Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Prince Edward Island's Unique Features

Since the middle of April when I learned I am a "Lost Canadian", I've been learning about Canada. While I have learned many things,  there clearly are a great many things I still do not know and have yet to learn. Today I'm sharing some of the unique things I've learned about the Canadian Province of Prince Edward Island. Today I am happy to share with you some of the things I've found online about Prince Edward Island . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" On the Unique Things About Ontario

I have been spending the past several months learning about Canada, because since I am a "Lost Canadian", I wanted to learn about my ancestorial country - Canada. Many of my ancestors were from Canada - we believe some may even be First Nations - Mi'kmaq, which gives my family deep roots in Canada. I did not know these things until a few months ago, so it has been a surprise - a wonderful surprise for sure!

One thing I have learned about Canada, is most Canadians live in the Province of Ontario as 38% of Canadians live there. Since I was born in and have lived most of my life in Michigan, Ontario is the Province of Canada with which I am most familiar, but there are a great many things I do not know about Ontario. Today I am happy to share with you some of the things I've found online about Ontario . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Canada's Strategy to Protect Nature - A Force of Nature

As a person who was born and lived in the USA all my life I've been blessed to be able to visit a number of our National Parks. I love the ones I've visited and think all of them hold tremendous value as our National Parks. I'm very sad to see how the current occupant of the white house is reducing our National Parks and opening them to mining and drilling - things which will destroy these amazing places. 

I am so happy to see my new country, Canada, looks at their magnificent National Parks in an entirely different way. Canada launched A Force of Nature: Canada's Strategy to Protect Nature on March 31, 2026, backed by a $3.8 billion investment. The plan targets protecting at least 1.6 million km² of land and up to 700,000 km² of oceans to meet the national goal of conserving 30% of lands and waters by 2030!

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Canada's Maple-Leaf Flag

Growing up in the USA, I am very familiar with "the stars and stripes", "Old Glory", the US flag. I know the story of how Betsy Ross sewed the first flag with thirteen red and white stripes and thirteen stars in 1776. I learned how whenever a new State was added, another star was also added to our flag - now with fifty stars - but still the 13 stripes to represent the original 13 colonies.

So, now I'm a "Lost Canadian", I thought it would be important for me to learn about the Canadian flag - and today I'm sharing with you what I have learned . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About "Talking Canadian"

As a person who has lived all my life in the USA, but in different parts of the country, I know from personal experience there are unique "quirks" about how "Northerners" talk (those of us from places like Michigan, Wisconsin, or Minnesota) or Southerners talk (clearly people from "Down South" like Virginia, Tennessee, or Georgia) and people from "Out East" talk (Such as Massachusetts or Maine). These US "quirks" go beyond accents to phrases which when spoken, let people know where you are from. 

In the same way I've learned Canadians are famous for their friendly, polite, and sometimes quirky vocabulary. From ordering specific coffee orders at Tim Hortons to casually referring to their unique money, their daily lingo is full of unique idioms.  Culturally, Canadians also express their affection with localized, uniquely Canadian idioms. Common romantic phrases and some of the funniest and most iconic things Canadians say include:

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About the Canada Strong Pass

This "Lost Canadian" has been SO impressed as I learned about the land of Canada and all of their incredible National Parks, so when I learned how Canada has made the choice to throw open their "doors" to parks and so many more places to the people of Canada, it left me extremely impressed!

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Canadian Inventions

This "Lost Canadian" has been learning many things about the wonderful place known as Canada - and has been sharing these things with you. Today I want to let you know about Canadian inventions - get ready to be impressed . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Maple Syrup

Earlier this month I wrote about the "Great Maple Syrup Heist" (You will find my post about it at this link.) 3,000 tons of maple syrup—worth a massive $18 million CAD was stolen in 2012 by siphoning $18.7 million CAD worth of syrup from a heavily guarded reserve in Saint-Louis-de-Blandford, Quebec, and then replacing it with water to avoid immediate detection. The sticky thieves were eventually arrested, convicted, and sentenced to prison. This was the "Great Maple Syrup Heist".

Today I thought I'd write about Maple Syrup again and share some of the extremely interesting things I've learned about Canada and Maple Syrup - did you know . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Wildfires - in the US and in Canada

I currently live in Michigan and so I have heard a significant amount of news about the smoke from the Canadian fires - and have been able to see the smoke outside my windows for many days. I'm happy to say yesterday and today the smoke has reduced to nearly nothing! This is wonderful news.

But, I have to stand up and speak up - in this case, I have to write about the appalling response to the smoke and fires from some elected officials in Michigan and throughout the country. Threatening our neighbors, Canada, with tariffs or anything else while they are dealing with these horrible fires is a despicable thing to do. We should be rushing to ask how we can help - not condemning our dear neighbors - especially when in this country we have wildfires which send smoke into Canada.

