Canada Day History, Celebrations, and More
O Canada! It’s time to celebrate Canada Day, observed on Friday, July 1, 2022. Is Canada Day like the 4th of July in the U.S.? How does Canada celebrate this national day? Learn more about this holiday and its history. Plus, find some delicious Canada-inspired recipes!
What Is Canada Day?
Canada Day (French: Fête du Canada) is a federal statutory holiday celebrating Canadian Confederation. Originally called “Dominion Day,” the holiday commemorates the unification of the three North American British colonies: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and the Province of Canada (which was made up of parts of modern-day Ontario, Quebec, and Labrador).
On July 1, 1867, the British North America Act formally joined the colonies, creating the unified, semi-independent Dominion of Canada. Essentially, Canada became a self-governing dominion of Great Britain.
In 1982, Canada became fully independent. Since 1983, July 1 has been known as “Canada Day.”
Since 1867, Canada has grown to include a total of ten provinces and three territories—the most recent of which was the territory of Nunavut, which joined the country in 1999.
When Is Canada Day?
Canada Day occurs on the same date each year (July 1). In 2022, Canada Day will be celebrated on Friday, July 1.
It’s a public holiday in Canada. Workers typically have this day off, but if the holiday occurs on a weekend, the following Monday may be given as a day off instead.
| Year | Canada Day |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Friday, July 1 |
| 2023 | Saturday, July 1 |
| 2024 | Monday, July 1 |
| 2025 | Tuesday, July 1 |
Canada Day Celebrations
Just as the Fourth of July celebrates American independence, Canada Day is a celebration of a united Canada and independence (though it was more of a major milestone on Canada’s journey toward freedom). On this day, the Canadian flag flies high across the country, while citizens typically celebrate with firework displays, concerts, barbecues, parades, and other patriotic activities.
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
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July 1, 1867: John A. MacDonald became the first Prime Minister of Canada. The current Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, has served since 2015.
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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.
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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.
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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)
Canada Day Celebrations and Recipes
Canada is celebrated widely, with pancake breakfasts, patriotic parades, and celebratory festivals. Many people paint their faces red and white, which are Canada’s national colors.
- To celebrate Canada, why not make some pancakes with real maple syrup? Here are our best homemade pancake recipes.
- Want to try a traditional Canadian recipe? How about making a classic dessert, Canadian Butter Tart Squares?
- Or, celebrate with a delicious Maple-Walnut Layer Cake with Maple Frosting!
Check out our collections of Summer Picnic Recipes and Grilling Recipes for more fun ideas for a potluck or outdoor celebration!
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.
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