Canada is simply wonder full

7/3/2007

Canada is the greatest country in the world.
I feel fairly certain of this, because, eight or so generations ago, my forefathers landed here and shook hands with sasquatch. They had the entire world to choose from, and picked Canada out of the whole lot. There must have been a reason, and I would like to think it is because they did their homework and realized we are number one.
Whatever your reason for being here and staying here, it is hard to deny that Canada is a wonderful place, and a place full of wonders. This summer, the CBC hosted a poll to determine the Seven Wonders of Canada. The results were interesting, often surprising, and generally thought provoking. For what it’s worth, here are my top seven:
The Aurora Borealis—better known as the Northern Lights, this natural phenomenon is a rare treat, and a difficult one to keep to yourself. Available to anyone who keeps an eye on the night sky, the Lights are mesmerizing. It is said a child conceived under their glow will have good fortune. Anyone lucky enough to see, and even hear, them will find the experience hypnotic and unforgettable.
The Bay of Fundy—home to the highest tides in the world, this stretch of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia coastline is a pristine wilderness. An estimated 100 billion tonnes of seawater flow in and out with each tide, bringing with it a dizzying array of marine life. Canada is all about natural beauty, and the Bay of Fundy definitely has it.
Niagara Falls—Like the Bay of Fundy, the Falls are an unspoiled gem of majesty, beauty and power. Over one million bathtubs of water flow over the edge every minute, providing a year-round, day or night spectacle of rainbows and spray. Niagara Falls calls to people, from honeymooners to loonytooners. More than 15 daredevils have also gone over its edge, and five of them gave their lives for it.
The CN Tower—hardly a natural wonder at just over 550m high, the CN Tower is the world’s tallest freestanding structure. Simple, solid and enduring, it was completed in 1976 to help unify Canada. Today it is the icon of Toronto and, for many urbanites, Canada itself. Climb to the top on a clear day, and you can almost see the city’s edge. It is the first sight people see in Toronto, and the last as you leave.
The Igloo—this marvel of engineering is no mere hut, and an iconic image of the great white north. The name means “snow house”, and it has sheltered people throughout the ages when snow was the only material available. It is both functional and beautiful, and a well built igloo will keep you comfortable even in -40 degree weather.
The Canoe—like the igloo, the canoe is almost perfect in its design, and it is still a mainstay at any camp or cottage. There is no finer vehicle for exploring the natural beauty around us. Canada was explored, mapped and settled in the canoe, and we would hardly be a country without it.
Maple Syrup—nothing says Canada like the Maple leaf, and if there is one food we can truly call our own, it is maple syrup. To tap a tree, boil down the sap, and pour syrup over pancakes or ice cream is to make magic. Open a jar of pure maple syrup, and every day is Canada Day.