Canada Day History, Trivia, and Celebrations
O Canada! It’s time to celebrate Canada Day, observed on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. 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
- On July 1, 1867, the British North America Act (today known as the Constitution Act of 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 made 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.
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When is Canada Day?
Canada Day is a federal statutory holiday that 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 Monday as a day off.
| Year | Canada Day |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Tuesday, July 1 |
| 2026 | Wednesday, July 1 |
| 2027 | Thursday, July 1 |
| 2028 | Saturday, July 1 |
Canada Day Celebrations
Many Americans ask if Canada Day is similar to 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.
- In 1967, Montreal hosted the World’s Fair (Expo 67), celebrating 100 years since the 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!
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!
Catherine Boeckmann
Since March 14, 2025 Mark Carney has been the 24th Prime Minister of Canada.
Thanks Elizabeth. You beat me to the punch.
Happy Canada Day to all. Americans can celebrate with us as we often celebrate July 4th if we are visiting. Or just need another excuse this week.
Michele Stobie in British Columbia BC Canada.
Canada's Prime Minister is Mark Carney!!!!
Same difference.
You beat me to it Connie!
Your lyrics for Canada's national anthem are not quite complete. While they are currently correct for the English version, there is a French version and 2 bilingual versions. Possible unlike your American national anthem, there have been many changes over the years. This could be an idea for a future article for next year. The original song was actually French not English. If you consult www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca you will see how controversial this song actually is/was and why it took so long to make it the official anthem of the country.
Best regards for your four of July celebrations. Enjoy.
And as to your request on how I spent my holiday...I spent it in quite contemplation of all the changes I've seen and experienced over my past to years.
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!
So far, all of the alleged unmarked graves are proven to be not graves at all.
