The Best Books about Canada of 2024

Aside from Canada being our border to the north, what do you know about it?  There are not too many people who can answer this question with certainty; however, after reading this list, you will hopefully be able to get there.  This list will aim to provide you with some of the best books about Canada.

When you think about Canada, what comes to mind?  Outside of maple syrup, Canada possesses a rich history that should be shared and explored. No matter if you are a student or an individual simply seeking to learn more about a place that you are unfamiliar with, there is something on this list for everyone.

This list aims to make your research on Canada as simple as possible.  You will find that some books will provide a short history of Canada, whereas others will provide details of specific events.  These Canadian history books are utilized and praised by a multitude of teachers, students, historians, and researchers just like you.

Outside of providing you with several books to intrigue you about Canada, we will also provide you with tips for choosing the best books for you. All you have to do to get all of this information is to keep reading.

If you want to just get back to studying, get our top choice for books about Canada here.

Last update: 2024-05-06

Our Favorites for Best Books About Canada

The American Invasion of Canada: The War of 1812's First Year by Pierre Berton

The American Invasion of Canada: The War of 1812’s First Year is a text which details the accounts of one of Canada’s oddest wars. This war was a particularly strange war for the Canadian people. This is a text loved by all and provides accounts of love and heroism.

What Makes It Unique:

• The American Invasion of Canada provides first-hand accounts through the use of memoirs and personal diaries. It also includes information from dispatches.    The text seeks to give you a vivid picture of just what wartime was about.
• Pierre Berton also provides readers with first-hand accounts from a variety of individuals. These include traitors, loyalists, ordinary soldiers, and higher-ranking military officials.
• The text opens with highly resourceful information that includes the names of all of the men listed in the book. It also includes who they are and how long they served in their respective capacities and maps. The men listed are divided by their groups.
• Berton adequately explains the background information surrounding the war and provides insight from the Canadian side. He provides maps that showcase the Great Lakes theaters of war.

Why Choose This Canadian History Book:

• Many readers felt that 1812 is a year that is not as widely discussed as others in Canadian history. They found The American Invasion of Canada: The War of 1812's First Year to be a text that touches on events they had never learned before.
• Several readers feel strongly about this text. Though some find it anti-American, when explaining their unpreparedness for war, however, that is something you must read the book to decide.

Last update: 2024-05-06

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Canada by Mike Meyers

Mike Meyers is well known for his lucrative acting career, but in Canada, he writes about his love for the great northern country. Mike Meyers wants everyone to know that despite everything he is, he is a Canadian first. Though not a traditional Canadian history book, the text is equal parts history, memoir, and entertainment.

What Makes It Unique:

• This text is told entirely from Mike Meyer’s viewpoint. He touches on why being Canadian is important to him and his relationship with his homeland.
• As an expatriate, the book recounts his experiences through Canada and provides photos and illustrations throughout to provide readers with a piece of his homeland.
• The book is told with much humor and nostalgia. It is highly recommended for Canadians and Americans.
• Mike Meyers explains his life in Canada from 1963 to 1983.

Why Choose This Canadian History Book:

• Many readers and Canadians found information in this book which they had never know. This text is a tribute to Canada and can be considered a real Canadian gem.

Last update: 2024-05-06

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Rise to Greatness: The History of Canada From the Vikings to the Present by Conrad Black 

Rise to Greatness: The History of Canada From the Vikings to the Present is a text presented by one of Canada’s most renown historians. It is a book that tells the stories of Canada and the events that have made it what it is today. The ranges from the year 874, ending in 2014. Conrad Black has written several notable texts, including the biographies of Richard Nixon and even Franklin D. Roosevelt.

What Makes It Unique:

• The text opens with a forward from Paul Johnson, where he explains that unlike America, Canada’s history is not widely known but still full of significant and notable events. It is ultimately a story that needs to be told and one that Conrad Black has succeeded in telling well.
• The text is split into parts with each section covering a set span of years and events. The book starts with the event leading up to Canada’s birth and the French Monarchy.
• Rise to Greatness: The History of Canada From the Vikings to the Present walks readers through its struggles, including the War of 1812 and its victories. It even provides a view of Canada’s healthcare systems.
• Black’s text is not one that will shy away from word choice for fear of a reader not comprehending the material. Instead, he openly challenges the vocabulary of everyone reading the text.

