For Better or Weirder: Canadian Inventions That Changed the World

Let’s be real—Canada is known for a lot of things: maple syrup, polite people, hockey, and apologizing even when it’s not our fault.

But while we were busy dodging moose and shoveling snow, we were also out here changing the world.

Here are 10 of the top Canadian inventions that have made life better (and sometimes just a little weirder).

1. Basketball

Yes, you read that right! While Americans may dominate the sport, basketball was actually invented by a Canadian—Dr. James Naismith. Back in 1891, he was just a gym teacher trying to keep his students active during the winter.

2. The Zipper

Imagine a world without zippers. Would we all still be using buttons? Would Velcro have taken over the world? Thankfully, Gideon Sundback, a Canadian-Swedish engineer, invented the modern zipper in 1913.

3. Insulin

Diabetes management was revolutionized thanks to Dr. Frederick Banting and Charles Best, who discovered insulin in 1921. If you or someone you love has ever needed insulin, you can thank these Canadian geniuses for literally saving lives!

4. Peanut Butter

This one is up for debate (some argue the Aztecs crushed peanuts first), but a Canadian, Marcellus Gilmore Edson, was the first to patent peanut butter in 1884. Smooth or crunchy, peanut butter is an essential part of life, and we’re taking credit for it!

5. Poutine

Okay, maybe not a world-changing invention, but definitely a life-changing one. Fries, cheese curds, and gravy—who knew such a simple combo could be so heavenly? You haven’t truly lived until you’ve had real poutine from Quebec.

6. Walkie-Talkies

Before we had smartphones and text messages, Donald Hings, a Canadian engineer, invented the walkie-talkie in the 1930s. Originally used in World War II, it paved the way for modern communication (and let’s be honest, made childhood playtime WAY cooler).

7. The Snowmobile

Canadians know snow. A lot of it. So, it makes sense that we’d invent the snowmobile. Joseph-Armand Bombardier created the first modern snowmobile in 1937, making winter travel much easier (and way more fun!).

8. Hawaiian Pizza

Yes, pineapple-on-pizza lovers, you have Canada to thank. Sam Panopoulos, a Greek-Canadian, invented Hawaiian pizza in the 1960s. Love it or hate it, it's an iconic Canadian contribution to the great pizza debate.

9. IMAX

If you've ever been blown away by a massive IMAX movie experience, thank Graeme Ferguson, Roman Kroitor, and Robert Kerr, who developed this game-changing film format in the 1960s. Because regular-sized screens are for amateurs.

10. The Wonderbra

Ladies, let’s take a moment to appreciate Louise Poirier, the Canadian designer who invented the Wonderbra in 1964. Sometimes, great inventions are about comfort and confidence!