Maple Leaf Masterpiece
“So who’s the president of Canada?” “Canadians can’t talk about racism, only white people live there.” “I’m going to Niagara Falls this summer, should I bring a coat?”
Real things Americans have said to me. Full confidence!
I love the States but Canada is a big part of me (and the world!) and is worth celebrating its unique beauty and contributions. For Canada Day, here’s a few Canadian artists I love. From literary giants to musical legends and pioneering visual artists, Canada is home to a wealth of talent that has resonated on the global stage. Here’s a look at some of the artists who have made Canada and the world a more vibrant place.
Lucy Maud Montgomery: Writer who defined the Canadian spirit
Yes, PEI is a real place, and it’s in Canada! When you think of Canadian literature, Anne of Green Gables is one of the first names that comes to mind. One of the highlights of my artistic life was playing her author, Lucy Maud Montgomery, with the Spirit of Maud Theatre company. Born in Prince Edward Island (an Eastern Canadian province), Maud created the iconic Anne Shirley and captured the essence of small-town Canada, weaving tales of hope, perseverance, and belonging. But her work doesn’t stop there. For further reading, see also the Emily trilogy, Kilmeny of the Orchard, and The Blue Castle… Her works continue to inspire readers around the world, affirming Maud as one of Canada’s literary treasures.
The Group of Seven: Pioneering artists who established Canadian landscape art
The Group of Seven, consisting of artists like Lawren Harris, A.Y. Jackson, and Franklin Carmichael, is synonymous with Canadian art. Emerging in the 1920s, these artists sought to depict the rugged, vast beauty of the Canadian landscape, especially the wild north. Their bold and expressive use of color helped to create a distinctly Canadian style embracing the unique scenery of this expansive land. Today, their work is celebrated as foundational to the country’s artistic identity.
Gordon Lightfoot: Legend of Canadian Folk
There was a time in this fair land when the railroad did not run
When the wild majestic mountains stood alone against the sun
Long before the white man and long before the wheel
When the green dark forest was too silent to be real
- Canadian Railroad Trilogy
Gordon Lightfoot embodies Canadian folk music. Perhaps you know the hits If You Could Read My Mind, Sundown, and The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Lightfoot has created a lasting legacy in both the Canadian and global music scenes. His poignant lyrics, combined with his distinctive voice and ability to tell compelling stories through song, make him an enduring figure in Canada’s musical landscape.
Denyse Thomasos: Bridging Cultures
Born in Trinidad but based in Toronto, Denyse Thomasos was a powerful visual artist whose work resonated with themes of migration, displacement, and the complexities of identity. Drawing from her Caribbean heritage, Thomasos’ abstract works often featured layered compositions and vibrant colors that speak to the struggles and triumphs of the immigrant experience. Her art is a poignant reminder of the beauty that comes from blending cultures and histories in a Canadian context.
Simu Liu: More Than Just a Superhero
Forget Drake; when it comes to hometown hype-men look no further than Simu Liu. I happen to love him in CBC’s sitcom Kim’s Convenience but he is best known as the first Asian superhero in Marvel’s Shang-Chi. Born in China and raised in Canada, Liu has thrived as both an actor and cultural ambassador. His journey from an accountant to a Hollywood star is inspiring, and he has continually used his platform to champion diversity and spread joy.
Rachel McAdams: Darling, Queen B
Rachel McAdams has charmed audiences around the world with her versatile roles in films like The Notebook, Mean Girls, and Spotlight. Born in London, Ontario, McAdams rose to fame thanks to her natural talent, infectious energy, and ability to bring depth to every character she plays.
Beatrice Deer: Contemporary and Traditional
An artist whose work blends traditional Inuit culture with contemporary sounds, Beatrice Deer is an emerging Indigenous musician redefining the soundscape of Canadian music. Hailing from Nunavik, Quebec, Deer’s ethereal voice and fusion of folk, pop, and traditional Inuit influences have earned her critical acclaim. Through her music, she brings Indigenous stories, languages, and traditions to the forefront of the Canadian songbook.
Leonard Cohen: Poet Laureate of Canada
Leonard Cohen was a master of poetry and song. His career spanned decades, producing iconic works such as Hallelujah, Suzanne, and Bird on the Wire. His melancholic, deeply philosophical lyrics often explored themes of love, spirituality, and human frailty. Born in Montreal, Cohen’s distinct voice and thought-provoking lyrics elevated him globally; his music continues to resonate, and his poetry remains a source of introspection and solace.
Shania Twain: Queen of Country Pop
Let’s go girls! Often called the “Queen of Country Pop,” Shania Twain revolutionized the country music genre with hits like Man! I Feel Like a Woman! and You're Still the One. Raised in Timmins, Ontario, Twain’s blend of country, pop, and rock influences helped her break into international stardom, making her one of the best-selling female artists in country music history.
Margaret Atwood: Literary Titan
We cannot discuss Canadian literature without mentioning Margaret Atwood, one of the most celebrated and influential authors of our time. With works like The Handmaid’s Tale, Alias Grace, and Oryx and Crake, Atwood has become a defining voice in contemporary literature. Her ability to weave complex narratives that interrogate power, gender, and social systems has made her one of the most important writers of the 20th and 21st centuries. Atwood’s impact on Canadian and global literature is immense, and her work continues to challenge and inspire readers worldwide.
And it doesn’t stop there. Here are some honourable mentions…
Alanis Morissette: Queen of ‘90s Angst
The Weeknd: R&B Star
Jim Carrey: Comedy Legend
Céline Dion: Iconic French-Canadian Voice
Tessa Virtue & Scott Moir: Ice-Dancing Olympian Duo
Avril Lavigne: Pop-Punk Princess
Stompin’ Tom Connors: Comedic Singer-Songwriter
Buffy Sainte-Marie: Musician, Trailblazer, and Activist
Neil Young: Legendary Rock Musician
Paul Gross: Actor and Film Director… speaking of actors, the list goes on: Michael Cera, Sandra Oh, Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy, Shay Mitchell, Norm Macdonald, Mike Myers, Nathan Fillion, Martin Short, Keanu Reeves, Cobie Smulders, Will Arnett, Kiefer and Donald Sutherland, Michael J. Fox, Christopher Plummer… you get the idea. (Don’t even get me started on Canadian rock bands.)
I’d love to hear from you, which Canadian artists inspire you? Looking at these giants, I’m proud to call myself a Canadian artist. With a shared spirit of creativity, warmth, and resilience, I wish you a very happy Canada Day. 🍁
