Canada Far and Wide
Explore Canada in a newly updated edition of the classic, 12-minute Epcot Circle-Vision 360 presentation.
“So settle in as we take you on a journey far and wide–across five regions, six time zones, and 5,700 miles.”
Beyond the shopping kiosks and beautiful Victoria Gardens at the entrance of the Canadian pavilion lies a recreated canyon and large waterfall that signals the entryway into the internal waiting queue for Canada: Far and Wide–another of EPCOT’s films that provides a history and scenic view of the pavilion’s host country. The line is seldom long, and as it is hidden in the rear of the pavilion, is often overlooked, which is a shame because the beauty of the attraction is well worth standing for, even during the hottest days of the year.
Canada: Far and Wide is narrated by two of the country’s most well-known comedians: Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy. While describing the land that stretches across North America, there are a few wisecracks; however, the film primarily remains as informative as time will allow and is packed with beautiful sights that will make some long for taking a trip north.
From the Atlantic Provinces in the east to the more modern city of Vancouver, British Columbia in the west, and the impressive landscapes in-between, the film never loses sight of its task to show outsiders the beauty that is contained in such a large region. Immersed in a culture of the arts, Canada continues to be a beacon of creativity and beauty as it constantly presents its literature, art, and creativity regardless of the diversity of its people and its oft-grueling weather.
The film concludes with a montage of both new and old film footage that some may find cloying, but others will find endearing. There is no shortage of breathtaking shots during this section and it’s a good thing that Disney didn’t tinker with the ending and ruin the finale.
Behind the Schemes:
Canada: Far and Wide was originally known as O Canada!, and was updated in 2007 to include comedian comic Martin Short as its host much to the chagrin of both Canadians and park guests from around the world. It wasn’t so much that he brought a sense of humor to the attraction, rather a somewhat detached smugness with lots of mugging for the camera that distracted audiences enough that Disney knew they had to make further changes–even if they took longer than some had hoped.
John Blyth directed both the original film and the updated version. Blyth is also known for directing Reflections of China and the Magic Kingdom’s Timekeeper attraction, among other ventures.
Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy have been working together for years. They first came to prominence in America as cast members on the Canadian sketch comedy show SCTV and have continued to partner on many of Christopher Guest’s films, such as A Mighty Wind, Best in Show, and Waiting for Guffman. They found a larger audience in 2015 by co-starring in the riches-to-rags series, Schitt’s Creek, which set a record for most Emmys nominations for a comedy series’ final season.
The famous Bluenose schooner that is featured in the beginning of the film was an undefeated racing schooner constructed in 1921 and was given the nickname, “Queen of the North Atlantic.” Bluenose is also a name given to natives of Nova Scotia. The ship has been featured on Canadian stamps and coins, as well as celebrated in a song that is no longer part of the Canadian film: “Bluenose” by folk singer Stan Rogers.
For guests wondering how to turn off the waterfall in the pavilion’s canyon, simply walk down the stairs that lead to the film and find the fake rock on a hinge. Lifting the rock provides all the answers. But seriously, don’t do it.