Show Your Canadian Roots With This History Quiz

By: Heather Cahill
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Show Your Canadian Roots With This History Quiz
Image: Wiki Commons by Library and Archives Canada

About This Quiz

Canada's history may not be quite as long or fact-filled as other countries' history might be, but it is essential to know. That's why we have to take our Canadian History class in school. From the indigenous people who lived on the land first to today's most recent history, Canada has been through a lot.

Canada's history dates way back to before it was even considered to be a country. It was touched by many explorers and inhabited by native peoples whose ancestors are still living in our great nation today. Upon becoming a true nation, the country's political history then begins. Changing altogether as one nation, areas slowly started becoming recognized as part of the Dominion of Canada, even as late as the start of the millennium. As they say, it's better late than never! We've had battles and conflicts on our homeland, and we've defended ourselves bravely and proudly. Most important of all, we've become a great country which recognizes that there's always room for improvement.

Do you consider yourself to be an expert on Canadian history? Do you take pride in your Canadian heritage? Then show that you know how the country came to be by taking this quiz!

Nakoda
Wiki Commons by The Darlington Collection
Do you know which of the following groups was not part of the Iroquois Confederacy?
Seneca
Nakoda
Mohawk
Oneida
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Starting with five groups, there were later six that were part of the Iroquois Confederacy. The confederacy was vital as it kept a pact of peace between all of the nations. However, war was fair game outside of the confederacy.

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Roberta Bondar
Wiki Commons by NASA
Who was the first Canadian woman in space?
Roberta Bondar
Julie Payette
Elizabeth May
Laura Secord
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Roberta Bondar made Canadian history in 1992 with her space flight. In fact, this accomplishment was something that she had dreamed of as a child. Not to be the first Canadian woman in space, but to explore space someday.

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1534
Wiki Commons by Théophile Hamel
What year did Jacques Cartier reach Canada for the first time?
1534
1680
1799
1823
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jacques Cartier reached Canada in 1534 and stayed for around one year after touching down. After his return to France, he decided to settle on the land on a voyage a few years later alongside his crew.

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Manitoba
Wiki Commons by Archives of Manitoba
This was one important moment in Canadian history. Do you know which province gave women the right to vote first?
Ontario
Manitoba
Quebec
British Columbia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Manitoba was the first of the provinces and territories to allow women not only to vote but to be elected. Other provinces weren't far behind, but it took until 1960 for all women to be allowed to exercise their rights. Shown here is the presentation of a petition by the Political Equality League for the enfranchisement of women in Winnipeg, Dec. 23, 1915.

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1967
Wiki Commons by Ray Duguay
A milestone for the country, when was Canada's Centennial?
1800
2017
1989
1967
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Canada's Centennial celebrated 100 years since the country's Confederation. Did you know that one of the first Centennial babies born was Canadian Pamela Anderson? However another woman, Kara Ffolliot takes the top spot on this matter!

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Conscription
Wiki Commons by Library and Archives Canada
Canadians flocked to the polls to vote in favor of what in World War II?
Whether or not to join the fight
The age of majority to enlist
The Navy Commander
Conscription
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While the Prime Minister was set on not forcing Canadians into battle if they didn't want to go, he decided to hold a vote anyway. The majority came back in favor of conscription, to which many Canadians proudly stood up to serve.

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Quebec City
Posnov / Moment / Getty Images
Which modern Canadian city did Samuel de Champlain found in the early 1600s?
Quebec City
Ottawa
Calgary
St. John's
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Samuel de Champlain made a voyage to Canada to establish a French colony. The city he created is still standing today and known as Quebec City. In fact, you can still get a glimpse of some of the places from that period.

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The Group of Seven
Wiki Commons by Arthur Goss
Arthur Lismer, A.Y Jackson and Lawren Harris are all part of what?
Toronto Maple Leafs
Canadian Olympic Team
The Group of Seven
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

These are just a few of the members of this iconic group of painters! Often painting the beautiful Canadian landscapes, the group formed around 1920. Despite a few members coming and going, the group eventually came to its end after the members passed.

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Halifax
Wiki Commons by Library and Archives Canada (left) & Library of Congress (above right, below right)
In which Canadian city was there a massive explosion in 1917?
Toronto
Ottawa
Halifax
Montreal
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

An unfortunate explosion took place in Halifax after the collision of two cargo ships. The incident killed thousands and injured even more people, leaving many people helpless. However, despite the collision happening quickly, it took about 20 minutes for the large explosion to happen.

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The Hudson's Bay Company
Wiki Commons by Henry Alexander Ogden
It's still around today! Which Canadian company started off in fur trading in the late 1600s?
The Hudson's Bay Company
Sears Canada
BeaverTail
Tim Horton's
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Hudson's Bay Company has been around in Canada for a long time, but it still exists today. Eventually, the store expanded into a few major Canadian cities and provinces, which then helped it to develop even further.

