In the past, Canadian culture was greatly influenced by French, British and Native American ‘Eskimo’ traditions. With the immigration of many people from all over the globe, American, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Indian, Jamaican and African cultures have all had an impact on Canadian culture. Despite all this diversity, Canadian culture can be divided into two groups based on its English and French speaking differences.
Canadian food culture is similar to the American food culture. On your vacation you will easily find burgers, fries, pizza, chicken wings, and much more. However, try something new. Canada has a local cuisine that is distinct to it and each province has its very own specialty foods. Nova Scotia is well known for its seafood like scallops, lobster and oysters; Lactantia, a creamery near Montreal, produces high quality butter; age-old cheeses like cheddar, le metis, bleubry, ermite, le mamirolle and cabriole, are produced in Quebec; New Brunswick is famous for its potatoes and eels; and Ontario grows the best strawberries and raspberries when they are in season, and is also a huge manufacturers of the ever so famous Canadian bacon.
CUISINE: Fun fact: the first culinary society in the New World was formed in the 17th century in Nova Scotia, Canada. Ask your local tour director for a list of Canadian foods that include poutine, tourtiere, thick pea soup, saskatoons, potato dumplings, and much more.
SHOPPING: If you are looking to get a souvenir or gift, Canada has a number of places that will accommodate to your shopping needs. Canada’s metro cities are well equipped with departmental stores that sell a variety of international products. Local products include an array of foods: Canada’s very own cold smoked salmon that is frozen but can be kept at room temperature for up to 24 hours ,the toonie, merchandise for the 2010 Olympic games in Vancouver, butter tarts, ice cider, ice wine and Nanaimo bars.
LANGUAGE: Unlike many countries, Canada is one of few bilingual countries. Both English and French take the number one spot as Canada’s official language. Other languages spoken include Chinese, Spanish, Arabic, Punjabi and Italian.
There are lots of specials for 2011 Canada Tours
