Canada's Geography BLEW My European Mind 🇨🇦 (European Reacts)

Added: 2026-05-05

[00:00:00]Welcome or welcome back. This is your curious European friend, and in this video, we're going to be looking into 15 geography facts about Canada.

[00:00:09]Um I've been looking into the geography of Canada a little bit, but there's probably so much that I still don't know.

[00:00:17]And I'm quite fascinated by it, so I thought, why not look into this video and find out possibly 15 new things that I didn't know yet.

[00:00:29]And I wonder if maybe if you're from Canada, if you already knew all of them.

[00:00:36]Um let me know in the comments, and without further ado, let's go ahead and get started.

[00:00:41]Canada is an amazing country that makes up about 1/3 [music] of all of North America. And because it's so vast and spans such a >> Wait, 1/3? I never really thought about it like that.

[00:00:52]Yeah, Canada is big.

[00:00:53]>> large area, it's bound to have some of the most awe-inspiring geography attached to it. So, here are 15 of my favorite geography facts about the Great White North. And to kick us off, do you know how many islands Canada has?

[00:01:12]Canada has more islands than any other country in the world with an estimated 52,000 named islands.

[00:01:19]>> wait. I think I I might have known that.

[00:01:22]But 52,000 is insane.

[00:01:26]That's crazy.

[00:01:27]Like I knew it had a lot of islands from but I'm like how are there 52,000 right there? That's crazy, but I guess they must be really small. Sometimes you can't even really see them on the map. and countless smaller unnamed ones. The Arctic Archipelago alone contains over 36,000 islands, including Baffin Island, the world's fifth largest, and Ellesmere Island, the 10th largest.

[00:02:00]Huh? Wait.

[00:02:04]It looks like the uh the Whoa. Ellesmere Island is bigger than than Baffin Island, right?

[00:02:14]Or Yeah, I don't know. Combined, these islands account for about 15% of Canada's land mass. And they're not all Arctic barren tundras. Canada's islands offer incredible diversity. In the east, Prince Edward Island is known for its rolling farmland and beaches, while in the west, Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii feature lush rainforests and towering mountains. But unlike island nations such as Indonesia or the Philippines, which are densely populated, Canada's islands are often remote [music] and sparsely inhabited.

[00:02:47]That's what we seen in video last week, I think.

[00:02:52]Is that I published it last week?

[00:02:54]Um go check that out if you want to, if you haven't seen it yet.

[00:02:57]>> This isolation makes them vital for scientific research, tourism, and environmental conservation. And because it has so many islands, it also has Canada's coastline is the longest in the world, stretching over 202,000 km. It borders three oceans, the Atlantic, the Pacific, and the Arctic. To put it in perspective, the second longest coastline belongs to Indonesia, a country of over 17,000 islands. Yet its coastline measures just 54,000 km.

[00:03:29]Canada's coastline is nearly four >> Wow, wait. Yeah, four times bigger?

[00:03:36]It's crazy how you forget how much coastline Canada has.

[00:03:42]Maybe also, at least I did.

[00:03:45]Also because of just you associate coastline, where I associate coastline often with beaches and warmth and that's not what I associate Canada with.

[00:04:01]Um So, yeah, I often forget that. times longer. This immense length contributes significantly to Canada's economy and biodiversity. The coastlines are home to vital fisheries, particularly for lobster and crab on the Atlantic side and salmon on the Pacific side. The Arctic coastline, though less accessible, is becoming increasingly important with climate change as melting ice opens potential shipping routes like the Northwest Passage. Canada's extensive coastline also includes famous natural wonders like the Bay of Fundy, known for having the world's highest tides with some areas rising over 16 m in a single day.

[00:04:38]>> That's crazy. With a coastline this long, it's probably not surprising that Canada is really, really large.

[00:04:51]Canada covers a vast 9.98 million square kilometers, making it the second largest country on Earth after Russia. It's so large that you could fit the entire European Union into Canada >> Wait, you have what? Why does Europe look so small compared to Canada? with room to spare. Despite its massive size, Canada >> Wait, yeah, that's wow.