Why Choose This Canadian History Book:

• If you are looking for a text which highlights the common man and the struggles that Canadian citizens may have, this is not the text for you. Instead, Black speaks more of the “formidable man” or more renown individuals within history. This includes kings, soldiers, and “noblemen”. It’s important to note that this is considered a general history text, rather than a social history.
• This text focuses on Canadian history with high regard for the United States and Great Britain. Many readers find this to be an engaging read and can also find some humor within its pages.
• This text can serve as an excellent reference text for readers looking for information on early life in Canada.

Last update: 2024-05-06

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Runner Ups for Best Canadian History Books

Why I Hate Canadians by Will Ferguson

Why I Hate Canadians is an enthusiastic and satirical text initially written in 1997.  It includes several historical moments within Canadian time.  Its exaggerated title makes it a stand out book though the author, by no means, hates Canadians. Many people don’t understand why anyone would want to hate a Canadian, and it draws them into the text.

What Makes It Unique:

• Why I Hate Canadians contains an abundance of information about a variety of topics. He also uses his text to acknowledge the good and bad parts of Canada.
• Ferguson used two specific events in his life to draw inspiration for this text. These events include his time spent in government youth programs as well as his time spent teaching English in Japan.  These experiences gave him a unique view of Canada.
• This text is generally a collection of essays where the author aims to debunk common myths on Canadians.
• Ferguson often goes on historical tangents to provide readers with historical facts about Canada.

Why Choose This Canadian History Book:

• Many individuals find this text funny and intriguing. Users raved about being able to understand this text better than a more serious book because of its humorous side. If you are looking for a text of a similar caliber, some readers recommend reading this text in conjunction with Canadian History for Dummies.
• This is a text that many individuals overlooked simply for its title but were surprised at the depth of its content. This is an excellent text for people with little insight into Canadian history.

Last update: 2024-05-06

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A People's History of Quebec by Jacques Lacoursière

A People’s History of Quebec tells the story of the St. Lawrence Valley settlement as well as the travelers from Montreal and Quebec who inhabited and mapped a large part of North America.  The text aims to connect information regarding everyday life and the settlement’s historical turning points.

What Makes It Unique:

• The text opens with the story of Quebec’s beginning in July of 1534. It reads much like a story and is an insightful and intriguing read.  The book provides a timeline of the city from then to the present day.
• Each of the text’s chapters explains Quebec’s current system was formed. Chapters often end with photographs to bring readers into the time period being presented.
• The book provides a look into how the population of Eastern Canada formed as well as how individuals survived during Louis XIV’s reign. It also gives information about the people known as “French Canadians.”
• Though this is a small text, coming in at 210 pages, and many events have been condensed, it is a beautiful introduction to Quebec and history that has brought it where it is today.

Why Choose This Canadian History Book:

• This is an excellent text for individuals interested in Canadian history or who are preparing to travel to Quebec and simply want insight into its past.
• Jacques Lacoursière is a notable writer from Quebec who exquisitely captures its history within this text. This is an excellent reference text for historians or students needing information on Quebec’s origins.

Last update: 2024-05-06

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Value Picks for Best Books About Canada

Canadian History for Dummies by Will Ferguson

Canadian History for Dummies by Will Ferguson is a text that is brought to you by the For Dummies series.  Though many try to discredit the series as providing low-level information, this text is one that comes highly recommended by several individuals.  Canadian History for Dummies provides an overview of Canadian history, including events like the 2002 Olympics and even Canada’s choice not to participate in the Iraq War.  Will Ferguson’s writing style once again shines through.

