I have just realised, reading the ongoing Canadian thread that I don’t know a whole lot about the country. I can name the provinces and territories and I know bits and pieces of Canadian history but I’m largely ignorant of the country and its culture(s). I’ve only visited Canada once for a couple of days, the Niagara Falls region. The only book I’ve read on Canada is Maple Leaf Rag: Travels Across Canada by Stephen Brook which I found entertaining. However the book is over twenty years old. I would ideally like an updated but similar book to read, that is a mix of travelogue, state of the nation, history etc. The type of book Bill Bryson used to write. 
I haven’t read it but I have heard good things about Beauty Tips from Moose Jaw: Travels in Search of Canada. I did not enjoy *How to be Canadian *by the same author.
I’ll be looking forward to seeing what suggestions you get!
Damn. Only one response and bellybean already snagged both of my suggestions. 
I particularly like *Beauty Tips *because Ferguson specifically avoids the bigger, more popular destinations in favour of out-of-the-way spots that aren’t usually written about.
I recommend A Short History of Canada, by Desmond Norton. Very readable.
If you can get your hands on it, the documentary series “Canada: A People’s History” is very interesting. .
Thanks for the recommendations folks, I shall be investing in one or two of them in the near future.