Fellow Canadian here - I only ever saw one quite far from beaver activity, apparently a young male striking out on his own. Otherwise I gather they hide in their dens when humans are about.

I'm reminded of those Canadian Humorists the Arrogant worms' excellent prose:

"you might think a rodent/ is a pretty lame choice/ for a national animal, but/ don't you listen to that voice

Cuz all them birds and predators/ Just take from the land/ but the beaver/ Always gives a dam"