Sunday, August 01, 2021

It May Surprise You Where Canadians Live

We took a major roadtrip to western Canada 20 years ago. When I crossed from Alberta into Montana to return home to Ontario via the more direct American route, I told a baffled girl in a service centre that I was driving south to Canada. She couldn't understand. In point of fact there are a lot of Canadians who would have trouble with this concept. To be fair, I had to drive a long way east before heading south through northern Michigan into southern Ontario.

In a short and informative 10 minutes, this video will share a lot about the population geography of Canada. I taught Canadian geography for many years, so I know most of what the video covers, but even I didn't know that more Americans than Canadians live north of Canada's most southerly point of land, which happens to be the tiny Middle Island in Lake Erie. If that seems baffling to you, take a look.

I hope I have piqued your interest. Enjoy.



10 comments:

Patio Postcards said...

Interesting video - thanks for sharing. Louise Penny writes in one of her books that "your" geography is what helps create "your" history.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

I guess virtually all of us live south of Alaska!

Barbara Rogers said...

Thanks for your comment this morning, but I can't figure out what PITA means. Is this a Canadian word or phrase?

Jenn Jilks said...

I don't think I knew you taught geography! I loved that topic in high school.
Our geography certainly shapes us. It's interesting the people against vaccines are in clusters.

Margaret said...

I was shocked at how far north we are compared to much of the Canadian population. Seattle is very far north but its marine climate moderates the winters.

DJan said...

I didn't realize that 80% of Canadians live so close to the border. Although it's opening up next month to travel to Canada, it looks like it will be a bit longer before the US will allow you to return. I enjoyed the video but I didn't sign up. Thought about it, though.

Joanne Noragon said...

Geography is fascinating. So happy the border is reopening!

Kay said...

This is so interesting. It never occurred to me. I just assumed you were all "up north."

Marie Smith said...

Fascinating! Thank you for sharing, AC.

MARY G said...

Indeed. Born and raised just south of Detroit. A great puzzle to a lot of people. First half of this video is a lot of fun.
My grandfather made a good living on fewer than 100 acres just outside Windsor. We now live on the shield, on 300 acres, and if it were not for maple and selling logs, etc, no one would be able to make a living here.
Forget the ad though.