Canada in 20 Facts: Landmarks, Culture, and Identity

Theresa Dash   Theresa I June 23, 2025
Category
General English, Speaking Lessons
Topic
Travel, Culture
Media
Video
Level
B2 Upper-Intermediate, C1 Advanced
Grammar
Mixed Grammar
Focus
Speaking, Vocabulary, Listening
Lesson ID
B2C1-32
Lesson Time
30 minutes
UNLOCK THE LESSON
Two suitcases with Canadian flags on a map showing Canada and the northern United States.

Lesson Overview

As Canadian as maple syrup! In this fun and interesting ESL lesson, students will talk about Canada’s culture, geography, symbols, and national identity. They will watch a video with 20 amazing facts about Canada, including its landscapes, history, traditions, and famous icons like the maple leaf. Students will learn useful vocabulary and idioms, with real-life examples to help them understand. The lesson includes speaking practice, discussion questions, and other interactive tasks for upper-intermediate and advanced learners.

Lesson Objectives



  • Listening: Students will watch a video about Canada’s geography, culture, symbols, sports, and famous landmarks. The speaker also talks about Indigenous communities, bilingualism, Canada’s peaceful global role, and environmental efforts. This activity helps students practice listening to detailed English and understand words and ideas related to Canadian identity and traditions.




  • Speaking: Students will talk about Canada’s history, national pride, important symbols, and bilingualism. They’ll use new words and idioms from the lesson to express their thoughts in conversations and discussions.




  • Vocabulary: Students will learn key terms and idioms like multiculturalism, national identity, and as Canadian as maple syrup. These words will be practiced through matching, examples, and speaking activities.




  • Homework: For homework, students will complete three tasks. First, they will answer multiple-choice questions about Canada’s culture, geography, food, and traditions. Then, they’ll choose from fun “Would You Rather” options like visiting Niagara Falls or Banff. Finally, they’ll write a short paragraph convincing a friend to visit Canada, using vocabulary and ideas from the lesson. These tasks help students review and use what they’ve learned in a fun and practical way.




Video

Keep your stick on the ice! Have you ever traveled to Canada? Watch this video about Canada's culture, symbols, geography, landscapes, history, and national identity.

Video Transcript

Vocabulary and Pronunciation

keep your stick on the ice [idiom]: Stay ready and focused, often tied to hockey culture
national identity [noun]: The shared characteristics and values that define a country’s people
multiculturalism [noun]: A social policy promoting diversity and inclusion of different cultures
looney coin [noun]: Canada’s $1 coin, featuring a loon on one side
hockey [noun]: Canada’s national winter sport, played on ice with sticks and a puck
maple leaf [noun]: A key national symbol of Canada, featured on its flag
Niagara Falls [noun]: A famous waterfall located on the Canada:US border
bilingualism [noun]: The ability to speak two languages
poutine [noun]: A Canadian dish made of fries, cheese curds, and gravy
parliament building [noun]: The center of Canada’s government, located in Ottawa
beaver [noun]: Canada’s national animal, symbolizing hard work and perseverance
as Canadian as maple syrup [idiom]: used to describe something quintessentially Canadian
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