Can You Pass This Canadian History Quiz?

By: Heather Cahill
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Can You Pass This Canadian History Quiz?
Image: Mariue Gomes/ Moment/ Getty Images

About This Quiz

Canada is known for its long history that goes back as far as the times when Native People first inhabited the land. Its history is filled with many people who changed the country and worked to make it into the great place that we live and work in today. Many important events took place over the years, such as the formation of our government and the construction of our cities. Think you can remember it all?

Our history has been filled with incredible individuals like Laura Secord, who put their life on the line to help her country. Not to mention Viola Desmond, who stood up to fight for her rights and the rights of others. Without heroic acts like these, things would be much different. While Canada is known for being quite a peaceful nation, there were a few battles fought in our country. These changed our cities as well and, most notably, Quebec City.

With all of this history comes so much to learn about. Have you done your fair share of studying Canadian history? Maybe you took a Canadian history class in your high school? No matter where you learned about it, let's see how much you remember with this quiz!

Question 1
by Mark Spowart/ Moment/ Getty Images
Canada is known to be home to thousands of lakes, but which lake was discovered by the Europeans in 1669?
Lake Erie
Lake Ontario
Great Bear Lake
Lake Michigan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Lake Erie is one of the Great Lakes and the last of them to be discovered. Did you know that if you're looking to take a swim in a Great Lake, but you're not a fan of the cold, Lake Erie is the best lake to choose? It's the warmest of all of them.

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Question 2
Joe Regan/ Moment/ Getty Images
Leif Erikson and the Vikings turned up where in Canada while exploring?
Newfoundland
Quebec
British Columbia
Saskatchewan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Canada had a visit from the Vikings in the 1000s when they temporarily settled on the coast of Newfoundland. There are still remnants of the Viking civilization in Newfoundland that you can visit today.

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Question 3
Wikicommons by Conrad Poirier
An important event for French-Canadians, who was the first French-Canadian Governor General?
Michaelle Jean
Jules Leger
Georges Vanier
Julie Payette
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Georges Vanier was the Governor-General during the leadership of two Prime Ministers, John Diefenbaker and Lester B. Pearson. He was known to be quite religious and also very interested in integrating both the English and French-speaking people of the nation.

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Question 4
Wikicomons by The Photographer
Samuel de Champlain founded which settlement that is still inhibated today?
Quebec City
Ottawa
St. John's
Vancouver
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Quebec City is one of the oldest cities in the country and it was founded by Samuel de Champlain. The city still has much of the architecture that was originally built and it's filled with history.

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Question 5
Vicki Jauron, Babylon and Beyond Photography/ Moment/ Getty Images
Can you name the Canadian city that was founded in 1749?
Halifax
Montreal
Langley
Alert
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Halifax was founded by the English settlers in the 1700s and was named "Halifax." Shortly after, the name was changed a few times to "Dartmouth" and "Bedford" before reverting to the original name of Halifax.

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Question 6
Wikicommons by Théophile Hamel
It came from a misunderstanding! Who was notably the first to call Canada by this name?
Sir Wilfrid Laurier
Pierre Elliott Trudeau
Samuel de Champlain
Jacques Cartier
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jacques Cartier is significant to Canada for coming over in the 1500s where he had this famous misunderstanding of the Native word "kanata." It means "village," and Jacques Cartier then declared this nation to be called Canada.

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Question 7
Wikicommons by J. Perry Newell
Do you know which battle was part of the War of 1812?
The Battle of New Orleans
The Battle of Fort Sumter
The Battle of Lake Erie
The Battle in Coamo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While the British forces won many battles, this battle on the Great Lake resulted in a win for the American Forces. It was a naval battle where hundreds were killed and wounded, with some of the British Forces being captured as well.

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Question 8
clu/ DigitalVision Vectors/ Getty Images
Which disease killed many in Canada in 1832 during its outbreak?
Pneumonia
Heart disease
Cholera
The Plague
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Brought to Canada after the arrival of an Irish ship, it didn't take long before many in the country contracted the disease. Though it was assured that if people visited the doctor, they could be cured, there was minimal understanding of the disease, and it ultimately killed thousands.

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Question 9
© Ken Yuel Photography/ Moment/ Getty Images
In 1875, which part of the Canadian Court was established?
Provincial/Territorial Courts of Appeal
Federal Court
Supreme Court of Canada
Tax Court of Canada
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Supreme Court of Canada is one of the most important parts of the country's court system. At that time, as Canada was still primarily very much under British rule, court cases could be passed over to the higher British Court.

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Question 10
Wikicommons by Digging.holes
It was a trip that prepared troops for the worst. During which war did Laura Secord make her famous walk?
Lincoln County War
Whiskey Rebellion
American Revolutionary War
The War of 1812
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Laura Secord is a Canadian hero who walked to warn the British that they would soon be under attack by the Americans. Her heroics prepared the British, and they were able to defend themselves against the attack.