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Canadian Radio Broadcasting Commission
Wiki Commons by NSARM Photo Drawer
The CRBC stood for which of the following?
Canadian Rights Board of Communications
Crowned Royal Baron of Canada
Canada's Railway Building Contractor
Canadian Radio Broadcasting Commission
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While Canada was subject to mostly American media, we eventually took it upon ourselves and created our own media provider. The commission is still around today, but we know it better by its new acronym, the CBC. Shown here is a rescue effort at the Moose River gold mine cave-in in Halifax County, Nova Scotia, broadcast live by the CRBC in 1936.

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Seven Years' War
Wiki Commons by Benjamin West
Fought in our homeland, the Battle of the Plains of Abraham was part of which war?
World War I
Cold War
World War II
Seven Years' War
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Battle of the Plains of Abraham was one pivotal battle in the larger Seven Years' War. It was significant in that the outcome meant that France had to turn Quebec over to the British.

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Three
Wiki Commons by Associated Press
How many times have the Olympic games been hosted by a Canadian city?
One
Three
Five
10
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Third time is the charm, as they say! The Olympic Games have been hosted in three different Canadian cities, Vancouver in 2010, Calgary in 1988 and Montreal in 1976. It's always possible that they could come back for a fourth.

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Toronto
Wiki Commons by Owen Staples
Can you name the Canadian city that was burned by the American forces during the War of 1812?
St. John's
Quebec City
Halifax
Toronto
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The British forces created a capital in Canada known as York, which is modern-day Toronto. Knowing that this was an important site, the Americans torched the government buildings, burning them to the ground.

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September
Wiki Commons by Hervey Smyth
What month did the Battle of the Plains of Abraham take place in?
September
January
March
December
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

September of 1759 was when the famous battle took place. Both of the commanders within the war passed away due to wounds from it, never getting to see what the exact outcome of the battle would be.

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1867
Wiki Commons
This is one date that's important to all Canadians! When was the Confederation of Canada?
1867
1900
1819
1760
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

1867 became a significant year for the country as Confederation took place. This meant that Canada officially became a country known as the Dominion of Canada. At this time, only a few provinces were part of the country.

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Alberta
Wiki Commons by Sarah S. Cornell
Which province did not become part of Canada in 1867?
Alberta
Ontario
New Brunswick
Quebec
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Only four provinces made up the country at this time, which included Nova Scotia. While most of Eastern Canada was considered part of the Dominion of Canada, it wasn't long before other provinces and territories would join.

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Louis St. Laurent
Wiki Commons by Photo Division, Government of India
The Fathers of Confederation changed the country. Which person did not play a large role in the country's confederation?
Louis St. Laurent
George Etienne-Cartier
John A. MacDonald
Sir Charles Tupper
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Many primary figures helped contribute to Confederation, but there were a few significant ones. Attending conferences was just part of what they had to do to fight for the country and make sure that the confederation truly happened. Louis St. Laurent, shown here, was the 12th prime minister of Canada, from 1948 to 1957.

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British Columbia
THEPALMER / DigitalVision Vectors / Getty Images
Four years after Confederation, which province became the next to join?
British Columbia
Saskatchewan
Alberta
Newfoundland
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

British Columbia became part of the country in 1871, joining the first four provinces. It became the first western province to join the country. Did you know that George Vancouver is known to have mapped the area many years prior?

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Sir John A. MacDonald
Wiki Commons by Library and Archives Canada
The first of many more to come, do you know who the first Prime Minister of Canada was?
Sir John A. MacDonald
George Etienne-Cartier
Jacques Cartier
William Lyon Mackenzie King
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

One of the people responsible for Canada becoming a county went on the become the nation's first Prime Minister. He spent around six years in office in this position, which then ended up going to Alexander Mackenzie.

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Canadian Pacific Railway
Wiki Commons by Library and Archives Canada
Since it's a large country, what was used to easily connect each part of Canada?
WestJet
Highway 305
Canadian Pacific Railway
The St. Lawrence River
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Canadian Pacific Railway was built in the late 1800s and connected the entire country together easily. It made access to any coast a train ride away, making for easier travel and shipping. Shown here are engineers of the Canadian Pacific Railway Survey in 1872.

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World War I
Wiki Commons by MarnixR
This famous poem is one that Canadians will always hold dear. Which conflict became the inspiration for "Flanders Fields?"
World War I
The War of 1812
World War II
Seven Years' War
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Written by John McCrae, this legendary poem is one that all Canadians read in school. In World War I, he lost a great friend to the war and became inspired to write the poem. When thinking of poppies, it probably comes to mind for you.

