There are several mountain ranges in Canada. Mount Logan in the Yukon is Canada's tallest peak. Rain and snow are common in the mountain areas. The valleys are often described as desert like, though. The Canadian Shield is the key geographical feature of central and eastern Canada. It's a rocky, U-shaped region which encircles Hudson Bay and is made up of mostly low hills and lakes. The soil isn't very suitable for farming in this region though. Rich mineral resources are located in the Canadian Shield, however. Much of the land is covered with forests that supply Canada's lumber and paper industries. Because of their harsh northern climate, only 12% of the land is suitable for agriculture.
The ancestors of Canadian Aboriginals most likely came from Asia thousands of years ago. It wasn't until the early 1600s that explorers from Europe began setting up trading posts, though. French explorers claimed the territory along the St. Lawrence River, the Great Lakes, and regions west & south of that. They called this territory New France. English explorers claimed the land north of New France; it surrounds the Hudson Bay. .
Canada is rich in natural resources. Vast forests provide many goods including lumber, pulp & paper, and various wood products. The resources harvested by the mining industry are reserves of iron ore, aluminum, gold, copper, zinc, coal, & nickel. Fishing is also an important industry in costal regions. Cod, flounder, lobster, & salmon are the most valuable brought in by Canadian fishers. Wheat, barley, apples, berries, & potatoes are important crops grown by Canadian farmers. .
German influence is seen in the foods brought over by groups of Mennonite and Amish settlers. An example is dandelion salad with bacon & sour cream dressing. Many people from New England moved north & settled along the east coast of Canada. Their effect is seen in seafood chowders, baked beans, & steamed brown bread.