Canada is the world's second largest country, surpassed only by Russia. At 10 million square kilometers, Canada has 7% of the world's land mass and 9% of its fresh water supply.

Just like in America there were native people in Canada before the Europeans arrived. The Aboriginal peoples were the first to live in Canada. Their unique spiritual beliefs and cultural traditions have been passed down through the generations. Aboriginal peoples depended on nature for survival. Those who lived on Canada’s coasts depended on fishing and hunting and those in central and eastern Canada hunted and grew vegetable crops. Today, they live in every region of the country.

Our neighbors to the north also embrace and honor their British and French ancestry. Many of their traditions and holidays come from this heritage.

A unique component to the Canadian culture is the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) was created on May 23, 1873 by Sir John A. MacDonald the first Prime Minister of Canada, with the intent of bringing law and order to Canada. The RCMP is famous world-wide for its distinctive scarlet ceremonial dress uniform, and the Musical Ride. The Musical Ride is a ceremony in which 32 RCMP officers (Mounties) show off their horse riding skills and uniform in the execution of a variety of intricate figures and cavalry drills with music. More information about the Mounted Police can be found is M is for Mountie: An RCMP Alphabet!