In 2024, curiosity was as intense as a solar eclipse—or even more so. The top Google searches of 2024 reveal a world grappling with major events and everyday mysteries, whether understanding celestial phenomena, untangling political controversies, or keeping up with pop culture. Here are Canadian's most searched "what", "why" and "how" according to Google Trends.
The year of the eclipse (and other burning questions)
In the "What" category, the skies—and the screens—dominated our attention. The most pressing question was, “What time is the solar eclipse?” as people worldwide didn’t want to miss the rare event. Combat sports lovers wanted to know “What time is the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight?”—an unusual clash of generations. Political intrigue was high with “What is Project 2025?” and “What time is the Presidential debate?” showing the upcoming election’s impact. Meanwhile, concerns about health, language, and technology appeared with questions like “What is Mpox?”, “What does demure mean?”, and “What is CrowdStrike?”
Top 10 trending "What" questions
- What time is the solar eclipse?
- What time is the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight?
- What is project 2025?
- What is a solar eclipse?
- What is Mpox?
- What is fracking?
- What does demure mean?
- What time is the Presidential debate?
- What is CTE?
- What is CrowdStrike?
Searching for reasons behind the headlines
The "Why" questions suggest a year of global conflicts, pop culture intrigue, and societal shifts. People sought explanations for pivotal events, from solar safety (“Why can’t you look at a solar eclipse?”) to political outcomes (“Why did Trump win?”). Drake’s influence continued with “Why is Drake trending?” while geopolitical crises drove queries like “Why did Israel attack the Iranian embassy?” and “Why did ISIS attack Moscow?” On a lighter note, Canadian sports fans wanted to know “Why is Nylander not playing?”—a question underscoring the nation’s hockey fervour.
Top 10 trending "Why" questions
- Why can’t you look at a solar eclipse?
- Why is Drake trending?
- Why is Israel attacking Lebanon?
- Why is the LCBO on strike?
- Why did Trump win?
- Why did Israel attack the Iranian embassy?
- Why is Copa América delayed?
- Why is Nylander not playing?
- Why did ISIS attack Moscow?
- Why did Iran attack Israel?
How to know, watch, and participate
The "How" list reflected practical concerns and a thirst for knowledge. Civic-minded searches like “How many electoral votes are there?” and “How to register to vote in the US?” led the charge. Sports remained a priority with “How to watch the Olympics in Canada?” and “How many Canadians on the Florida Panthers?” Health-related questions included “How does being barefoot affect your health?” Meanwhile, the eclipse generated queries like “How long will the eclipse last?” and “How to make solar eclipse glasses?”
Top trending "How" questions
- How many electoral votes are there?
- How tall is Simone Biles?
- How long will the eclipse last?
- How often are total solar eclipses?
- How to watch the Olympics in Canada?
- How tall is Barron Trump?
- How to register to vote in the US?
- How does being barefoot affect your health?
- How to make solar eclipse glasses?
- How many Canadians on the Florida Panthers?
These top searches reflect a world where people want to be informed, prepared, and entertained—whether by an eclipse, a debate, or a celebrity headline.
