Canada’s Ultimate Story offers captivating tales of fascinating Canadian people, places and events, with engaging historical journalism and striking archival and contemporary imagery that combine to bring the stories of Canada to life like never before.
A rich array of online content expands on these stories and encourages interaction, bringing together thousands of Canadians who love our nation and want to know more about its history and achievements.
Canada’s relations with other nations, even its neighbours to the south, are a meandering tale of war and peace, dispute and resolution, trade/no trade, friend and foe. Even Canadian roots penetrate deep in the soils of two warring nations, Britain and France. Canada emerged from two world wars with new self-assurance and a greater sense of its place in the world. Enemies became friends; friends became enemies. O Canada: Canada and the world examines the hot and cold, to and fro, pro and con of some of Canada’s key relationships and its evolving place in the world.
We cannot forget the First World War. Even though more than 90 years have passed since the guns fell silent, we are still shocked by the savagery of that conflict. The butcher’s bill worldwide was 10 million combatants, with countless more millions of civilians perishing through starvation, violence and even genocide. For Canada, a Dominion of the British Empire, with a population of fewer than eight million and not yet 50 years old at the start of the war, the country paid a terrible price. More than 60,000 Canadians were killed in the cataclysm from 1914 to 1918.
The Second World War, which lasted six years from 1939 to 1945, totally involved the Canadian people. The nation’s men and women served in huge numbers, 10 per cent of the population of 11 million putting on uniform. Millions more worked in war plants, in the mines and fields, and in the bureaucracies supporting the government.
Big land, bigger oceans, huge mountains, wide waterways and wildlife wilderness—Canada offers breathtaking vistas in every direction. Discover the countless wonders of our country. O Canada tells our story from our first peoples through to our achievements in space. With hundreds of photos and illustrations the O Canada is full of Canadiana, personalities, achievements and amazing statistics.
Read about the victories, losses and defining moments of Canadian soldiers and veterans. Honour their stories and remember.
Celebrate Canada right here in the Shop. Now’s the time to treat yourself to exclusive products—inspired by Canada—and only available in our Shop. Find the perfect gift from our handpicked favourites including gift packs, posters and specialty items.