And I have to share some facts - because the truth does matter - at least it should . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Nunavut Day

Sadly, I missed Nunavut Day as it was July 9th and commemorates the passage of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, establishing Canada’s largest and newest territory. This significant day honors the Inuit people’s self-determination and the unique culture of the Canadian Arctic. So, while I missed the actual Nunavut Day, today is a good day to celebrate this modern milestone as well by learning about Inuit traditions, supporting Indigenous businesses, and advocating for northern communities.

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Becoming a Canadian!

I have been writing for almost four months about being a "Lost Canadian" and the things I'm learning about Canada. I have lived most of my life in West Michigan, just thirty minutes from beautiful Lake Michigan. I lived for a few years in Northern California, two hours from Oregon, where I met my husband - but I was born in West Michigan and have lived most of my life here. Of course I knew my dad and my grandpa, but my great-grandpa died before I was born. Along with not knowing him, I also did not know - until this past April - my great grandpa was born in Argenteuil, Quebec, Canada, and my great-great grandpa and great-great grandma were born in East Hawkesbury, Prescott, Ontario, Canada, and Argenteuil, Quebec, Canada. And I did not know about my many other ancestors as close as just great-great grandparents were born in Canada - six of them - and more before them!

More Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About the Canadian Wildfires

As I wrote a few days ago, I lived for several years in Northern California and remember the "Burney" Fire (it was a large fire near Burney, California, and the amazing Burney Falls.) We could see the smoke from Redding, California, (where we lived) and when the fire was out we drove up to Burney - as far as you could see there was burnt land, mountain after mountain all burned. It was heartbreaking.

So, as I hear the news about the Canadian fires, my heart breaks as I know what this will look like now, and for years to come. Eventually the land will rebound. There are plants and trees which actually need the heat from a fire to open their seeds and life will return to these areas, but it is still a devastating thing to see the results of these large wildfires and my heart goes out to the Canadians impacted by these horrible fires.

Here are the current updates as I have been able to find them online . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Even More Canadian Trivia!

This "Lost Canadian" has been learning a lot about Canada - it's Provinces, Territories, National Parks, and even some fun trivia, so once again today, I am happy to share even more interesting facts - trivia about Canada with you - some of these also made me smile and some also made me think - "Wow! Impressive!"

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Canadian Trivia

Today I am happy to share some interesting facts - trivia about Canada with you - some of these made me smile and some made me think - "Wow! Impressive!"

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About the Canadian Fires - AND How YOU Can Help

I lived for several years in Northern California - at the top of the valley, just two hours from Oregon. We had mountains - seriously large mountains - on three sides . . . it was SO beautiful! But, then fires became a problem in the summer and so much land burned - I know how heartbreaking this is and I have personally been able to see the damage caused by wildfires. A few years ago my husband's sister and her husband survived the Carr Fire which was an enormous fire in the Redding, CA, area - the fire actually jumped the Sacramento River. So, as I hear the news about the fires burning in Canada, my heart breaks for the people who are losing their homes and for all the damage the fire is causing. Here in Michigan it is VERY smoky outside today, and will likely be so for a few days. Today I want to update you on what is happening with the fires in Canada . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Unique - and Even Shocking - Canadian Food Facts!

Each country tends to have their own unique food facts - and sometimes even what could be considered a "shocking" food fact, such as fried Twinkies, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, putting ice in our water glasses, deep-fried butter, and the very shocking idea of using a red food dye made from bugs in the USA. (I'm good with pb & j sandwiches and ice water, but will pass on the rest of them.) So I thought I'd look online for some of Canada's interesting - or even shocking food facts and share them with you today.

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Canada's Many Wonderful Lakes!

As a "Lost Canadian" who has lived in the USA all my life (mostly Michigan, which is close to Canada), I feel like there are so many things for me to learn about my new country - Canada. So, I've been writing about things I'm learning - such as about the amazing National Parks in Canada, and lately I've been writing about some of the unique, even "quirky" things about Canada - such as their "Whisky War", their "Monopoly Money - Loonies & Toonies, interesting foods, and "The Great Maple Syrup Heist"! Today I'm very happy to let you know about some of the interesting - and even "quirky" things I learned online about Canada's lakes . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About "Quirky" Canadian Food

First of all please let me say, if I grew up in Canada, I would likely think Canadian food was "normal", "typical", "perhaps playful", but I grew up in Michigan, so when I learned about some of the food in Canada, I was somewhat surprised - even confused at times! 

