American comedian Dave Hill has Canadian roots — so he toured the country to learn about them
Dave Hill is a comedian, musician and author from Cleveland. His latest book, Parking the Moose, examines his heritage, which happens to be three-quarters Ohioan and one-quarter Canadian. The nonfiction book sees Hill travel up north to learn more about his family and explore his Canadian roots.
Hill spoke with The Next Chapter about Parking the Moose.
Learning 'aboot' Canada
"I learned about Canada from my grandfather, who was from Clinton, Ont. Growing up in America, we are raised to think that America is the greatest place in the world. My grandfather was always quick to tell me and my siblings that Canada was the best.
Growing up in America, we are raised to think that America is the greatest place in the world. My grandfather was always quick to tell me and my siblings that Canada was the best.- Dave Hill
"I always wanted to visit Canada and see what it's all about. It sounds like paradise. Partially to get in his will, I started to pay attention to Canadian things — I started playing hockey and got really into it."
An American in Moose Jaw
"Like a lot of Americans of my generation, you figured Canada was all the McKenzie Brothers, Rush, Triumph. Canada kind of is Rush and Triumph, but I learned that Canada's a really diverse and magical place.
I'm still the only American I know who's been to Saskatchewan. It's beautiful and they have the world's largest fake moose in Moose Jaw.- Dave Hill
"You have Quebec, Newfoundland and places that are totally different. I think the average American thinks Canada is Toronto, Montreal, maybe Vancouver and that's about it. I'm still the only American I know who's been to Saskatchewan. It's beautiful and they have the world's largest fake moose in Moose Jaw. I got my picture with that moose.
"Again, I'm the only the American I know that's done that."
Dave Hill's comments have been edited for length and clarity.