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The Canada pavilion is designed to remind the guest of the Canadian outdoors. The pavilion is decorated with a canyon, a waterfall, gardens, a pool with fountains, and totem poles. The main attraction at the Canada Pavilion is O Canada!, a Circle-Vision 360° movie of Canada's cities and scenery. The original film was made in 1979, but was finally updated in 2007 with a new film hosted by Canadian comedian Martin Short. This pavilion also includes Le Cellier Steakhouse and the semi-permanent home of the Celtic rock band Off Kilter.
Prior to the construction of the Canadian pavilion, the Walt Disney corporation sought financial support for the attraction from the Canadian government. The company wanted the Federal government to fund the cost of building the attraction, in return the government would have input into the design and layout. The Canadian government was concerned about the stereotype of Canada that Disney wanted (i.e., lumberjacks). Funding was refused, and Disney threatened to pull the exhibit, but ultimately did not.
At one time during the planning stage, the pavilion was to have been divided by a main street of shops and restaurants, with one side representing French Canada and the other English Canada.
At the opening in 1982, the original musical talent for the Canadian pavilion was performed by a trio called the "Caledonian Pipe Band". They consisted of 2 pipers, 1 drummer. The performers were Robert (Bob) Proctor (lead, drummer), Kenneth Mauchin (piper) and Robert Mauchin (piper). These performers were recruited by Ron Rodriguez (talent co-ordinator for WDW) from the Rosie O' Grady's Pipe Band of Orlando. Because all three had ties to Scotland, they also performed in the UK pavilion) at various times.
In 2007 Disney updated the film "O Canada!" which was filmed in 1979. For seven years the Canadian Tourism Commission has been lobbying to have the movie updated. The government agency has for years reportedly received complaints from Canadians about the dated imagery and stereotypes (such as Canadians as lumberjacks). August 31, 2007 an updated edition opened, with about 50% new footage with Martin Short hosting the film.
The new film also features Eva Avila, winner of the Canadian Idol 4th season, singing "Canada (You're a Lifetime Journey)".
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