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Question 11
Image Source/ Image Source/ Getty Images
An important organization, in which year did Canada join NATO?
1846
1759
1880
1949
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Joining NATO meant that Canada was joining a pact of peace with multiple other countries who also signed on. Today, there are 29 countries in NATO, which include many European countries as well as the United States.

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Question 12
Mike Steinhauer/ Moment/ Getty Images
The CBC is an important part of Canada. It was founded for which reason?
To have a station that plays music back to back
To promote Canadian values
To give the latest political news
To create an all-Canadian media station
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Since the 1930s, Canadians have put importance on the arts and other media produced in Canada. The CBC was created for this reason and still exists today to provide a Canadian station to Canadians.

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Question 13
Hisham Ibrahim/ Photographer's Choice RF/ Getty Images
Which famous Canadian landmark was built in 1886?
The CN Tower
The Parliament Buildings
The Chateau Frontenac
The Canadian Pacific Railway
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Canadian Pacific Railway is an essential part of Canada as it connects the country in one easy way. It also led to a boom in settlement all around the country, not just in the Eastern part of the country.

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Question 14
Wikicommons by Mary Spencer
Crime still takes place here in the north. Bill Miner became famous for being the first to commit which crime in Canada?
Train robbery
Fraud
Breaking and entering
Arson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Despite being from America, Bill Miner was known for his crimes and committed the first train robbery here in the North. Though he was from America, he was known for being extremely polite, just as we are said to be!

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Question 15
Walter Bibikow/ DigitalVision/ Getty Images
Can you name the city that experienced a General Strike in 1919?
Ottawa
Toronto
Vancouver
Winnipeg
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Winnipeg came to a halt in May of 1919 as workers walked out and protested for better working conditions and other rights. After this long strike, unions were formed and helped ensure the wages and conditions for workers were just and fair.

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Question 16
Wikicommons by Stephens
Which province was created because of the Fraser Gold Rush?
Prince Edward Island
Quebec
Nunavut
British Columbia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Thousands of miners searched for gold on the Fraser River, prompting the creation of a new Canadian province in the mid-1800s. At this time, it was important to put a law into place so that nothing was taken advantage of.

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Question 17
Skynesher/ E+/ Getty Images
Who was the first hockey team to be awarded the Stanley Cup?
Montreal Hockey Club
Vancouver Millionaires
Toronto Maple Leafs
Edmonton Oilers
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Montreal Hockey Club was awarded the Stanley Cup for the first time in the late 1800s, an award that is reserved for only the winning hockey team. The Ottawa Senators also won the cup in 2007.

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Question 18
Dennis Macdonald/ Photographer's Choice RF/ Getty Images
It's where our money-making machines get to work! What year did the Royal Canadian Mint open in?
1810
2008
1908
1765
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Royal Canadian Mint is an important organization that creates all of the money in circulation in Canada. In fact, they also sell commemorative or celebratory currency as collectibles or investments.

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Question 19
Danielle Donders/ Moment/ Getty Images
Canada becoming a country in 1867 was known as what?
Confederation
Union
Amalgamation
Connection
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Confederation was one of the most important events in Canadian history, as Canada officially became its own country under this. Now, we celebrate this important milestone yearly on July 1, known as Canada Day.

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Question 20
Robert Lowdon/ Moment/ Getty Images
What type of institution was the first of its kind to open in 1817?
Prison
Bank
Hospital
Bar
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Bank of Montreal was the first bank ever to open its doors right in Canada. This means that it has existed for over 200 years as it is still in operation today. In fact, it's credited with producing the first of the Canadian dollars in circulation.

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Question 21
urbazon/ E+/ Getty Images
While Canada can be quite progressive, at some point in time women's rights were limited. 1920 was the first year that women were allowed to do which of the following?
Vote
Use a credit card
Sit in the House of Commons
Wear a bathing suit
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Agnes MacPhail was the first Canadian woman to win a seat in the House of Commons, paving the way for women in the future to do the same. Despite only Agnes being elected, a handful of other women also ran as representatives for the first time.

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Question 22
Wikicommons by Internet Archive Book Images
The British fought who in the Battle of the Plains of Abraham?
The French
The Americans
The Vikings
There was never a battle known by this name.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Battle of the Plains of Abraham was fought between the British and the French over the possession of New France. It ended up as a British victory under the leadership of James Wolfe.

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Question 23
Wikicommons by Dowew
Which prestigious award given to honourable Canadians was created in 1967?
The Juno Award
The Order of Canada
The Heritage Award
The Queen's Award
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Order of Canada is one of the highest honours a Canadian can receive. On the day that it was created, exactly 90 deserving Canadians were awarded the medal. Over 4,000 Canadians have received it in total.