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Agnes MacPhail
Wiki Commons by Yousuf Karsh
Who was the first woman to sit in the House of Commons?
Kim Campbell
Laura Secord
Michaelle Jean
Agnes MacPhail
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Agnes MacPhail made history when she was elected as the country's first female MP in 1921. First elected as part of the Progressive Party, she would go on to be part of many other parties throughout her life.

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A lake
Wiki Commons by E. Ronjat / Moncornet
Important people to Canada's history have had many parts of the country named for them. Samuel de Champlain had what named after him?
A city
The country
A mountain
A lake
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Lake Champlain is located on the Canada-US border, but mostly located in the United States. Despite this, Samuel de Champlain ventured down the lake and mapped it along his way, which is why it took on his name.

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Camp X
Wiki Commons by Lynn Hodgson
What was the name of Canada's secret spy camp during World War II?
Canadian Spy School
CSO
007 Training
Camp X
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Though it sounds like something out of a movie, Camp X was a real thing. The camp trained spies throughout the Second World War in Ontario, and it eventually ceased operation in the late 1960s.

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Leif Erikson
Wiki Commons by Christian Krohg
Who was the first explorer to touchdown in the country before it was known as Canada?
Leif Erikson
Sir Francis Drake
Hernan Cortes
Jacques Cartier
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Before Jacques Cartier made his way to Canada, Leif Erikson and the Vikings touched down. They made their way over to the Maritimes where they settled in L'Anse aux Meadows. It's still possible to visit the area where they settled for a time today.

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Nunavut
bergserg / DigitalVision Vectors / Getty Images
Canada has three territories, but which one was the last to join the country?
Nunavut
Northwest Territories
Yukon
They all joined at the same time.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Nunavut joined the country just before the start of the new millennium in 1999. The last of all of the provinces and territories to join, it brought the country to a total of 13. There's no telling if there might be more provinces in the future!

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1894
Wiki Commons by Library and Archives Canada
This important Canadian award has a long history. When was the first Stanley Cup awarded to a winning hockey team?
1894
1789
1979
1906
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Before the NHL had been established, teams were still competing for the famous Stanley Cup. The first time it was awarded was in 1894 to the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association. Hockey truly does run in the blood of Canadians!

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The Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Wiki Commons
What is the first portion of the Constitution known as?
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms
British North America Acts
NAFTA
Manitoba Act
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Charter of Rights and Freedoms was first enacted in 1982. It is important in relation to human rights in the country, which are protected under it. It protects every citizen and holds each person as equals. Shown here is Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, a major advocate of the Charter.

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Sir Wilfrid Laurier
Wiki Commons by William James Topley
Can you name the person who became Canada's first French Canadian Prime Minister?
George Etienne-Cartier
Louis St. Laurent
Pierre Elliott Trudeau
Sir Wilfrid Laurier
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A member of the Liberal Party, Sir Wilfrid Laurier became Prime Minister in 1896 and stayed in the position until the early 1900s. A strong leader in his own right, he was also a long-standing member in the House of Commons.

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Horse racing
Wiki Commons by 水野 航平
The Queen's Plate is the sport of which of the following?
Hockey
Horse racing
Lacrosse
Soccer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This legendary event first took place in Canada in 1860. It received approval through the Governor-General, but eventually, the event was passed in the Queen's honor. In fact, it's not uncommon for members of the Royal Family to attend. The race takes place at Woodbine Racetrack, Etobicoke, Ontario, each summer.

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The country's name
Wiki Commons by British American Bank Note Company
Though he's known for many things, what about Canada is credited to Jacques Cartier?
The national anthem
The flag
The government
The country's name
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jacques Cartier gave Canada the famous name that we know it by today. The name is derived from the Iroquois word for "village" called "kanata." In fact, there's even a place in Canada that goes by this original name.

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The Battle of Vimy Ridge
Wiki Commons by Richard Jack
Which battle showed Canada's strength as a nation to the world?
The Battle of Vimy Ridge
Seven Years' War
Dieppe Raid
Battle of Ypres
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Vimy Ridge is a battle that will forever go down in Canadian history. Though many other forces tried to take it from the Germans, only Canada's forces proved to be successful. This didn't come without tremendous loss, however. Many brave Canadians who went out on the battlefield tragically lost their lives.

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1964
Wiki Commons by Jared Grove
When did Canada adopt the flag that we still fly today?
2000
1867
1964
1890
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

George Stanley created the iconic flag with our official colors on it. The flag became official in the 1960s when Lester B. Pearson and his government were faced with the task of giving the country its own form of identification, something that was overdue.

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Montreal
Wiki Commons by The Webhamster
This world event was one you didn't want to miss. What Canadian city was the 1967 Expo held in?
Ottawa
Vancouver
Edmonton
Montreal
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The 1967 Expo was an important one to Canada and the world as it was held during the Centennial. It wasn't always meant to be held in Canada, as Russia was the first choice for the year, but decided to cancel.

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Wiki Commons by Library and Archives Canada