Travel with Rick Steves · Saturday, September 19, 2026
Paul Theroux observed that a key difference between Canadians and Americans is that Canadians become talkative and unified when they feel insulted, citing the response to a president's comment about Canada being the 51st state. He contrasted this with Americans, noting that Canadians are generally more informed about the U.S. than vice versa.
“But the Canadians were insulted and talkative, and they all had something to say.”
“And for a country where patriotism doesn't come naturally to Canadians. But they became very patriotic, flag-waving, and talkative.”
“And Americans know next to nothing about Canada.”