Up here in the Great White North, we like to think we’re pretty unique . . . eh?
I mean, when we’re not too busy being “true north, strong and free,” riding our backyard moose, playing hockey on a frozen lake, or hanging out with our pet beavers, you can find us cataloging our maple syrup, eating poutine and sipping on our double-double coffees that only cost a toonie.
But seriously, those aren’t the only things that make us proud to be Canadian! We also love spending time at the cottage and boating with our friends and family, the smell of bug spray and sunscreen on our clothes, our bare feet on sun-warm rocks, and the glow of a campfire at night!
There’s an endless list of reasons why it’s awesome to be a Canadian boater, so we’ve narrowed it down to our top ten to save you some reading time. Sorry for all the suspense. Check em’ out below!
1. We Have Four Seasons
As Canadians, we usually take advantage of the outdoors. Some brave boaters who love the water are even out there for three-quarters of the season!
But if we’re in the January deep freeze and we can’t make a wake, we simply improvise and carve a path down the mountain.
2. Our Lakes
Boating in the summer, hockey in the winter, and fishing all year round! Oh yeah, Canada has more lakes than the rest of the world . . . combined.
So, having a Canadian boating license is pretty much a ticket to a lifetime of exploration.
3. Maple Syrup
Say what you like, but maple syrup is a staple in the Canadian breakfast diet.
We keep some on the boat at all times, you know, in case we need a snack or ice cream topping. Seriously, maple syrup drizzled on top of butter pecan ice cream is a Canadian delicacy.
4. Our Music
Some of the most famous artists in the past 40 years have emerged from the Canadian hinterland, and their tunes have always been the theme music for our boat rides and dock parties!
A special shout-out to the royals of the Canadian music scene, The Tragically Hip, and their amazing frontman, Gord Downie. The sound of their music is as Canadian as a loon call on a quiet lake. Listen and enjoy!
5. Nature
Canada is home to 42 National Parks with endless lakes and natural beauty. That doesn’t even include the thousands of Provincial Parks!
No wonder exploring is what we do best. We always cottage, cabin, and camp.
6. Animals
Our big backyard has amazing wildlife. Depending on where you live, moose, elk, polar bears, and beavers are just some animals you might see running around the cottage!
Although, to be fair, you’re more likely to run into magnificent mosquitos and the not-so-rare species known as the common chipmunk.
But hey, let’s not disappoint those people to the south who imagine us riding our pet polar bears to the maple syrup fountain in the forest and fighting a grizzly bear on the return trip home. We can’t blame them; that stereotype is just magical!
7. Cottage Country
The Muskoka area of Ontario holds the title for the best Cottage Country out there. Not too shabby!
8. Larry and Roger
Only Canadians know who these folks are. They’re the directional guides to our lives.
If you haven’t caught on yet, you’ll need to brush up on your Canadian lingo! “Ahem, take a Larry up here at the stop sign, eh?
9. We’re Polite
Now, that’s not to say anyone else isn’t polite. Sorry for the confusion.
But think about it for a moment – when you’re on the water, have you noticed that Canadian boaters always wave to other boaters? It’s definitely a Canadian thing.
10. We Love Boating
We just love boating.
Getting our boat license was as much a right of passage as catching our first fish!
The feel of the wind rushing through your hair, the excitement of wakeskating, wakeboarding, and waterskiing – you just can’t top the rush of a great ride on the water.
Join Us on the Lakes! Get Your Canadian Boater License with BOATsmart!
If you’re not Canadian, we know you want to be after reading this list! The good news is, even if you’re not Canadian, you can get out on the lakes for boating fun this season.
However, if you want to join in on the fun but don’t have your Pleasure Craft Operator Card, you’ll need one – but no worries! With BOATsmart!, you can get your Canadian boater license today, print off your Temp Card once you pass the official boating test, and enjoy the last of the good weather while we can.
We make it easy! Sign up for our Canadian online boating course and get started today.
Originally published August 16, 2017. Content last reviewed and updated August 7, 2024.