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Question 24
Wikicommons by Winnipeg Free Press
There have been many people who have stood up for what they believe in throughout Canada's history. What is Viola Desmond known for?
Challenging racial discrimination
Being the first woman in space
Elected as the first female Prime Minister
Charity work
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Much like Rosa Parks, Viola Desmond stood her ground in a movie theater, which was a "whites-only" area. Her bravery is now celebrated, and she has been honoured with her photo on one side of the Canadian $10 bill.

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Question 25
Wikicommons by Jamie McCaffrey from Ottawa, Canada
Do you know when women were allowed to be regular members of the RCMP?
1974
1880
1749
1938
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In 1974, there were more than 30 women hired onto the RCMP team. While women could work for the RCMP beforehand, they weren't hired as constables and took on other smaller roles instead.

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Question 26
Wikicommons by George R. King
An inuksuk was used at one time by the Inuit for which of the following?
To tell direction
To mark private property
To ward off animals
To represent important leaders in their community
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In the Northern parts of Canada, it's important to keep a sense of direction so that you know where you are. The Inuit once used the inuksuk to do exactly this. Now, they are used more commonly as a symbol of friendship.

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Question 27
Mark Spowart/ Moment/ Getty Images
It's one of the most important symbols of our country. Who designed the Canadian Flag?
George Stanley
Sir John A. MacDonald
Chris Hadfield
John Diefenbaker
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

George Stanley had big plans when it came to designing the Canadian flag, using his strong grasp of what makes Canada the great country that it is. He knew that it had to have the iconic Canadian colours as well as a symbol that represented the country, so he came up with the flag we now use today.

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Question 28
PamelaJoeMcFarlane/ E+/ Getty Images
Helping many Canadians as they age, what was instated in 1966?
Canada Pension Plan
Federal Education Plan
Senior Retirement Plan
Senior Health Plan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Canada Pension Plan was created in 1966 to help older Canadian citizens with a bit of money to survive. Did you know that Quebec created its own version of the pension plan available to only citizens of the province?

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Question 29
Photos.com/ PHOTOS.com>> / Getty Images Plus/ Getty Images
The first St. Jean Baptiste Day celebrated in Canada was held in which year?
1901
1796
1834
2009
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

St. Jean Baptiste is an important day in French Canada. On June 24th, it is celebrated and considered a holiday in Quebec, a tradition that started back in the mid-1800s after a banquet was held in celebration of it.

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Question 30
Reptile8488/ E+/ Getty Images
Many inventions have originated here, but which drug was invented here in Canada?
Diphenhydramine
Ibuprofen
Insulin
Lipitor
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sir Frederick Banting is credited with the invention of insulin, which has helped people worldwide who have diabetes. His invention rightfully earned him a Nobel Peace Prize for saving the lives of many all around the world.

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Question 31
naibank/ Moment/ Getty Images
Of the following, what city was made the capital of Canada in 1857?
Ottawa
Toronto
Quebec City
Saskatoon
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ottawa has been the capital of Canada since 1857 and continues to serve as the capital today. Due to its location, it seemed to be the obvious choice, but it was not officially the home of the government until 1866.

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Question 32
drmakkoy/ DigitalVision Vectors/ Getty Images
What was the name of the first postage stamp to be produced in Canada?
Royal Canadian Stamp
Official Stamp of the Dominion
Three Penny Beaver
The Stamp of Maple Leaves
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

There's no better fitting name than this perfectly Canadian mash-up! Despite having "three" in its name, there were actually four beavers printed on it, which was different at the time as other countries of the Commonwealth would have had a picture of the monarch on them.

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Question 33
Wikicommons by Ardo191 at en.wikipedia
We've done it three times in history, but which Canadian city didn't host the Olympics?
Vancouver
Montreal
Calgary
Toronto
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Hosting the Olympics is a big deal, and Canada has done so three times. The winter games took place here twice while we hosted just one of the summer games. However, none of the games ever took place in Toronto.

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Question 34
130920/ Moment/ Getty Images
The Dominion Parks Branch is now known today as what?
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Agriculture Canada
Parks Canada
Royal Canadian Park System
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Parks Canada is what we know it as today, but it was created in 1911 as a way to preserve certain areas of land known as National Parks. It strives to provide the opportunity for Canadians and visitors alike to enjoy Canada's remarkable beauty.

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Question 35
posnov/ Moment/ Getty Images
At one time, Canada was divided into two areas. Which modern day province was once called "Lower Canada?"
Ontario
Quebec
Alberta
British Columbia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Quebec took on the name of Lower Canada at this time while Ontario held the name of Upper Canada. Both were important parts of the nation which later expanded as time went on adding new provinces and territories.

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