Canada Day History, Celebrations, and More
O Canada! It’s time to celebrate Canada Day, observed on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Do you know why Canada Day is celebrated? Is it similar to Independence Day (U.S.)? Learn all about the national day of Canada, its history, and what foods are eaten on Canada Day.
What Is Canada Day?
Originally called “Dominion Day,” Canada Day (French: Fête du Canada) is the national day of Canada, commemorating the unification of the three North American British colonies into one confederation: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and the Province of Canada (which was made up of parts of modern-day Ontario, Quebec, and Labrador).
The Creation of Canada Day
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- On July 1, 1867, the British North America Act (today known as the Constitution Act, 1867) created Canada, formally joining several colonies into a single, unified, semi-independent Dominion of Canada. Essentially, Canada became a self-governing dominion within the British Empire.
- In 1879, a federal law makes July 1 a statutory holiday (a public holiday enacted by law) as the “anniversary of Confederation,” which is later called “Dominion Day.”
- On October 27, 1982, “Dominion Day” was officially renamed Canada Day. Many felt “Dominion Day” was a colonial-era type of name; in addition, 1982 brought about the patriation of the Canadian Constitution, which officially removed any UK authority and established the final step in complete Canadian sovereignty as an independent country.
When is Canada Day?
Canada Day is a federal statutory holiday which is always celebrated on July 1. Public workers are given the day off. If this holiday falls on a Sunday, then July 2 is the statutory holiday. Celebratory events will often still take place on July 1. Also, if the holiday falls on a weekend, some businesses will give employees the Monday as a day off.
| Year | Canada Day |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Saturday, July 1 |
| 2024 | Monday, July 1 |
| 2025 | Tuesday, July 1 |
| 2026 | Wednesday, July 1 |
Canada Day Celebrations
Many Americans ask if Canada Day is similar to the Independence Day in the U.S. They are similar in that both are related to gaining independence from the United Kingdom. For Canada, however, Canada Day marks only one (but one very important) milestone on the path to full independence. It took many more years for Canada to gain complete sovereignty—with the passage of the Statute of Westminster in 1931 and the final passing of the Constitution Act in 1982.
Similar to the Fourth of July, Canada Day is celebrated widely, with firework displays, concerts, barbecues, patriotic parades, and celebratory festivals. The Canadian flag flies high across the country. Many people paint their faces red and white, which are Canada’s national colors. There are often citizenship ceremonies as well.
The nation’s largest Canada Day celebrations typically occur in the country’s capital, Ottawa, right in front of the parliament building. See a list of Canada Day festivities in Ottawa.
Canada Day Trivia
- July 1, 1867: John A. MacDonald became the first Prime Minister of Canada. The current Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, has served since 2015.
- In 1967, Montreal hosted the World’s Fair (Expo 67), celebrating 100 years since Canadian Confederation. It was the most successful World’s Fair of the century.
- July 1, 1980: “O Canada” became Canada’s official national anthem. (See below for lyrics.) Originally written in French, the song was first performed 100 years earlier, on June 24, 1880, in Quebec City.
- On July 1, 2017, Canada celebrated its 150th anniversary.
Want to sing along on Canada Day? Here are the lyrics to “O Canada,” Canada’s national anthem:
O Canada! Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all of us command.With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North, strong and free!From far and wide, O Canada,
We stand on guard for thee.God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
–from “O Canada,” orig. by Robert Stanley Weir (1856–1926)
What Foods Are Eaten on Canada Day?
On Canada Day, pancake breakfasts are very popular across the country. Why not make some pancakes with real maple syrup? Here are our best homemade pancake recipes.
Or, if you love that real Canadian maple syrup, celebrate by baking a Canadian-inspired cake. Try our delicious Maple-Walnut Layer Cake with Maple Frosting!
For a more traditional Canadian recipe, bake these tasty Canadian Butter Tart Squares.
BBQs are also very popular on this day of independence. Check out our best Grilling Recipes for some savory ideas.
