Tragically Hip was so loved by Canada because so many of their songs were about Canada and they worked really hard to get where they were. That final concert was really good. That was a really emotional night for the whole country and they could not have been better that night. I have always liked the band. To me they are like Canada's version of R.E.M.
Bruce Cockburn is another Canadian favorite. He came by the station once and did 3 songs. The amazing thing about him is how he plays guitar and makes it sound like there are TWO guitars playing - and he sings while doing this. A very underappreciated talent.
I think my favorite Canadian band is Sloan. Man, those fellas can write a hook. Same lineup for 30 years now. They don't always get along but they knew that would happen so they deal with it and stick together. The song Underwhelmed has the single greatest "Clearmountain" pause in rock history (Sorry, Panama).
Living here we got exposed to a lot more Canadian music than the rest of the U.S. because of CanCon (Canadian Content) laws for their stations and the bands toured the border states more. I think we're lucky in that regard. A Country where you have to spend half the year inside is bound to produce some great music.