By Dana Perkiss
We know to thank Canada for maple syrup and ice skating, but what about for your favorite celebrities? From your most beloved stars to celeb crushes, here are 10 of your favorite Canadian celebrities!
Sandra Oh
Some may remember her from Princess Diaries, but Sandra Oh is best known for her roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Killing Eve — am I the only one (im)patiently waiting for Killing Eve season 4?
This phenomenal actress was born in Nepean, a district inside of Ottawa. You could spend a day strolling through the quaint neighborhoods of Nepean, visiting scenic parks and watching boats sail along the bordering Ottawa River!
Eugene Levy and Dan Levy
The iconic father-son duo and creators/stars of Schitt’s Creek are both from Canada — Eugene from Hamilton, Ontario, while Dan was born in Toronto. You’ll also recognize Eugene as the awkward father from American Pie, while Dan started his film career as a host on MTV Canada.
Fans of Schitt’s Creek should check out Goodwood, Ontario, where most of the show was filmed. You can visit sites like Bob's Garage and Rose Apothecary!
Justin Bieber
Perhaps the biggest teen heartthrob in the 2010’s and whose current songs Peaches and Ghosts are on radio repeats, Bieber was born in London, Ontario. He was raised by his mother in Stratford, a city along the Avon River.
Stratford is known for its Stratford Festival, a theatrical festival from April to October. You can walk around the city marveling at gorgeous Victorian buildings, visit the Shakespearean Gardens, and eat your way through Stratford’s Chocolate Trail!
Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson rose from stardom as a wrestling sensation, then went on to become a major actor with films such as Tooth Fairy, Moana, and Fast and the Furious.
Though he wasn’t born in Canada, his dad was born in Nova Scotia and moved them to Toronto when Johnson was young. He played in the Canadian Football League in 1995, and even became an official Canadian citizen in 2009! Not only that, but the Vancouver mayor officially made October 19 “Dwayne the Rock Johnson Day”.
Drake
Drake became famous starring in the Canadian TV series Degrassi: The Next Generation and then went on to become a global rap superstar. His newest album Certified Lover Boy has been excitedly anticipated by fans, with hit songs like Wants and Needs and Fair Trade.
He was born in Forest Hill, a neighborhood close to central Toronto. If you’ve watched his new What’s Next music video, you’ll be able to recognize the CN Tower, Yonge-Dundas Square, and Ripley’s Aquarium as Drake tours through his hometown.
Keanu Reeves
Most famous for his role in the Matrix series (get excited about the new Matrix Resurrections trailer), Reeves was born in Lebanon until moving to Toronto. He was an ice hockey goalie and pursued by scouts, but chose to follow his dreams of acting instead.
You already know about the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium, but Toronto is filled with dozens of attractions. Walk around the Entertainment District for delicious dining and live performances, or visit the Toronto Zoo for wildlife excursions through a Gorilla Rainforest and Tundra Trek.
Celine Dion
Though her name hardly needs further explanation for her fame, Queen Celine is renowned for her extraordinary vocals and romantic lyrics. She is perhaps most known for her songs Because You Loved Me, It's All Coming Back to Me Now, and My Heart Will Go On from your favorite tearjerker, Titanic.
Dion was born in the predominantly French-speaking town of Charlemagne, Quebec. Visit the monument dedicated to Dion in Charlemagne or walk along the street named after her by the north shore of the Rivière des Prairies.
Kim Cattrall
Best known for her iconic role as Samantha Jones in Sex and the City (who sadly won’t be in the reboot And Just Like That), Cattrall was born in England before moving to Courtenay, British Columbia as a baby. Courtenay is a city on the east coast of Vancouver Island known for its beautiful beaches, ski resorts, and famous golf courses — basically the ideal getaway.
While there, walk through Seal Bay Nature Park with its numerous forest trails and waterfront areas perfect for seal watching. You’ll also want to explore Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens and take a fossils tour at Courtenay & District Museum.
Elliot Page
Elliot Page was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia and rose to popularity for his acting roles in The Umbrella Academy, Juno, and X-Men. Page has been an icon for the LGBTQ+ community since he came out as a lesbian in 2014, and then transgender in 2020. It was also recently announced that he will win the Achievement Award at Outfest’s LGBTQ+ film festival!
Halifax is a spirited province of Nova Scotia that’s known for scenic landscapes and scrumptious seafood — though their signature dish is Donair, which is spiced beef with sweet garlic sauce, tomatoes, and raw onions shaved onto a pita.
Get to know your favorite Canadian celebrities better by exploring their hometowns!