[00:05:11]I never really thought of it like that.

[00:05:15]Like all of Europe can fit All of Europe can fit into Canada, you still have room left.

[00:05:22]Its population is only about 40 million people, meaning it has one of the lowest population densities globally with only about four people per square kilometer, an extremely low amount when you compare it to the United States, which has on average 35 people per square kilometer.

[00:05:37]This vast expanse of Canada includes towering mountains, expansive prairies, frozen tundra, and dense forests. And Canada all Country size creates extreme regional diversity from British Columbia's temperate rainforest to Nunavut's icy Arctic, and from the flat prairies of Saskatchewan all the way to the rocky coast of Newfoundland.

[00:05:56]Canada's size and overall northernness contributes to harsh winters, which can make living difficult. However, this space also allows Canada to preserve its incredible natural beauty with over 38 national parks protecting these landscapes. Now, despite having so much space, Canada's people haven't really spread out to occupy it all.

[00:06:21]Despite Canada's immense size, about 75% of its population lives within 100 miles of the US border. This narrow strip of land accounts for less than Oh, wait, it is that close? I knew most people lived in the south.

[00:06:37]But this only this close. Like 75% of people live this close.

[00:06:45]5% of Canada's total area, but it includes cities like Toronto, >> Let's go back.

[00:06:50]>> about 75% of its population lives within 100 miles of the US border. This narrow strip of land accounts for less than 5% of Canada's total area, but it includes cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and all Uh yeah. That makes sense. This concentration is largely due to geography and climate. The southern parts of Canada have a milder climate, more fertile land, and better access to trade with the United States. Meanwhile, the northern regions are dominated by harsh Arctic and subarctic conditions, making large-scale settlement difficult.

[00:07:19]In comparison, Russia, another vast country with a cold climate, has a similar pattern with most of its population concentrated in the more temperate west, which means Canada's largest bay is mostly uninhabited.

[00:07:36]The Hudson Bay is the world's second largest bay after the Bay of Bengal, covering 1.23 million square kilometers.

[00:07:43]Situated in northeastern Canada, >> it's surrounded by Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Nunavut. Now, despite its size, the Hudson Bay is relatively shallow with an average depth of just 100 m. This shallowness means it freezes over completely during the winter, and even in summer, the water remains extremely cold. The bay is a remnant of a prehistoric sea left behind by melting glaciers after the last ice age. The Hudson Bay plays an important role in Canada's history and economy. It was the site of early fur trading posts established by the Hudson's Bay Company, which helped shape Canada's development.

[00:08:19]Today, its shores are sparsely populated with small communities relying on fishing, hunting, and shipping. The Hudson Bay, of course, is not inland, but Canada does have plenty of really large lakes.

[00:08:36]Canada is home to more lakes than any other country, boasting over 2 million with 31,000 Wait, 2 million? I knew it was a lot, but that's a lot. 752 larger than 3 square kilometers. That's more than the rest of the world combined. Its lakes account [music] for nearly 9% of the country's total area, a staggering contrast to countries like Australia, which is famous for its arid landscapes and limited freshwater resources. Among Canada's most famous lakes are Lake Superior, which is shared with the US and known as the world's largest freshwater lake by sur- I do know about Lake Superior now.

[00:09:17]Check out Great Lakes video if you haven't seen it.

[00:09:19]>> face area, and Great Bear Lake, located entirely within Canada and recognized as the country's largest by volume. These lakes are essential for hydropower, providing clean energy to millions of Canadians, as well as for recreation and wildlife habitats. All together, Canada's Great Lakes system, which also includes Lake Ontario, Erie, and Huron, contains 20% of the world's freshwater supply. So, it makes sense that some of those lakes would also have their own islands.

[00:09:52]Canada is home to Manitoulin Island, the world's largest freshwater island, located in Lake Huron, covering 2,766 >> I knew about this as well.

[00:10:02]>> square kilometers, it's larger than some countries, such as Luxembourg, which is only That's so crazy.

