The best things that first came from Canada – and it’s not just Ryan Reynolds

THE best things to come out of Canada include insulin, peanut butter – and Ryan Reynolds, according to a poll.

Research among 2,000 adults found many are unaware of the innovations and famous faces that have emanated from America’s northern neighbour.

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The pacemaker, alkaline batteries and maple syrup are among the top inventions from Canada, along with the Walkie Talkie and snowmobile.

Favourite celebrity exports include Keanu Reeves, Bryan Adams and Celine Dion.

Nearly half (48 per cent) wrongly believe Canadian-born Jim Carrey is from America, and a similar percentage think the same about Pamela Anderson.

And the confusion doesn’t stop at famous faces as more than a fifth (22 per cent) thought Toronto was the capital of Canada – when it’s in fact Ottawa.

The study was commissioned by Canadian airline, Air Transat, which in response to the findings, created an American or Canadian quiz testing people’s knowledge when it comes to famous faces.

Sonia Kurek, the brand’s UK commercial director, said: “So many great things have been born out of Canada – people included – it’s too difficult to decide what tops the list.

“But we’ve loved seeing what the nation considers ‘the best of’ and it’s been especially interesting to see the celebs and inventions we assume are American.”

It also emerged its natural beauty (62 per cent) was voted the best thing Canada had to offer as 76 per cent agree its scenery is ‘world leading’.

Wildlife (42 per cent), the friendly people (23 per cent), and the variety of outdoor activities on offer (26 per cent) also featured high on the list.

However, 46 per cent think everything it has to offer is overshadowed by being situated next door to the USA.

While more than three quarters knew that Niagara Falls was an iconic Canadian spot (77 per cent), just 29 per cent could name Alberta’s Banff National Park and only 12 per cent knew of the Cabot Trail.

Of those who haven’t yet visited the country, 26 per cent confirm it is on their future travel bucket list.

With 48 per cent claiming there is no real reason for not going yet other than just ‘not getting round to it’, according to the OnePoll study.

When thinking of holidaying there, an outdoor-type break is what most springs to mind for 33 per cent of all those polled, while 26 per cent envision a road trip style holiday.

And four in 10 who haven’t yet been believe a Canadian holiday would give them some of the best content for their social media.

Sonia added: “Canada is the ideal place to try new things – from whale watching to sledding, the list of activities is endless.

“There is something for everyone, no matter what your holiday goals are and for those who simply haven’t got round to it yet, booking a ticket to the Great White North couldn’t be easier.”

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