What Makes It Unique:

• Each chapter of Canadian History for Dummies focuses on a different period of time. The first two chapters provide a brief overview of Canada’s beginnings, and the book takes you through 2005.
• The text includes a chapter dedicated to Canada’s most notable prime ministers. This consists of ten ministers that Ferguson feels that readers need to know.  This includes R.B Bennett, Brian Mulroney, Wilfred Laurier, and more.
• If you are looking for Canada’s military history, there is a section for you too. The text covers the Invasion of Italy, the Rhineland, and even the Scheldt campaign.
• This text is considered a crash course in Canadian literacy. It provides information regarding Canada’s most significant events, leaders, themes.
• The book is organized chronologically, and it is recommended that the book be read in order.
• The beginning of each chapter includes a brief outline of what will be covered in the section for individuals who want to know what is coming.

Why Choose This Canadian History Book:

• Many readers have considered this text sassy and highly informative. It is a text that not only provides information but for entertainment as well.  Will Ferguson is a humorous writer who presents readers with facts.
• If you are looking for a large amount of information on the modern era, you may be slightly disappointed. However, the author heavily accounts for the earlier years, more specifically, 1631- 1799.
• The book is told heavily from a Canadian viewpoint, which may make it an exciting read for individuals from other places.

Last update: 2024-05-06

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History: Canadian History in 50 Events: From Early Settlement to the Present Day by James Weber

James Weber brings readers History: Canadian History in 50 Events: From Early Settlement to the Present Day.  This text covers 50 of the most notable events in Canadian History.  These events take place from its settlement, thirty thousand years ago, to the present day.  This book is an excellent read if you are looking to learn more about Canada and, ultimately, the 50 events that have defined its history.

What Makes It Unique:

• The text includes 50 different chapters, each covering a separate event. These events range from the formation of the Iroquois Confederacy to the 2010 Olympics, where Canada takes home the gold.
• The author also aims to show how immigration greatly affected Canadian culture and speak to its economic developments since the end of the World War.
• The text uses the list method to present information. It provides not only images but timelines and a document-based history.

Why Choose This Canadian History Book:

• Many users reading the text were surprised at the amount of information it covered. Some were not familiar with the amount of history that Canada has as more significant countries can sometimes overshadow it. If you want to brush up on Canadian history, this is the perfect text for you.
• This is a quick read, as it is not too dense. Many individuals use it as a gateway to other resources for information. After reading this book, readers are inspired to research several different events and take an interest in Canadian history.
• If you are looking for a book that will help you better understand Canada in its current state, History: Canadian History in 50 Events: From Early Settlement to the Present Day is great for that.
• This text is overall easy to comprehend and straightforwardly presents information.

Last update: 2024-05-06

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How to Choose the Best Book About Canada for You

Choosing the best Canadian book can be a hard task, but it can be easy if you know what you are looking for.  If you are a student, you are likely looking for a supplemental text for your coursework or a reference text.  Before you begin digging through books and scouring websites, make sure you know your intent, it will drive your search.

You will also need to make sure you know what style of book you are looking for.  This can be a novel, a collection of essays, an autobiography, a textbook, or any other forms. Each of these books will present information differently, with some being opinion-based.  If you are looking for all factual information, make sure you find a text which is objective and comprehensive.

When your text was written will also have an impact on the books you find.  If you are looking for a text which covers modern Canada, you will not want to purchase a book which was written in 1990 or that does not include modern-day Canada.

These are a few simple things to keep in mind when you are looking for a text. The book you choose doesn’t have to be right for anyone but you.

Wrapping Up the Best Books About Canada

This list contains several books that readers like you should be able to use in several ways. Canada has a rich history that often people overlook.  The texts in this list will ensure that you get your fill of Canadian history books.

If you are looking for an overview of Canadian history, Canadian History for Dummies and Rise to Greatness: The History of Canada From the Vikings to the Present are two excellent places to start.  They provide an overview of Canadian history without being overwhelming to their readers.

Two other texts which provide a different perspective on Canada are Why I Hate Canadians, a satirical collection of experience and essays, and The American Invasion of Canada: The War of 1812's First Year. The American Invasion of Canada looks into Canada’s military history and its involvement in the war of 1812.

Regardless of what book you choose, utilize the tips listed above to select a book that not only is about Canada, but that provides you with the information you need. Happy Hunting.

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