[00:10:09]2,580 >> know why I haven't been to Luxembourg yet.

[00:10:14]Like it's so close to me.

[00:10:17]So close to the Netherlands, but for some reason I haven't Well, I think I might have driven through there, but I never really visited.

[00:10:27]86 square kilometers.

[00:10:29]>> to though. But unlike most islands surrounded by salt water, Manitoulin is unique for its freshwater setting. But that's not the only thing that sets this island apart from the others. Manitoulin itself contains over 100 inland lakes.

[00:10:42]Some even have their own islands. This extremely rare phenomenon means that there are islands within lakes on an island within a larger lake. I don't know how to process that.

[00:10:54]Islands in lakes within islands in lakes.

[00:11:02]Within island in lakes within islands.

[00:11:04]Treasure Island is a great example of this because it's the world's largest natural island in a lake on an island in a lake. Manitoulin Island has a rich indigenous history and remains home to several Anishinaabe communities. Its landscapes feature rolling hills, beaches, and forests, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Boating, fishing, and hiking are common activities, while visitors can also explore cultural sites and learn about the island's First Nation heritage. But this is perhaps not even Canada's most famous freshwater island.

[00:11:42]Canada's southernmost point, Middle Island, is farther south than parts of northern California. Located within Lake Erie at 41.4° north, it lies on the same latitude as cities like Rome and Chicago. However, its location surprises many because Canada is often associated with northern cold climates and snow-covered landscapes. Now, all that said, there are no permanent settlements on Middle Island as the entire island is a conservation area. So, technically, Canada's southernmost point with people would be Pelee Island, just a little north of Middle Island. All in all, not that different and still well south of much of the United States. We've now covered Canada's far north and far south. But what's in the middle?

[00:12:30]I was waiting on something about the I don't know how to pronounce it. Boreal forest.

[00:12:38]Um because I actually talked about it with one of you guys, um one of my viewers, um that it is huge. It is big. It's massive. It's vast.

[00:12:54]And I'm looking for more information about it.

[00:12:57]>> Canada's Boreal Forest is one of the largest intact forests in the entire world, spanning over 2.7 million square kilometers and stretching from Newfoundland to the Yukon.

[00:13:07]>> that's so crazy.

[00:13:10]That's insane.

[00:13:12]This biome covers nearly 35% of Canada's land area, making it a critical component of the country's geography and environmental health. The Boreal Forest is home to iconic species such as moose, lynx, >> Wait, like it's considered one big forest? Like it's it goes continuously?

[00:13:32]Because that is mind-blowing.

[00:13:37]Like if you said before that Europe fits in Canada and you still have room left, then this whole forest is also bigger than Europe?

[00:13:50]Like I don't know how to conceptualize that. Like that's that's insane. You can drive for hours and hours and hours in this one forest.

[00:13:59]and wolves, as well as billions of migratory birds that nest here in the summer. Its [music] trees, mainly spruces, pines, and firs, also play a vital role in sequestering carbon, helping to mitigate climate change.

[00:14:12]Canada's Boreal Forest is larger than those in Russia or Scandinavia, and it plays a crucial role in regulating glo- Is that the world's biggest forest then?

[00:14:20]global weather patterns. Its vastness and importance have earned it recognition as one of the world's most significant ecosystems. Unlike tropical rainforests, which are shrinking due to deforestation, much of Canada's Boreal Forest remains pristine. However, wildfires are a growing concern for the region as every summer lightning storms set off large, unmanageable fires. Now, underneath all of those trees is some seriously old rock.

[00:14:51]Canada is home to some of the oldest rocks on Earth, dating back nearly 4 billion years. These ancient formations are found in the Canadian Shield, a massive geologic feature that stretches across northern and eastern Canada, including parts of Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories.

[00:15:10]The Canadian Shield is a treasure trove for geologists. In 2008, researchers discovered rocks in northern Quebec's greenstone belt that are believed to be 4.28 billion years old, predating most life on Earth. These rocks provide a glimpse into Earth's earliest crust and the conditions that shaped our planet.

