Culture of Canada

Culture of Canada reflects Indigenous histories, French and English traditions, and ongoing waves of immigration that have shaped languages, arts, foodways, beliefs, and institutions across a vast geography. Core themes include bilingualism at the federal level, official multiculturalism, and contemporary work toward reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

At a glance — Culture of Canada

Official languages	English and French (federal)
National sports (by law)	Ice hockey (winter); lacrosse (summer)
Key policies	Official Languages Act; Multiculturalism policy; heritage and arts funding; Indigenous languages and reconciliation initiatives
Major institutions	Canadian Heritage; Statistics Canada (culture indicators); Library and Archives Canada; National Film Board

Core themes

• Indigenous roots and resurgence — First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultures encompass diverse languages, knowledge systems, arts, and governance traditions. Contemporary policy emphasizes rights recognition, language revitalization, and reconciliation initiatives.
• Bilingualism — At the federal level, Canada operates in English and French; many communities are bilingual or multilingual in practice.
• Multiculturalism — Immigration has long contributed to cultural diversity in cities and regions, with communities maintaining and evolving cultural practices.
• Regional diversity — Geography and history shape distinct cultural expressions in Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario, the Prairies, British Columbia, and the North.

Languages

English and French are the official languages of Parliament and federal institutions. Indigenous languages—such as Inuktut, Cree, Ojibwe, and many others—are integral to cultural identity and are the focus of revitalization and education programs. Community use of additional languages reflects ongoing immigration.

Arts and media

Literature and publishing

Poetry, fiction, and non-fiction reflect local places and global perspectives. Small presses and national awards support authors.

Film, television, and digital media

Canadian creators work in public and private sectors; documentary traditions are strong. The National Film Board supports production and access to film and interactive works.

Music and performing arts

Classical, folk, Indigenous, jazz, pop, hip hop, and electronic scenes thrive across cities and festivals; orchestras, theatres, dance companies, and community venues contribute to cultural life.

Visual arts and design

Indigenous and contemporary artists, craft traditions, architecture, and design schools contribute to a broad visual culture.

Holidays, heritage, and symbols

National holidays include Canada Day (1 July) and statutory observances such as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (30 September). Heritage is preserved through archives, museums, historic places, and community commemoration. See Symbols of Canada for national emblems including the maple leaf and beaver.

Food and cuisine

Canadian foodways blend Indigenous staples, regional ingredients, and global influences. Coastal seafood, prairie grains, northern game, Quebecois dishes, and immigrant cuisines shape local menus. Farmers’ markets and regional specialties reflect seasonality and place.

Sport and recreation

Ice hockey and lacrosse are recognized by law as national sports. Curling, soccer, basketball, baseball, and athletics are widely played. Outdoor recreation—skating, skiing, hiking, paddling, fishing, and camping—is common given Canada’s climate and geography. See National parks of Canada and Travel in Canada.

Education and cultural institutions

Public schooling and post-secondary education support language learning, arts training, and research. Libraries, archives, museums, and cultural centres provide access to collections and programs. Community media and local cultural organizations strengthen participation and inclusion.

Indigenous cultures (focused notes)

• Languages and knowledge are maintained and revitalized through community programs, education, media, and governance.
• Cultural expressions include storytelling, song, dance, visual arts, regalia, carving, beadwork, and contemporary forms across film, literature, and digital art.
• Heritage and rights are reflected in treaties, modern agreements, and legislation. Communities lead cultural programming and stewardship in partnership with institutions.

Regional snapshots

Atlantic Canada

Storytelling, folk traditions, music, crafts, and coastal foodways; strong community festivals and heritage sites.

Quebec

French-language arts and media, cuisine, and civil-law traditions; distinct cultural institutions alongside pan-Canadian connections.

Ontario

Large, diverse cities with major arts institutions, festivals, and publishing; multicultural neighbourhoods and regional heritage sites.

Prairie Provinces

Music, festivals, and food shaped by immigration and prairie histories; community arts, theatre, and Indigenous cultural leadership.

British Columbia

Pacific influences, film and TV production hubs, visual arts, and outdoor culture.

Northern Territories

Inuit and First Nations cultural leadership, arts cooperatives, northern festivals, and on-the-land programming.

See also

• Indigenous Peoples of Canada • Languages of Canada
• Symbols of Canada • History of Canada • Geography of Canada
• National parks of Canada • Travel in Canada • Education in Canada

External links (official)

• Government of Canada — Canadian Heritage: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage.html
• Statistics Canada — Culture and sport statistics: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/subjects/culture_and_recreation
• Library and Archives Canada — Collections: https://library-archives.canada.ca
• Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages: https://www.clo-ocol.gc.ca
• Crown–Indigenous Relations — Treaties and reconciliation resources: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca

FAQs

What are Canada’s national sports?

By the National Sports of Canada Act, ice hockey is the national winter sport and lacrosse is the national summer sport.

Is Canada officially bilingual everywhere?

Bilingualism applies to the federal government. Provinces and territories set their own language policies; many communities are multilingual.

How has immigration shaped culture?

Successive immigration waves contribute languages, cuisines, arts, and businesses, especially in large cities and regional hubs.

How are arts and heritage funded?

Programs at the federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal levels support creators, organizations, festivals, and heritage preservation through grants and agreements.