1. Marcie – Born on the East Coast of Canada, now calling Golden, BC home.

“I am proud to be Canadian.
I am proud to be a female Canadian.
I am proud to be a female Canadian.
I am proud that my country supports me, a female, in two mainly male dominated industries (Raft Guide and Ski Patrol).
I am proud that I will be supported regardless of skin colour or sexual orientation.
I am proud that I am not told what I have to wear, or what I should be doing based on my economic status.
I am proud that when I have the amazing opportunity to travel the world, I get to represent a piece of Canada.”

2. Carlos – Born and raised in Costa Rica, now a Canadian Permanent Resident

“One of my biggest experiences in Canada is the big transition I am still going through (and enjoying so much) from being a kid who grew up in a little village surrounded by the rain forest, to living in the city of Calgary. It might not be one of the biggest cities in Canada, but I have been living right in the heart of the city for a couple of years now (when I’m not on the river. It is a place that I still haven’t fully discovered yet. There are so many things to do, learn and explore. Now I feel a little silly remembering the times I used to say living in the city is boring!
Just 5 minutes from where I live is the Bow River, which is perfect for paddle boarding. On the other side of the river is the best ice cream place in the city… even waiting 45 minutes in line is worth it! All along the river are the best sidewalks and bike lanes for running and long boarding. There is a great avenue full of so many restaurants, food trucks, patios, pubs, shops and all sorts of entertainers like artists, musicians and jugglers.
Adjusting to life in the city is one of my favourite experiences in Canada.”

3. Andrew – Grew up in England, now a Canadian Permanent Resident

“The space. That is why I call Canada home these days.In England you drive for ten minutes and then you are in the next village. Here, you can drive for hours and hardly see anyone!
A European guest made me appreciate this again last week – you know, you get spoilt, you start taking it for granted – anyways he said “there are just so many trees here. Everywhere trees.” You generally don’t get that in Europe.”

4. Matt – Raised in the Capital of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario

“I have a few favourite things about Canada. One would have to be the culture around hockey. There is a lot of love for the sport. A favourite place of mine would have to be the Ottawa Valley, with warm waters and lots of places to see. Probably one of the greatest things of all would be poutine.”

5. Dani – Born and raised in Spain

“If my family would be living with me here, Canada would be everything for me. From East to West, from North to South… every town has nice people. Every Canadian is ready to give you a hand if needed.
How amazing is walking through the old towns of Quebec? How good is being by a river full of salmons, bears and waterfalls in the West Coast? What a feeling!!
I love Canadians! How easy it is to get along with them… this country will always have something that will surprise you.”

6. Bruce – Born and raised in Scotland, has spent many, many years in Canada

“Why I love being here:
• Mountains, rivers and forests. All 3 of these make a beautiful place to sit and look at, and that’s good for the soul.
• That we are not on the top of the food chain. It makes going out for a walk a bit more exciting knowing that there’s stuff out there bigger than me!
• Canadians and their quirky sayings like “oout and aboot”, “eh, buddy!” and “no really, hockey is a sport, not just an excuse for a fight”. Oh and “I’m Scottish too”.

7. Mike – Born and raised in New Zealand, has spent a number of seasons in Canada

“The first thing that comes to mind is ceasers and poutine. I also come here for the relaxed, easy-going attitude that Canadians have. Always ready to sink some cold cans and have a good time. Also, the animals that are around here; I love the fact that you can go biking in the woods for three hours and for all you know a cougar could be following you the whole time”.

8. Andrew – Born in South Lake Tahoe, California

His favourite thing: “Standing on top of Mount Seven and watching the sun set over the Columbia River Valley. And poutine.”