Happy Canada Day!
Happy Canada Day, Canadians! How will you celebrate? Let us know in the comments!
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I noticed NewfoundlandLabrador is not mentioned in your history. Is there a reason for this? Newfoundland joined confederation in 1949 that made us Canadians. Another question? I am in my late 70's why is it that Canada seems to always end at Halifax? I am a proud Canadian and I do not wish for my Province of Newfoundland to be left out of anything that pertains to Canada. Please reply with an answer of understanding.
Thank you.
God Bless Canada......which includes Newfoundland. Will be celebrating tomorrow.
Major Lorne Hiscock
Lewisporte, NL
Canada
Labrador was part of the Province of Canada initially; we have edited the article for clarity. We neglected to name every province and territory in this article, but that certainly doesn’t mean that we think less of Newfoundland! Thank you for your comment!
Linda: You are quibbling over semantics. A significant number of Indigenous children died while attending residential schools, with some schools experiencing rates as high as 1 death per 20 students. An exact number of school-related deaths remains unknown due to incomplete records from negligence. It is unclear how the children died at the schools, which were buffeted by disease outbreaks a century ago, and where children faced sexual, physical and emotional abuse and violence.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report estimates the number of unmarked graves to be 3,200. However, other sources state this is a conservative estimate, and the actual number could be much higher.
A tragedy indeed!
Canada is a wonderful country to which my parents immigrated after WW2.I regard it as a privilege +honour to be a citizen of such a great and wonderful country.I'm not much into flag waving or marching on parades but in my heart I shall be celebrating the 154th anniversary of our country.
To Shelagh and John Taylor: Your comments on residential schools are not truthful: the students were not killed; they died of disease most likely; they were not dumped unceremoniously into mass graves; they were buried in individual unmarked graves over a long period of time. The numbers found so far do not add up to more than 1000 although they probably will as more graves are found with the help of ground penetrating radar. The residential school problem is a true tragedy. Do not make things worse by exaggerating the circumstances.
This year on Canada Day, many Canadians will be reflecting instead of celebrating. In recent weeks, discoveries at several former residential schools revealed and confirmed that hundreds of Indigenous children were killed, their bodies dumped unceremoniously into mass, unmarked graves. Canada is on a path to Truth and Reconciliation - but more action is required from both government and citizens to move the process along. My hope is that Canadians will not celebrate with fireworks today, but rather take some time to learn about our past and commit to taking action toward learning the Truth of what was perpetrated against our Indigenous peoples and advocating for Reconciliation.
This year many Canadians and Canadian municipalities will forego Canada Day celebrations to instead reflect on the tragedy of the discovery of more than 1,000 unmarked graves, most of which are believed to belong to Indigenous children. Many more are feared to be yet discovered.
Canada’s residential school system operated from the late 1800s until the 1990s. It was part of a wider colonial project that aimed to take over Indigenous lands and forcibly assimilate First Nation, Metis and Inuit children. Various churches, including most notably the Roman Catholic Church, ran at least 139 residential schools across Canada, and thousands of Indigenous children are believed to have died while attending the institutions.
In the city of Fredricton, New Brunswick officials say the city will be lit orange – the colour largely tied to Canada’s residential school history – and is urging citizens to spend the day learning about Indigenous communities.
I’m a Canadian transplant that lives in Atlanta,GA. My 2 boys and I will be kayaking down the Chestatee River this afternoon then having a cook out on the bbq. Hot dogs and burgers. Happy Canada Day to everyone.
I'll be singing with Northern Voice in Hampton, NB as part of the Canada Day celebration. Northern Voice is an A Cappella chorus that sings uniquely Canadian songs. Happy Canada Day everyone!
This year I will be in hospital with two broken ankles celebrating Canada Day. This is the first year since 1984 that I will not be running/attending the Canada Day events in Crawford Bay, BC, it is always a special day for my family as well as the community. Happy Canada Day everyone be proud of out wonderful country.
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