July
Wild
weird
Food
Old Wives’ Tales
100
Which gemstone is the traditional birthstone for July?
A. Emerald
B. Ruby
C. Sapphire
D. Amethyst
Answer: B. Ruby
Rubies represent passion, protection, and prosperity. Their deep red colour is associated with vitality and courage.
100
What insect is most commonly associated with July in northern Canadian forests—and is the unofficial pest of the season?
A. Dragonfly
B. Housefly
C. Mosquito
D. Firefly
Answer: C. Mosquito
Swarming, biting, buzzing… and they’re most active at dusk in July. Bring your bug spray!
100
5. In Vancouver, what unusual law affects where you can and can’t use sidewalk chalk in summer?
A. Only in designated “chalk zones”
B. Not allowed within 100 metres of a crosswalk
C. Only permitted during July and August
D. Prohibited unless it’s part of an approved art event
Answer: D. Prohibited unless part of an approved art event
Though often unenforced, technically chalking sidewalks is “defacing city property” — unless you’re in an art program!
100
What sweet, sticky treat made with graham crackers, coconut, and custard originated in B.C.?
A. Butter tart squares
B. Nanaimo bars
C. Marshmallow squares
D. Date bars
Answer: B. Nanaimo bars
These no-bake layered bars became popular in the 1950s and are still a Canadian classic today.
100
According to old lore, what does it mean if your campfire smoke follows you no matter where you sit?
A. You told a lie recently
B. You’re being watched by someone
C. You’re the “chosen one” for the evening
D. You forgot to thank the fire
Answer: A. You told a lie recently
Campers have teased each other for generations with “smoke follows the liar!” when the fire keeps chasing them.
200
What two zodiac signs fall in July?
Cancer and Leo
Cancer (until July 22), then Leo (from July 23 onward).
200
Which amphibian is often heard at night in July, especially near wetlands, sounding like it’s saying “jug-o-rum”?
A. Green frog
B. Spring peeper
C. Leopard frog
D. Bullfrog
Answer: D. Bullfrog
The American bullfrog is Canada’s largest frog. Its deep bellowing call is a staple of July nights by the water.
200
What bizarre item did one Alberta town use in a July parade in the 1970s — and accidentally launch into the crowd with a cannon?
A. A frozen turkey
B. A giant rubber boot
C. A 6-foot hot dog
D. A bale of hay
Answer: C. A 6-foot hot dog
It was part of a “giant BBQ” float — the cannon misfired, and the foam hot dog flew into the crowd. No injuries, just mustard-related trauma.
200
What bright red beverage was served at summer socials and often referred to simply as “fruit punch,” though it had no real fruit?
A. Tang
B. Kool-Aid
C. Five Alive
D. Hawaiian Punch
Answer: B. Kool-Aid
Served in big Tupperware pitchers, often with lemon slices or maraschino cherries to make it look fancy.
200
True or False: If you hear crickets chirping louder or faster in July, it means a thunderstorm is on the way.
Answer: True
This folk belief connects cricket activity to weather changes — and it has some science behind it. Crickets are more active in rising humidity, which can mean storms.
300
True or False: Ruby is considered one of the four “precious” gemstones, along with diamond, sapphire, and emerald.
Answer: True
These four stones have historically been the most valuable and sought-after in jewelry and royalty.
300
True or False: Black bears in Canada are usually active and feeding heavily during July.
Answer: True
In July, black bears forage heavily—especially on berries, roots, and insects—to build fat for hibernation later in the year.
300
True or False: In Ontario, you’re not allowed to eat ice cream on Bank Street on a Sunday.
Answer: True
An old Ottawa bylaw supposedly banned Sunday cone-eating — likely no longer enforced, but still makes for great trivia.
300
What was a typical dessert made by layering pudding, graham crackers, and whipped topping — no baking required?
A. Icebox cake
B. Jell-O parfait
C. Angel food trifle
D. Strawberry shortcake
Answer: A. Icebox cake
Perfect for hot kitchens with no A/C, these fridge cakes softened overnight and were sliced cold.
300
What were farmers told not to do in July because it might “burn the roots” or “shock the soil”?
A. Cut grass before sunrise
B. Water plants at midday
C. Walk barefoot in the fields
D. Pull weeds during a full moon
Answer: B. Water plants at midday
The belief was that watering in the hot sun could scorch the plants — and it’s still a practical tip today!
400
What is the official birth flower for the month of July?
A. Larkspur
B. Lily
C. Rose
D. Daisy
Answer: A. Larkspur
Larkspurs come in shades of blue, pink, and white. They symbolize positivity, strong bonds of love, and grace.
The July birth flowers are larkspur (also known as delphinium) and water lily.
400
What animal gives a high-pitched scream or wail in the middle of the night, often mistaken for a person?
A. Red Fox
B. Bobcat
C. Owl
D. Raccoon
Answer: A. Red Fox
Red foxes make eerie screams and shrieks—especially during mating season or when startled. It’s often described as “blood-curdling.”
400
In what Canadian city is it illegal to bring farm animals to the beach?
A. Vancouver
B. Charlottetown
C. Toronto
D. Halifax
Answer: D. Halifax
It’s against local laws to bring cows, goats, or pigs onto public beaches—sorry, no sunbathing with your goat.
400
In Newfoundland, what odd item was once used to make “mock apple pie” during summer shortages?
A. Zucchini
B. Soda crackers
C. Rhubarb stems soaked in vinegar
D. Salt cod
Answer: B. Soda crackers
With no apples, rural bakers boiled crackers in sugar and lemon to mimic fruit texture. It worked surprisingly well.
400
According to old maritime superstition, what should you never do at a beach in July if you want to avoid bad luck?
A. Pick up a shell with a hole
B. Whistle while facing the ocean
C. Build a sandcastle after sunset
D. Swim before 10 a.m.
Answer: B. Whistle while facing the ocean
Fishermen believed whistling would “call up the wind” — not great if you’re in a little boat!
500
What is the element associated with Leo, the zodiac sign that begins on July 23?
A. Earth
B. Air
C. Water
D. Fire
Answer: D. Fire
Leo is a fire sign, known for its boldness, warmth, creativity, and leadership. Leos love to shine—literally and metaphorically!
500
What large Canadian animal, often spotted in July near water or tree lines, is known for shedding its antler velvet this time of year?
A. Moose
B. Caribou
C. Elk
D. White-tailed deer
Answer: A. Moose
In July, moose are growing antlers covered in fuzzy velvet. Later in summer, that velvet starts to shed, revealing solid bone.
500
In Quebec and parts of Ontario, what was once believed to keep mosquitoes away if tied around your wrist in July?
A. A clove of garlic
B. A slice of raw onion
C. A penny wrapped in thread
D. A sprig of goldenrod
Answer: C. A penny wrapped in thread
The copper was believed to repel bugs. It didn’t work, but it became a cottage tradition anyway.
500
What unusual competition has been part of the Calgary Stampede — involving frying food on a shovel over an open fire?
A. Cowboy omelette cook-off
B. Shovel pancake race
C. Bush breakfast
D. Stampede bacon toss
Answer: A. Cowboy omelette cook-off
Tradition says real cowboys cook with what they’ve got — so shovels double as frying pans.
500
What does it mean if your dog starts digging holes in the yard during a hot July spell?
A. There’s treasure nearby
B. They’re making a cool spot
C. Thunderstorms are coming
D. A spirit is passing through
Answer: C. Thunderstorms are coming
Old sayings suggest dogs can sense changes in barometric pressure — and digging means they sense a storm brewing.