories: Generously allowing Alaska its breathing room, this Gold Rush territory rests just above B.C., providing solace to Americas fiftieth state when, like a lost puppy, it longs to snuggle up to something familiar.

Northwest Territories: Despite the record cold, residents here are amazingly nimble-tongued, speaking no less than eight official languagesChipewyan, Cree, Dogrib, English, Gwich', Inuktitut, Slavey, and French. (Yes, French!)