Down Home to Mountaintop: Ten Interesting Facts About Canada’s Geography
Canada, the second largest country in the world, is home to unimaginable beauty, diverse landscapes, and breathtaking wonders. Stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and northward into the Arctic ocean, Canada’s geographical variance is simply incredible. From bountiful forests to rugged mountains, this vast expanse is a true melting pot of natural attractions. Here are ten fascinating facts about Canada’s geography that will take you around the country from down home to mountaintop!
FACT 1: Almost 90% OF CANADA IS ROCKY TERRAIN
Did you know that just under nine out of every ten miles of Canadian land is made of rocky terrain? From the Canadian Shield down to various mountain ranges, rock defines much of Canada’s physical landscape.
FACT 2: THE GRAND CANYON PLATEAU
The Grand Canyon Plateau, located in the western part of the country, stands at an impressive 6,100 feet. Not only that, but it also plays host to an incredible array of plant and animal life, along with unique geographical features.
FACT 3: THE ROCKIES & THE COAST RANGES
Canada is home to over 17 mountain chains, with two of the most famous being the Rockies and the Coastal Range. The Rockies stretch for over 3,000 miles, while the Coastal Range covers more than 1,000 miles along the Pacific coast.
FACT 4: MOUNTAINEERING AND BC’S ULTIMATUM PRINCE VALENTINE
For an exhilarating mountaintop experience, head to Canada’s northernmost point, Prince Island, which is part of British Columbia. Brave the ice and snow to conquer Canada’s highest peak, Mount Logan, at 19,850 feet.
FACT 5: WATER AT ITS FINALS
Did you know that there is more water in Canada than any other country including the oceans? With lakes, rivers, and waterways in abundance, Canada’s geography is full of mesmerizing water bodies like the Great Lakes, Niagara Falls, and the Saint Lawrence River.
FACT 6: THE ARCTIC CAMPAIGN
Venture up north to the Arctic and experience a different side of Canadian geography. From intricate patterns of sea ice to massive icebergs, the Arctic remains a harsh and humbling reminder of nature’s sheer power and majesty.
FACT 7: THE GRANDEUR OF THE NIGHT SKY
Canada is a must-visit destination for stargazers, thanks to its vast stretches of wilderness, minimal light pollution, and an amazing array of celestial bodies. In fact, the Yukon is home to one of the world’s most incredible skies!
FACT 8: THE SEA OF FRESHWATER
The Great Lakes, a series of five massive lakes located primarily on the border between the United States and Canada, contain more than 20% of the world’s freshwater supply.
FACT 9: CANADIAN TUNDRA
The Canadian tundra covers almost half of Canada’s landmass, making it one of the planet’s largest and most significant tundra regions. It’s a colourful and unique landscape where you can witness a seemingly endless rolling terrain of rock, snow, and ice.
FACT 10: ARCTIC NATIONAL PARK
The Arctic National Park, located in the northeastern part of the country, is the second-largest national park in Canada. It’s a naturally stunning area that home to the alluring Polar Bear Pass.
FAQs
Q: What is the highest peak in Canada?
A: The highest peak in Canada is Mount Logan, located on the Yukon’s Mount Saint Elias. It stands at the staggering height of 19,850 feet, making it the second-highest peak in North America.
Q: Which is the largest lake in Canada?
A: The largest lake in Canada is Great Bear Lake. It is also one of the two largest lakes located entirely within Canada’s borders.
Q: What is the deepest lake in Canada?
A: The deepest lake in Canada and the world is the Crater Lake in British Columbia. It plunges to depths of nearly 6,000 feet, making it one of the deepest lakes in the world.
Q: What are the five Great Lakes of Canada?
A: The five Great Lakes that sit on the Canada-US border are Superior, Huron, Michigan, Erie, and Ontario. Ontario is the only one of the Great Lakes that is located entirely in Canada.
This rich and diverse geography makes Canada a captivating destination for explorers of all kinds. As you travel “down home to mountaintop,” you’ll discover the incredible natural wonders that make Canada a treasure to behold.
