Oh Canada! An EPCOT Excursion to the Great North

At the end of April, our Adventurers Club packed their passports (well…figuratively) and journeyed to the Canada Pavilion at EPCOT for another unforgettable stop on our world tour! With curiosity in our hearts and maple syrup on our minds, we set off to explore the natural beauty, rich culture, and fascinating stories of our northern neighbors.

We kicked off our adventure with “Canada Far and Wide”, a stunning Circle-Vision 360° film that swept us across vast landscapes—from the towering Rocky Mountains to the quaint seaside villages of the Maritimes. The kids were in awe of the panoramic views and couldn’t believe how diverse and expansive Canada truly is!

Next, we took a Walking Architectural Tour through the Pavilion, where we admired the majestic Hotel du Canada (inspired by Ottawa’s Château Laurier), strolled past the manicured Victoria Gardens (modeled after the Butchart Gardens in British Columbia), and imagined hiking the Canadian Rockies. We even visited a traditional Indigenous longhouse, which sparked conversations about how First Nations people have lived, hunted, and told stories for generations.

Speaking of stories—our Adventurers gathered around the Storytelling Totem Poles to learn the meanings behind the beautifully carved figures. Then, inspired by the legends, each child created their own totem story using animal symbolism to reflect their personalities, dreams, and strengths. We had everything from wise owls to brave bears to mischievous raccoons!

At the KIDCOT station, our learners took on the role of cultural reporters, completing the “Interview a Local” activity. They asked questions, took notes, and reflected on what it might be like to grow up in Canada. It was a sweet way to connect across borders and recognize both the differences and similarities we all share.

One highlight was the Family Scavenger Hunt, where kids raced to find hidden treasures from Canadian culture—including hockey sticks, maple leaves, snowshoes, and (yes!) a bottle of maple syrup.

We also couldn’t miss a little fun at the Critter Crossing, a whimsical area that celebrates Canadian wildlife. Our kids loved creating rubbings using the animal "tracks" as well as other interesting, natural textures. They giggled their way through photo ops and animal observations, spotting beavers, moose, and other forest friends.

To wrap up the day, we circled up for reflection and (of course) snacked on maple popcorn—because no trip to Canada is complete without a taste of that sweet, golden goodness.

Our Adventurers Club came away with not only a deeper appreciation for Canada’s stunning landscapes and multicultural heritage, but also a heartfelt connection to the stories, traditions, and people of the First Nations. We left inspired to be better storytellers, more curious travelers, and more thoughtful neighbors.

Until our next EPCOT Excursion to Germany—merci beaucoup et au revoir!