A Deep Dive Into Canada’s Strangest, Funniest, and Most Unique City Names

Canada is a vast country known for its breathtaking landscapes, friendly people, and—surprisingly—some of the weirdest and funniest place names in the world! From Dildo to Punkeydoodles Corners, these names tell stories of exploration, Indigenous heritage, local legends, and sometimes just plain randomness.

Some towns have names that make you laugh out loud, while others are impossible to pronounce. Whether you’re a traveler, a geography nerd, or just here for the laughs, this guide will take you on a journey through Canada’s most amusing and unique city names!

Why Do Canadian Cities Have Such Unusual Names?

Ever wondered why Canada has places like “Moose Jaw” and “Crotch Lake”? Here’s why:

1. Honoring Indigenous and Historical Roots

Many Canadian place names originate from Indigenous languages, preserving history and culture. Names like “Iqaluit” (meaning “place of many fish”) and “Saskatoon” (from a Cree word for a local berry) showcase this influence.

2. The Influence of Explorers and Settlers

Early European explorers and settlers brought names inspired by their homelands. For example, “Calgary” comes from a Scottish Gaelic phrase meaning “bay farm.”

3. The Love of Quirky, Descriptive Names

Many town names came from how settlers described the land. “Medicine Hat” originated from a Cree legend, while “Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump” tells a tragic story of bison hunting.

4. The Need for a Laugh!

Some towns were given funny names on purpose! “Punkeydoodles Corners” and “Saint-Louis-du-Ha! Ha!”

Funniest & Strangest Canadian City Names (With Meanings)

1. Dildo (Newfoundland and Labrador)

• This name has made headlines worldwide, but no one is sure where it came from! One theory is that it was an old maritime term for a piece of a boat.

2. Swastika (Ontario)

• Named in the early 1900s, this town’s name comes from the Sanskrit word for “good fortune.” Despite its unfortunate modern association, residents refused to rename it during WWII!

3. Balls Creek (Nova Scotia)

• Originally named after a local family, but let’s be honest—it’s hilarious.

4. Blow Me Down (Newfoundland and Labrador)

• This windy town was named for the strong gusts that could literally blow people over!

5. Punkeydoodles Corners (Ontario)

• Legend says a tavern keeper used to sing “Punkeydoodle” instead of real words, and the town was humorously named after him!

6. Goobies (Newfoundland and Labrador)

• No one really knows why this town got its name, but it’s a favorite among tourists looking for a fun photo op.

7. Stoner (British Columbia)

• No, it’s not named for what you think—it was named after a settler named Stoner. But the jokes write themselves!

8. Crotch Lake (Ontario)

• Likely named for its Y-shaped water body, but definitely one of the more awkward names to say out loud.

9. Spuzzum (British Columbia)

• A tiny place so remote that the phrase “beyond Spuzzum” means “in the middle of nowhere.”

10. Moose Factory (Ontario)

• This town was a major fur trading post, but today, it sounds like a place where moose are manufactured!

Weirdest Canadian Place Names

Here are even more Canadian towns with names that will make you laugh or scratch your head:

• Blow Me Down
• Moose Jaw
• Goobies
• Medicine Hat
• Spuzzum
• Crotch Lake
• Elbow
• Deadman’s Flats
• Stinking Lake
• Hungry Hill

Most Difficult-to-Pronounce Canadian Place Names

Some Canadian town names are nearly impossible to say correctly the first time. Try saying these ten times fast!

• Ukkusiksalik
• Tsiigehtchic
• Kangiqsualujjuaq
• Iqaluit
• Aklavik
• Pond Inlet
• Kugluktuk
• Kuujjuaq
• Tuktoyaktuk
• Qu’Appelle

Canadian Cities with the Longest Names

Canada has a few towns with impressively long names. These ones are a mouthful:

• Saint-Louis-du-Ha! Ha! (The only town name in the world with two exclamation marks!)
• Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump (A UNESCO site named after a hunting mishap.)
• Bonavista-by-the-Sea
• North West River
• Port-au-Choix
• Dorchester Crossing
• Red Deer Lake
• Cape Saint Francis
• Frenchman Butte

Coolest Canadian City Names

Some towns just sound awesome:

• Whitehorse
• Thunder Bay
• Dawson City
• Yellowknife
• Moonbeam
• Jasper
• Banff
• Churchill
• Snow Lake
• Peace River

Cities in Canada Named After Rivers

• Red River
• Peace River
• Fraser River
• Mackenzie River
• Columbia River
• Athabasca River
• Ottawa River
• Saskatchewan River
• Saint Lawrence River
• Yukon River

Worst Canadian City Names

Some of these names are just unfortunate:

• Toad River
• Flin Flon
• Vulcan
• Rat Portage
• Bummers Roost
• Biggar
• Climax
• Dorking
• Swastika
• Punkeydoodles Corners

Best Canadian City Names for Dogs

Looking for a Canada-inspired dog name? These city names work great for pets!

• Jasper
• Banff
• Moose
• Yukon
• Churchill
• Elbow
• Bear
• Thunder
• Red
• Rocky

Hilariously Inappropriate Canadian Place Names

• Dildo
• Swastika
• Crotch Lake
• Balls Falls
• Climax
• Big Beaver
• Bummers Roost
• Spread Eagle
• Stoner
• Punkeydoodles Corners

Final Thoughts: The Wild World of Canadian Place Names

Canada is full of surprises, and its town names are no exception. Whether you’re planning a road trip or just here for a laugh, these hilarious, historical, and just plain bizarre names prove that Canada doesn’t take itself too seriously.