How Canada Got Its Name

The name Canada was first used by Jacques Cartier when he misunderstood the Iroquois on an expedition up the St. Lawrence River in 1535. It wasn't the only name considered for the new Dominion at Canadian Confederation in 1867 though. Other suggestions included Borealia and Tuponia (short for The United Provinces of North America). Just think. If things had gone a little bit differently, we could be celebrating Tuponia Day not Canada Day on July 1!

Image: Imaginary Portrait of Jacques Cartier
Library and Archives Canada, Acc. No. 1997-218-1

More on Canadian Place Names
How Canadian Provinces Got Their Names
How Canadian Capital Cities Got Their Names