[00:15:29]Beyond its age, the Shield is a vital economic region, rich in minerals like gold, nickel, and copper. It has driven Canada's mining industry for decades.

[00:15:39]Its rugged landscape, dotted with thousands of lakes and forests, also support tourism and serve as a major carbon sink, absorbing more carbon from the atmosphere than it releases. All that said, the Canadian Shield does not cross Canada's Great Divide.

[00:15:58]Like with the US.

[00:15:59]>> States, the Continental Divide runs through Canada's Rocky Mountains, separating the watersheds that flow into the Pacific Ocean from those flowing into the Atlantic Ocean and the Arctic Ocean. The divide stretches from Alaska through Canada, down into the US, and beyond to South America, making it one of the longest hydrological divides in the entire world. In Canada, it's most pronounced in British Columbia and Alberta, where the Rockies create a dramatic natural barrier. Rivers like the Columbia flow west into the Pacific, while the Saskatchewan River system carries water eastward to the Hudson Bay. The divide also plays a role in shaping the ecosystems and weather patterns on either side. For example, the west side of the Rockies is wetter and milder due to Pacific air, while the east side is drier and colder. Speaking of colder, Nunavut, established in 1999, is Canada's largest and newest territory, spanning an enormous 2 million >> 1999? That's really not that long ago.

[00:17:02]square kilometers, almost the size of Mexico. Despite its size, it has a population of just over 41,000 people, making it one of the least densely populated areas on Earth.

[00:17:13]>> I wonder why.

[00:17:14]Nunavut is primarily inhabited by Inuit communities, who have lived there for thousands of years. The territory was created as part of a land claim agreement that granted the Inuit self-governance and recognition of their cultural heritage. The capital, Iqaluit, is the largest settlement, yet its population is just over 7,000. Nunavut's geography is dominated by Arctic tundra, rugged mountains, and hundreds of thousands of islands. Famous natural landmarks include Baffin Island and the stunning fjords of Auyuittuq National Park. Wildlife such as caribou, polar bears, and Arctic foxes thrive here. Aw.

[00:17:51]Arctic foxes.

[00:17:52]Those look so cute.

[00:17:58]Towering at 5,959 m, Mount Logan in Yukon is Canada's tallest peak and the second highest mountain in North America after Denali in Alaska. Located within Kluane National Park, the mountain is part of the Saint Elias Range, a region known for its rugged beauty and massive ice fields. And despite its already immense size, Mount Logan is still growing by a whopping 0.35 mm a year due to the tectonic collision between the Pacific and North American plates. It also holds the record for having the That's interesting.

[00:18:33]I did not expect it to still be growing.

[00:18:35]>> largest base circumference of any non-volcanic mountain, stretching 40 km long, making it a colossal natural wonder. While less famous than Everest or Denali, Mount Logan presents climbers with [music] equally challenging conditions. Temperatures can plunge below -45° C, and storms can last for weeks. These extreme conditions have kept the mountain relatively untouched by human activity. I would not be going there, that's for sure. I am not climbing a mountain. I was already terrified climbing the like the rock wall during when I was in high school and we had to do that.

[00:19:10]Oh my god. But something that hasn't gone untouched is Canada's vast oil reserves.

[00:19:22]This might sound surprising, but Canada ranks among the world's top oil producers, holding the third largest proven oil reserves globally after Venezuela and Saudi Arabia.

[00:19:32]>> Aw, I was just going to ask who are the first and second. Most of Canada's oil is found in the Athabasca oil sands in Alberta, a vast [music] area containing an estimated 165 billion barrels of recoverable oil. But unlike conventional oil reserves, much of Canada's oil is in the form of bitumen, a heavy, viscous form of crude oil that requires extensive processing. The oil sands have been both an economic boom and an environmental challenge. Alberta's oil industry generates billions in revenue and supports thousands of jobs, but it's also criticized for its high carbon emissions and impact on local ecosystems. Canada's oil exports are primarily sent to the United States, making it the largest foreign supplier to the US. Despite this, Canada's oil industry faces challenging in diversifying its markets as pipeline expansions like the Trans Mountain project face political and environmental hurdles. Mhm.

