Canada’s harsh winters are well-known, but the country’s other seasons more than compensate. With the sun setting earlier each day, here are a few ways to make the most of autumn in your new nation.
See the colors
Just looking at the flag reveals that Canadians are extremely proud of their trees. And we are correct: Canada has the world’s third-largest forest area, covering about 40% of the country. When summer fades to fall, the trees put on a show, transitioning from green to stunning reds, oranges, and yellows. Get in a car with some pals, choose a location outside the city, and go for a drive.
Go apple-picking
Despite its vast size and diverse climates and ecosystems, Canada shares one common thread: apple season. In Nova Scotia, the Annapolis Valley; in Ontario, the Niagara area (including most of the province’s southwest); and in British Columbia, the Okanagan. Everywhere in between, you’re probably still near an apple orchard. It’s a fun, picturesque day out with friends, and you’ll come home with a bounty of lovely, locally grown vegetables.
Put the game on
This one might apply at any time between October and June: it’s hockey season. Hockey, one of our national sports (along with lacrosse), absorbs Canadians’ lives to an enormous extent, whether it’s cheering on their favorite team in the NHL – the professional league with seven Canadian teams – or playing recreational hockey with friends. You can easily watch the games on television, and students can generally get cheap tickets to see their college or university team play.
To get in the mood, play “The Hockey Song” by Stompin’ Tom Connors. It’s essentially an unofficial anthem.
Host ‘Friendsgiving’
Thanksgiving is not as popular in Canada as it is in the United States, where it is celebrated a month later. But it’s still a day off from work and school, and it’s an excellent opportunity to reconnect with family and friends. Many students return home for the holiday weekend, but many others remain on campus, providing it an excellent opportunity to meet new people and form friendships. “Friendsgiving” is an excellent method to accomplish this over some amazing cuisine. There’s no need to overthink things; a simple, warm supper and pie will suffice. The point isn’t the food, but the company.
Carve a pumpkin
Halloween is right around the corner. You may begin the festivities early by purchasing a pumpkin and carving a creepy design into it. In October, you can acquire a pumpkin almost anyplace, and even if you don’t have great knife skills, it’s a fun way to add some seasonal flair to your home or apartment.
