On top of that, we’re also saying our thank you to Canada with 15% off your next purchase from now until July 1st! (Use Offer Code: Canada 150)
During our preparations we’ve stumbled across some pretty amazing facts about our home and native land. Here are some uniquely Canadian facts we’ve learned! WE HAVE A MAPLE SYRUP RESERVE
With Canada producing 71% of the world’s maple syrup supply, it’s safe to say our nation takes the liquid gold pancake topper pretty seriously. But in 2008, the world syrup levels were in crisis. Years of poor harvests meant that Canada could no longer keep up with consumer demand, and prices skyrocketed. Hoping to get themselves out of a sticky situation, the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers created the Global Strategic Maple Syrup Reserve.
Today, over 28 million litres of maple syrup are stored in secure warehouses across Eastern Canada at any given time. The reserves have all but guaranteed Canadians a continuous flow from tap to table – thus protecting breakfasts around North America.
At Baggins, we’ve showcased Canada’s most popular (and delicious) tree on our Baggins Original Hi Top Canada 150.
BASKETBALL WAS INVENTED BY A CANADIAN:
Ontario-born sports coach, James Naismith invented basketball in 1891 as a means of conditioning athletes during the colder months of the year. Intended to be a safer alternative to football, Naismith’s game (in typical Canadian fashion) emphasized skill and strategy over brute force.
The sport grew in popularity, with the first professional league founded seven years later. In 1917 a small rubber shoe company decided to jump on the rising popularity of the new sport and produce footwear aimed at basketball players. Two decades later, Converse signed the first celebrity shoe collaboration with Chuck Taylor, and a legend was born.
Technically, Canada could take credit for its hand in creation of the All Star, but naturally, we’re far too humble to even consider it.
Pay homage to the history of Canada and Converse with the Baggins Original Hi Top Retro Canadian Flag!
HAWAIIAN PIZZA ORIGINATED IN ONTARIO:
If you don’t like pineapple on your pizza, blame Canada. The first Hawaiian Pizza was born in Chatham Ontario in 1962 care of, Sam Panopolous. Inspired by the sweet and sour flavour profiles in Chinese food, the restaurant owner decided to see what would happen if he threw pineapple on a pizza. Paired with ham and bacon, the ‘exotic’ new topping quickly became a local favourite. Today, the Hawaiian pizza can be found pizzeria’s across the world.
Order your very own shoe with custom toppings from the Baggins Print Shop, or select from one of our team’s own designs – like the Baggins Original Hi Top Pizza Party!
CANADA DIDN'T GET A FLAG UNTIL 1964:
It’s hard to believe it, but the iconic maple leaf didn’t grace our flagpoles until 1965. Up until then, Canada relied on the Union Jack to represent the country. In 1964, Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson put the call out for the nation to get its own flag. Over 5000 entries were submitted, with the iconic red and white by George Stanley eventually being picked.
At Baggins, we’ve paid homage to our great nation’s icon with the Baggins Original Hi Top Canadian Flag.
For those who prefer a more low key (aka traditionally Canadian) approach to their patriotism, we highly recommend the eye-catching, yet tastefully understated, Canada Flag Toe Cap Converse All Star.
WE BUILD HIGHWAYS - FOR ANIMALS:
When you think of the TransCanada highway, you may be forgiven for assuming that only cars use it. But in Banff, Alberta, it’s not uncommon to find wildlife crossing highways on dedicated overpasses. Used by elk, bears, wolves and moose (just to name a few animals), it’s estimated that the 24 crossings have been used 84,000 times in the last decade. Although each overpass comes with a hefty price tag of $1 million, it’s estimated that animal collisions in the area dropped by 75% after they were first built.
Show your love for Canada’s amazing wildlife with the Baggins Original Hi Top Mountain Buck. Set against a snowy mountain range, this true Canadian shoe is perfect for any nature lover!
The Baggins family wishes you a very Happy Canada Day! Visit us in downtown Victoria on July 1st, or browse the rest of the Baggins Web Store for a huge selection of Converse and Vans. And don’t forget about our 15% off sale!
