Canada is renowned for its stunning scenery, maple syrup, kind locals, and, of course, some of the world’s most bizarre town names. Although most people associate Canada with cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, there are many odd Canadian towns that are hidden away and have names so peculiar they could be the subject of a joke. Using unusual Canadian names, this article takes you from coast to coast, highlighting locations that are both unforgettable and unbelievable.
Newfoundland & Labrador’s Dildo:
The town of Dildo is real. Its population is actual. It even has “Captain Dildo” as its mascot. What began as a harmless (and ambiguous) allusion, perhaps to a boat or oar-locking device, has become a phenomenon among locals and visitors. For a brief time, Jimmy Kimmel even served as the town’s honorary mayor, drawing attention to this amusingly titled fishing village from all over the world.
Saskatchewan’s Moose Jaw
Moose Jaw is a delightful prairie community, despite the fact that it seems like a place where enormous moose with enormous jaws prowl the streets. The origin of its name is still up for controversy; some claim it comes from the Cree phrase for “warm breezes,” while others attribute it to the shape of a local river bend that is said to resemble the jaw of a moose.
Quebec’s Saint-Louis-du-Ha! Ha!
That isn’t a typo, sorry. The only town in the world with two exclamation points in its name is this one. The “Ha! Ha!” may be an old French phrase for an insurmountable barrier, according to historians, but let’s face it, it seems like the town is making fun of every car that passes by.
Ontario’s Swastika
Prior to the symbol’s association with World War II and thereafter, Swastika was just a mining town that got its name from a lucky charm. Residents refused to give up their heritage, claiming they were the first to adopt the name, in spite of attempts to change it.
Manitoba’s Bacon Ridge
The ideal moniker for foodies. Even if the town doesn’t truly smell like breakfast, reading the sign makes it difficult to avoid picturing waking up to the sound of bacon frying. Despite having a moniker that is all flavor, Bacon Ridge offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle.
Saskatchewan’s Climax
Although the name is a source of many jokes, it’s not what you may imagine. In fact, this small town bears the name of Climax, Colorado. Nevertheless, the town signs are frequently stolen because the puns are so good here.
Ontario’s Crotch Lake
Situated close to Frontenac, this picturesque lake with an unimpressive name has become something of a folktale among campers and nature lovers. Crotch Lake will undoubtedly be a memorable stop, regardless of your interests—fishing, kayaking, or simply repeating the word out.
Newfoundland and Labrador, “Blow Me Down”
It’s actually a park and area in Newfoundland, although it sounds like a pirate insult. It is said that the name was inspired by the windy weather in the area or perhaps by a sailor who was having a bad day.
Alberta’s Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
Although it isn’t a town in the traditional sense, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is worth mentioning. Named after the terrible tale of a young Blackfoot lad who, well, the name says it all, stood too close to a buffalo jump.
British Columbia’s Stoner
Stoner, a blink-and-you-miss-it location in British Columbia’s Cariboo region, has a moniker that, in contemporary parlance, denotes something quite different. It’s still a favorite for road trip jokes and selfies.
Ontario’s Punkeydoodles Corners
This one is beyond the comprehension of even Canadians. In any case, it’s among Canada’s most adored odd town names.
Flin Flon, Saskatchewan/Manitoba
Joseph Flintabbatey Floating, a fictional figure from a science fiction book, inspired the name of this border-straddling city. That is true. To show that, the town even has a statue of him wearing scuba gear
Newfoundland and Labrador, Come By Chance
The place was named after an earlier explorer who happened to find it “by chance,” and the name remained. Whenever someone happens to come to this town by chance, it now feels like fate.
British Columbia’s Bummers Roost
With a name like that, you have to wonder what kind of hangovers the early settlers had at Bummers Roost, tucked away in the bush. Although it is now a ghost town, its legacy endures.
Why Do Town Names in Canada Seem So Odd?
Colonial history: When names from French, English, or Indigenous languages are combined, they frequently seem strange.
Influence of immigrants: People from all over Europe carried their naming customs and sense of humor with them.
Puns based on geography: Wordplay and geography jokes have long been popular among Canadians.
Geography of Canada Humor: Not Just Jokes About the Cold Weather
Despite their reputation for being kind, Canadians are also subtly funny. The nation’s sense of humor, storytelling, and even some lighthearted opposition to contemporary trends are all reflected in these amusing Canadian town names (such as the refusal to rename “Swastika”)
Names of Towns That Visitors Cannot Stop Taking Pictures of:
Unofficial tourist sites include Dildo, Climax, and Eyebrow, among other towns. Locals frequently welcome the attention with themed events or novelty items, and road trippers love taking selfies with town signs.
Worth mentioning is Balls Falls, Ontario.
The Bay of Witless, Newfoundland
Ontario, No Name
Ontario’s Peepee Township
Nova Scotia’s Poverty Point
Alberta’s Dead man’s Flats
In conclusion, a charming and humorous country
Canada has plenty to offer, whether you’re planning an oddball road trip across the country or you just want to laugh at the map. Every hamlet, from Crotch Lake to Punker doodles Corners, has a unique narrative to tell, some of which are true, some of which are enigmatic.
These strange Canadian settlements demonstrate that, on occasion, geography may be just as humorous as a comedy show. Take a map, gather your belongings, and embark on an adventure through the True North’s humor.