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About the "Whisky War"

Growing up the the USA once in awhile I have heard something in the news about the on-going "polite" war between Canada and Denmark. This "war" is known as the "Whisky War" and so since I'm a "Lost Canadian", I thought I'd learn the details . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About "The Apology Act"

Since I discovered I am a "Lost Canadian" I have been learning many things about Canada. I was not surprised to learn Canadians are considered some of the most polite people in the world as they do seem to be quite polite for sure. But I have to say I was surprised to learn about "The Apology Act", so today I am happy to let you know what I learned online about it . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Loonies & Toonies

Growing up in Michigan, I have been a little familiar with Canadian money as occasionally I would end up with Canadian coins as they once-in-a-while mixed in with USA coins, but since I've learned I'm a "Lost Canadian" I thought it would be a beneficial thing to learn about Canadian money - and I have to say I've learned some surprising and impressive things!

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Canada, Santa Claus, and the North Pole

Since I learned I am a "Lost Canadian", I have been learning many interesting - and sometimes very fun things - about Canada. So, for "Christmas in July", today I'm very happy to share with you some information about Canada, Santa Claus, and the North Pole . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About The Great Maple Syrup Heist

Living in the USA I do remember hearing a little about The Great Maple Syrup Heist in Canada, but it was not a "big" news "event", so since I've learned my own ancestors were people who made Maple Syrup in Canada for generations, and since I've learned I'm a "Lost Canadian", and I want to learn about Canada, I thought I'd learn about The Great Maple Syrup Heist. Online I learned . . . 

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About . . . Milk in a Bag???

As a "Lost Canadian" I have been focused on learning about my "new" Country - Canada, and have enjoyed learning about their many, amazing National Parks. But now I want to focus on some of the things which make Canada unique, interesting, wonderful, and ways they are different than the USA - today I'm sharing with you what I've learned about something which is certainly unique, interesting, different than what I'm used to in the US, and potentially wonderful . . . milk-in-a-bag.

Yes, milk-in-a-bag! This is what I've learned on line about milk-in-a-bag . . . 

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Canada Being One of the Most Peaceful Countries in the World!

Yesterday I heard the news about how Canada is in the top fifteen of the most Peaceful Countries in the world. I'm not at all surprised, but I am very happy to learn this! Canada ranks 14th out of 163 countries globally according to the Global Peace Index. Canada retains its title as the most peaceful nation in North and Central America. The  Institute for Economics & Peace says Canada is a model of stability.

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Immigration

There has been a lot of talk in the USA, and around the world, about the recent Supreme Court decision which upheld the 14th Amendment to the Constitution of the USA about birthright citizenship. In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court struck down a 2025 executive order by the Trump administration which sought to end birthright citizenship. The Court’s decision reinforced longstanding interpretations of the Constitution, which have been in place for over a century, firmly protecting automatic citizenship for children born to undocumented parents or those with temporary legal status.

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Yoho National Park

For the past 47 days I've been writing about the amazing National Parks in Canada - I have greatly enjoyed learning about these Parks and look forward to the opportunity to visit some of them! Today I'm writing about the last one on my list - Yoho National Park on the western slopes of the Continental Divide in British Columbia. It is considered an "alpine wonderland in the Canadian Rockies" and is a park your entire family can enjoy together!

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Wood Buffalo National Park

I've been writing about the amazing National Parks in Canada, because this "Lost Canadian" wants to learn about her new country and there are two National Parks left. Today I'm writing about the largest National Park in Canada - Wood Buffalo National Park!

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Waterton Lakes National Park

I have written about some very large National Parks in Canada, so today I'm writing about the smallest National Park - Waterton Lakes National Park, but even though it is the smallest it is still in the top ten most visited National Parks in Canada - and is a great place to take the entire family!

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Wapusk National Park

Yesterday I didn't write about one of Canada's National Parks as since it was Canada Day, I wrote about celebrating Canada! There are four more National Parks for me to write about so today I'm writing about another very remote National Park in Canada - Wapusk National Park.

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Canada Day

Today is Canada Day, which is celebrated every year on July 1st. Some people think Canada Day is like the 4th of July in the US, but this "Lost Canadian" has learned while both holidays involve independence from the United Kingdom, Canada Day marks the beginning of Canada's path to sovereignty—starting with Confederation in 1867. Complete independence came gradually, with major milestones in 1931 (Statute of Westminster) and 1982 (Constitution Act). Here are the details you need to know about celebrating Canada Day . . . 

Happy Canada Day!

Yes, Happy Canada Day! Today is this "Lost Canadian's" first Canada Day, so I thought I'd learn about some of the things which make Canada such an amazing place and so absolutely worthy of celebrating today - and every day. I learned . . .