[00:20:29]Finally, Canada spans six primary time zones.

[00:20:34]Wait, yeah. I wondered about this, like how many different time zones there were.

[00:20:41]So, I'm glad he brought this up, but six primary time zones.

[00:20:47]Wait.

[00:20:49]Uh, so we have 1 2 3 4 5.

[00:20:55]Wait. 1 2 3 4 5. Where's is this six?

[00:21:00]Where's six?

[00:21:02]Or am I blind?

[00:21:04]1 2 3 4 5.

[00:21:08]Yeah, maybe this is six. I don't know.

[00:21:11]making it one of the most time that Uh.

[00:21:13]Yeah, I guess so.

[00:21:15]diverse nations on Earth. From Pacific time in British Columbia to Newfoundland time in the far east, Canada's time zones reflect the sheer vastness of its geography. Newfoundland is particularly unique as it operates on a half-hour offset, a quirk shared by only a few other places worldwide.

[00:21:32]>> they do that? Canada's time zones are essential for global trade and travel, particularly with its southern neighbor the United States. The US shares four of Canada's time zones, making cross-border coordination smoother than it might be otherwise. This time diversity poses challenges for national coordination, though. For example, live broadcasts of sporting events or political speeches often cater to Eastern time. Yeah, I hadn't really thought about that because Netherlands is so small.

[00:21:59]We, of course, only have one time zone and uh, yeah, whenever like a political speech or something is on, it's always the same time for everyone.

[00:22:09]But, I would yeah.

[00:22:13]That's kind of difficult then if you have six different time zones. in Western and Atlantic provinces watching at odd hours. It also underscores the immense size of the country. When Vancouverites wake up, Newfoundlanders are already preparing lunch.

[00:22:27]>> This is crazy. Um, I'm going off script here just a little bit because there's some really wild things happening in our world right now, particularly between the United States and, of course, your own country. I just want to take a minute to reaffirm that I love Canada.

[00:22:43]In fact, in many ways, it's my very favorite country. I'm a Pacific Northwest person through and through, but in terms of actual countries, Canada is probably the place that I would most feel at home. I get that there's a lot of anxiety floating around based on a lot of things that are being said by world leaders who have no reason to say those things. And I understand that a lot of Canadians are feeling a lot of distrust and hurt by the way that their former friend, the United States, is talking about them. I guess all that I can say at this moment in time is that I fully believe in a free and independent Canada. I love Canada, and if I have anything to say in the matter, Canada will remain free forever. I hope you guys enjoyed the >> Yeah, of course.

[00:23:25]I support all of that. Um, but anyway, yeah.

[00:23:33]I really um, learned a lot of things that I had not thought about, but also a lot of things that I was like wondering about and thinking how I think like a lot of times I will have these random thoughts like, oh, how how would this be in Canada or this there or and then I kind of forget about them, so I don't look them up yet, but then I am really glad to be watching these videos and um, I'm like, oh, yeah, I was thinking about that and how that is.

[00:24:10]Um, so, yeah, it was very interesting to see.

[00:24:15]Um, so for example, yeah, with the time zones, I was thinking because sometimes I make um, community post or something and I'm like, I don't really know whether to say um, or like expect you to be waking up like if it's morning there or if it's midday or evening or night.

[00:24:40]Um, but yeah, just thinking about that sometimes.

[00:24:45]Um, so yeah, now I know there's six different time zones.

[00:24:51]Um, and also yeah, one thing that stood out to me as well as the the forests and just how big Canada is in general. Like, Europe fits in there and you can still fit other countries in there.

[00:25:05]Um, that's just crazy. I don't think I will fully understand just how crazy or how big Canada is. Um, but yeah, I hope you liked watching this video, too, and I hope to see you in the next one very, very soon.