Date
Tuesday
Jul

July 1

Canada Day

Celebrate Canada Day with pride and joy - join the festivities, have fun, and show your Canadian spirit!

Yearly Date
July 1
Type
Day
Category
Federal
Country
Canada

Introduction

Celebrate Canada Day on July 1 with pride and enthusiasm! This special day marks the anniversary of when three provinces in Canada - Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the Province of Canada - officially joined together to form the country we know today as Canada. Since then, it has become an annual event filled with parades, fireworks, barbecues, concerts and more – a perfect way to celebrate our nation's history and unity. So get ready to show your Canadian spirit on this special day!

Canada Day Timeline

1867
Canada's Confederation
On July 1, 1867, Canada was officially born when the Constitution Act unified three provinces into one country: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Canada province, which then split into Ontario and Quebec.
1879
First Dominion Day
July 1 was designated as Dominion Day, marking the anniversary of Confederation. The day was a public holiday but not widely celebrated with organized events.
1958
Official Celebrations Begin
The Canadian government started to organize Dominion Day celebrations in 1958. This included a massive fireworks display and a concert on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
1980
Expansion of Celebrations
In 1980, Dominion Day celebrations were expanded to include multicultural performances. This helped to celebrate Canada's diversity and multicultural identity.
1982
Dominion Day becomes Canada Day
In 1982, Dominion Day was renamed as "Canada Day" following a private member's bill that was passed in Parliament.
2019
Largest-Ever Celebrations
Canada Day 2019 sees the largest-ever celebrations, with over a million people attending the festivities on Parliament Hill.

How to Celebrate Canada Day

1

Attend a street festival

Many cities and towns across Canada host Canada Day street festivals that feature live music, food vendors, activities, and fireworks. Find one near you and enjoy the festivities!

2

Organize a picnic

Gather your friends and family and organize a picnic in a park or your backyard. You can play lawn games, share Canadian snacks, and even have a mini Canada Day parade with Canadian flags!

3

Start a new tradition

Think of something special to do each year to commemorate Canada Day. Some ideas are baking a Canadian themed dessert, going on a road trip to visit another province, or making crafts with Canadian symbols.

4

Visit a museum

Check out your local museums and find out if they are hosting any Canada Day celebrations. Many museums offer free admission on the day of the holiday and will have special activities for the whole family.

5

Fly the flag

Show your pride for Canada Day by flying the Canadian flag in front of your house or balcony. This is an easy way to show your patriotism and it will make sure everyone knows it's time to celebrate!

Why Canada Day is Important

A

It is a celebration of unity and diversity

Canada Day is an important holiday for many Canadians as it celebrates the cultural diversity of our nation. Every year on July 1st, Canadians come together to reflect on and celebrate their multicultural history. It serves to remind us all that we are stronger united than divided.

B

It symbolizes national pride

Canada Day is an opportunity for Canadians to take pride in the accomplishments of our country and its citizens. As one nation, we have achieved much since Canada's creation in 1867, from building democratic institutions over the years to providing health care to every citizen.

C

It connects us with nature

As well as being a chance to celebrate the unique spirit of Canada, many communities use Canada Day as an opportunity to get outside and reconnect with nature. From town parades and festivals to campfires and beach picnics, this is a day to appreciate the breathtaking beauty around us!

Canada Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Jun 30
Friday
2024
Jun 30
Sunday
2025
Jun 30
Monday
2026
Jun 30
Tuesday
2027
Jun 30
Wednesday