Ask A Canuck

Canada vs. America Series

Part 1

Happy Canada Day!

*Note: The proximity of all Canadian holidays to American holidays is purely coincidental and has nothing to do with the melding of our cultures, our need to copy our powerful neighbours, or feeling left out when there is a party going on in our continent’s basement. Thank you.

According to the American Association for Nude Recreation (how does one earn a membership? I want in!) Canada is one of the best places in the world to enjoy the sun in your birthday suit. Vancouver’s Wreck Beach is internationally known as one of largest and most beautiful legal nude beaches. They even hold an annual 5k Bare Buns Run every July.

Our laws surrounding public nudity are much more relaxed than that of our southern neighbours. Specifically, Canadian federal law states that nudity is only seen as indecent if it is meant to offend or insult another person or if it is of a sexual nature. The exact interpretation of these laws are up to provincial courts to decide, but most have agreed that acts such as streaking, and nude sunbathing are perfectly acceptable. Women are able to walk around topless, just the same as their male counterparts.

But don’t come to Canada expecting to find a stark lack of clothing. Despite the lax rules, social standards still dictate that most people remain clothed. You’re more likely to spot a hairless beaver than a topless woman. Though if you’re lucky, you may spot both.

Canadian cash is a kaleidoscope of colour. As such, it has been nicknamed Monopoly money by many of our southern neighbours. We’re fine with this. It even has its benefits.

A friend once told me a story of her shopping day in the U.S.A. She had a nice wad of American cash in her hand when suddenly a gust of wind blew it towards oncoming traffic. Panicked, she raced to grab as many of the bills as she could before they all vanished. Sadly, she ended up with a handful of ones. The twenty-dollar bills were gone. She hadn’t known which bills to go after first since they were all the same damn colour! This would never happen with Canadian money.

Even our coins are a bit of a mystery for many people. Our bills don’t start until you hit the five-dollar mark. We have a loonie, which is worth one dollar – a toonie, which, as I’m sure you’ve guessed, is worth two dollars. Beyond that we have your standard quarters, nickels, dimes, and pennies.

Our money features Prime Ministers, moose, loons, hockey players, polar bears, maple leaves, and even beavers.

If you’re American and happen to be travelling within our beautiful Canadian borders then it’s good to know that your currency will be accepted just about ANYWHERE in Canada. Of course, it is also worth noting that you’re not going to get a very good exchange rate (if any at all).

And Canadians? Our quarters work in nearly all American vending machines. Happy spending!