Canadian Google searches dominated by international topics in 2024, along with solar eclipse and strikes
CBC
The solar eclipse was top of mind this year for Canadians, according to a new report from Google showing the things Canadians searched for the most in 2024.
"What time is the solar eclipse?" and "why can't you look at a solar eclipse?" were two of the top trending searches Canadians wanted to know the answer to.
(In case you didn't Google the latter: it's always dangerous to look at the sun with the naked eye. Space agencies and ophthalmologists agree that looking at a partial solar eclipse without approved eye protection can cause lasting eye damage.)
U.S. politics, the Euro Cup, various natural disasters, strikes and celebrities also made the list.
Let's dig a little deeper.
It appeared that in many cases, Canadians were more interested in the world around them than in what was going on at home. The aforementioned Euro 2024 was the No. 1 trending search in news and events.
Spain won a record fourth European Championship title in July after Mikel Oyarzabal's 86th-minute goal clinched a 2-1 victory over England, who lost their second consecutive final.
Politics south of the border were also of interest to Canadians, as U.S. elections took second spot for news and events searches.
Goings-on inside of our country weren't completely neglected, as the Jasper Fire and various labour actions — including the LCBO, Air Canada and Canada Post strikes — all made it into the Top 10 news and events searched.
It's been four months since residents were allowed to return to the Rocky Mountain tourist town of Jasper, Alta., after a devastating wildfire hit the national park and scorched one-third of the community's homes and businesses. An estimated 25,000 people fled the national park, including the roughly 5,000 residents of Jasper.
The Canada Post strike is ongoing, though the union representing Canada Post workers says it met with the Crown corporation on Monday, the first time the two sides have convened since a federal mediator suspended negotiations nearly two weeks ago.
Kate Middleton was the most-searched person among Canadian Googlers this year. The Princess of Wales revealed in March that she'd been diagnosed with cancer. The surprise disclosure followed weeks of frenzied public speculation on the state of her health.
Canadians athletes Summer McIntosh, Andre De Grasse and Morgan Rielly, along with musician Tate McRae were among the highest-searched people. Calgary-born singer-songwriter McRae won both artist and single of the year for Greedy at this year's Junos.
Kendrick Lamar took home the title for the three most searched songs in Canada: Not Like Us, Meet the Grahams and Euphoria. The songs are part of the rapper's well-known feud with Canadian artist Drake.
