While the U.S. and Canada share a border, there are many things that the two neighboring countries don’t share. Whether it’s everyday differences or deep-rooted cultural celebrations, we’ve listed 18 things you can find in America that you can’t in Canada!
In-N-Out Burger
If you’re dependent on this delicious fast-food chain, you might not want to cross the border! Canada doesn’t have any In-N-Out Burger restaurants, as it’s only famous on the West Coast of the U.S. Thanks to its private ownership, its iconic menu hasn’t passed over into Canada.
National Parks Hoping to Match Yellowstone
While Canada has a variety of amazing national parks, none come close to America’s Yellowstone, the oldest national park in the world. According to Yellowstone Forever, Yellowstone is larger than the states of Rhode Island and Delaware combined.
The Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is one of the most-watched television events in the world, and it’s an important championship for people in the U.S. Canada doesn’t have the same feelings toward the Super Bowl, so you’ll have to stay in the U.S. if you want to experience those epic half-time shows.
The Mall of America
If you want to visit a mall that caters to all your shopping needs while offering an entire amusement park and aquarium, you’ll have to stay in the U.S.! The Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country
The Grand Canyon
America’s Grand Canyon is unmatched, even with all of Canada’s beauty. One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the canyon is famous for its breathtaking views and popular hiking trails for Arizonian tourists and beyond. You can’t find a natural canyon like it anywhere across the border.
The Black Friday Shopping Craze
Black Friday is a major shopping event that occurs every year after Thanksgiving—but you won’t be fighting any holiday crowds in Canada. The U.S. takes Black Friday very seriously in terms of savings to be had, and it attracts millions of shoppers per year.
The Glam of Hollywood
If you want to be in the best place for celebrity glam and the pinnacle of the entertainment industry, Canada is not the place to be. Hollywood is the center of the global media industry, and any events in relation to it, such as the Oscars, are held in the U.S.
Fourth of July Celebrations
Britannica reports how the very first Independence Day celebrations took place on July 4, 1776. Since then, Fourth of July fireworks and events have been a staple of modern life. However, this national holiday is only significant in the U.S. and not Canada.
The Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and education center. It is located in the U.S. and is unmatched in terms of other complexes of its kind in Canada—or even the world. It houses a whopping 19 museums, 21 libraries, and even a zoo!
Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley is the global center of technology and innovation. Located in California, it’s home to some of the biggest tech companies in the world, including Apple and Google. In terms of technological hubs that have such an impact, Canada sadly doesn’t have any that come close.
Disney World
Disney parks are, of course, found around the world, but if you want the crown jewel, then you can only find that in Orlando, Florida. Disney World is the most popular recreational resort in the world, with Magic Guides informing us that, on average, over 58 million people visit each year.
Bourbon Whiskey
Bourbon whiskey is the pride of Kentucky; though it’s popular throughout the U.S. While you can find it in Canada, the highest quality will only be found in the U.S., where people are more proud of bourbon than across the border.
Route 66
Both Canada and America have a wealth of incredible scenic drives, yet the iconic Route 66 can only be found in the U.S. Known as the ‘Main Street of America’, it’s long since symbolized freedom and is the pinnacle for road trips and bucket list travel.
NASCAR
One of the most popular motorsport events in the world, NASCAR, can only be found in the U.S. If you enjoy stock car racing, this is the only event to consider. It attracts millions of fans and has a dedicated following with which any car event in Canada will unlikely be able to compete.
Mardi Gras in New Orleans
Mardi Gras is celebrated in the U.S. in many different regions that have French colonial heritage, yet New Orleans is the number one choice for carnival celebrations. You can find Mardi Gras celebrations in Canada, yet New Orleans is often unparalleled for festive events.
Las Vegas Strip
The LVCVA reports that over 40 million visitors visited the Las Vegas Strip in 2023, highlighting the popularity of this iconic entertainment venue. Its casinos, hotels, and desert location are unmatched by similar venues in Canada.
Mount Rushmore
Americans and visitors alike respect the Mount Rushmore monument, which is exclusive to the U.S. The iconic national sculpture is a key representation of U.S. history and heritage, revealing the faces of four key presidents.
Major League Baseball (MLB)
Canada isn’t known for its famous baseball teams, while the MLB is the oldest and one of the most respected professional sports leagues in the history of the U.S. America has 30 baseball teams in the league and celebrates legendary events like the World Series that you can’t find in Canada.