The EPCOT Canada Pavilion may be the most beautiful area in all of Walt Disney World. Inside this gem you’ll find quiet (usually) gardens to walk through, totem poles, a neat movie and the best steak dinner in EPCOT.
The beauty of Canada really shines through in every part of this pavilion, except ironically, the entrance to O’ Canada (the movie), which is located in a darkish ugly tunnel. Yes, you can look out the windows of the tunnel and see the gardens, but still, it would be a lot more pleasant to wait for the movie outside surrounded by luscious foliage than standing in a drab, dark tunnel.
EPCOT Canada Pavilion
Photo by WDW Shutterbug
The Movie
O’ Canada is a movie about life in Canada. It’s another of those 9 screen surround you with motion, make it look like real life, movies. O Canada is hosted by Martin Short. It shows the diversity of Canadian life. From the hustle bustle of the big cities to the slower lifestyle of the Canadian countryside.
The movie ends with Martin Short inviting you to visit Canada. He says to take a left turn at the big ball and you’ll be there soon. (Mrs. Mom’s big ball story.)
O Canada Movie
Food
Photo by Disney Photo Snapper
Le Cellier is EPCOT’s premier steak house. This is the place to visit if you are looking for a big juicy steak. The food here has a Canadian flair. The specialty (aside from steak) is pretzel bread, a Canadian speciality.
The Steaks are big and good and are served with Canadian side dishes like Yukon Potatoes. Desserts are pretty yummy and sometimes a bit playful. (See the Chocolate Mousse to the left.)
Le Cellier is one of the smallest restaurants in EPCOT and fills up quickly. Get your reservations in early.
Le Cellier
The Gardens in Canada
Photo by Disney Photo Snapper
The Gardens
EPCOT is big on gardens. One of the biggest shows they host every year is the springs Flower and Garden festival. Disney knows how to make plants grow. Behind the buildings you’ll find a path to the gardens of the EPCOT Canada pavilion. Look hard and you might find the “hidden” waterfall.
For the Children
There is a lot to do in Canada, but not much of it appeals to younger children. All of the World Showcase suffered from this for a long time. Years ago, Disney introduced a way to catch kids attention. They added a station where kids can work with their hands and create something to take home. Disney called these Kidcot stations.
Dad’s Kidcot page
Last year, Disney added another attraction for kids. It was the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure. Kim has been replaced by Phineas and Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure. On this adventure, you get clues on your “FONE” and find the bad guys. There are stations all around EPCOT. Canada is one of the countries with a station.
Dad’s Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure page
Santa in Canada
Photo by Donna62
Christmas in Canada
Every year during the Christmas season, like most of the other pavilions, the story of Christmas is told from a Canadian perspective. Watch Santa put on his red coat and go out into the night. Really neat.
Dad’s Christmas at Disney World page
Dad’s Bottom Line
Visiting Canada is a great way to start or end your time in the World Showcase. Grab some great grub, watch a fun movie, spend some time in a beautiful garden or just check out the totem poles. It’s a beautiful thing.
