Canada Day, previously called Dominion Day commemorates the pivotal moment in Canadian history – that of Confederation. Confederation, which means unification of Canada’s first four provinces; Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, took place in 1867. As the time went by, the remaining provinces and territories joined Canada, with the territory of Nunavut completing the process in 1999.
This significant holiday honors Canada’s inception as an autonomous nation and is observed annually on July 1st. Festivities include parades, festivals, and numerous demonstrations of Canadian patriotism. Whether you’re planning your own Canada Day gathering or joining nationwide celebrations, there are countless ways to display your pride for this momentous occasion in Canadian history!
Here is a step-by-step guide with suggestions on how to celebrate Canada Day.
Show your Canadian pride with your outfit
Many people celebrate Canada Day by dressing in red and white, the colours of the nation. You might opt for a shirt featuring a maple leaf or Canadian flag, or go all out with creatively themed attire to showcase your national spirit. You may consider:
- Wearing clothing entirely in red and white,
- Displaying Canadian flag on buttons or pins,
- Sporting a hat adorned with the Canadian flag,
- Opting for a stylish Canadian tuxedo with denim jacket and jeans.
To enhance your patriotism, consider using body paint or temporary hair color. Experiment with Canadian-themed designs like body paint, temporary tattoos, or nail art. Embrace a bold Canada Day appearance!
You may also choose to:
- Apply temporary tattoos of the Canadian flag or red maple leaves on your cheeks, arms, or legs,
- Paint your nails in red and white colours, or have nail art showcasing red or gold maple leaves and Canadian flags,
- Add streaks of red and white to your hair using temporary hair coloring spray or hair chalk.
Display a Canadian Flag
Wave your Canadian flag proudly, whether you’re joining Canada Day events or hosting your own celebration. Display the flag outside your home, wave it at a Canada Day parade, or drape it over your shoulders. The size of the flag doesn’t matter—what’s important is showing your pride! If you’re attending a big Canada Day gathering, you might find small novelty flags available for purchase.
Host a Canada Day gathering or barbecue…
Invite friends and family to join in celebrating Canada’s unification as a country. Decorate your home with Canadian-themed party supplies like red and white streamers or maple leaf motifs. Encourage everyone to wear their favorite Canada-inspired attire and provide Canadian-themed drinks and food.
Consider hosting a potluck where guests bring dishes native to different Canadian provinces. You can also purchase small Canadian-themed party accessories such as novelty flags or temporary maple leaf tattoos to give to your guests.
…and eat your favourite Canadian food
Enjoy your favorite Canadian dishes to celebrate Canada Day, whether you’re hosting a party, attending one, or celebrating solo. Explore recipes of iconic Canadian foods like poutine, beaver tails, or Canadian pizza, and prepare them at home. If cooking isn’t your forte, you can also indulge in these specialties at local Canada Day events!
Some of Canadian dishes include:
- Poutine: French fries with gravy and cheese curds, or try a version with berries
- Hamburgers or hot dogs
- Corn
- Macaroni salad
- Beaver Tails: Deep-fried bread dough topped with cinnamon and chili
- Lobster rolls, fried clams or clam chowder
- Canadian flag-themed cupcakes or cakes
- Cupcakes designed to resemble beavers
- Canadian-style pizza.
These dishes showcase Canada’s diverse culinary heritage and are perfect for celebrating this special day.
Play your favourite Canadian music
Listen to your favorite Canadian musicians or Canadian-themed music to celebrate Canada Day. Whether you’re singing the Canadian National Anthem with friends or enjoying music at events like the Montreal Jazz Festival, ensure your playlist features Canada’s top artists. Celebrated musicians such as Celine Dion, Rush, Alanis Morissette, Drake, and Leonard Cohen all come from Canada!
Travel
Plan your travel to fully enjoy Canada Day by exploring the country’s natural and man-made wonders. Whether you prefer indoor attractions or outdoor adventures, every city offers fantastic options. Use this opportunity to delve into Canada’s history, wildlife, and stunning landscapes.
Here are some of the most-loved destinations:
- Alberta: the province offers great outdoor adventures. You can go hiking in The Canadian Rockies or horseback riding among fields of wildflowers, visit Calgary’s badlands or marvel at the beauty of Lake Louise.
- Cape Spear Lighthouse in Newfoundland and Labrador for breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and opportunities to spot humpback whales and porpoises.
- Bay of Fundy, on the border on Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to witness the highest tides in the world
- Confederation Bridge that joins Prince Edward Island and mainland New Brunswick
- The Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, where you can discover the history of Canada’s beloved sport and play against top hockey players in a VR hockey rink.
- The Canadian Museum of History in Quebec, one of the country’s oldest public institutions, featuring ongoing expansions and new exhibits that let you dive into Canada’s history.
These experiences will enrich your Canada Day celebration and deepen your appreciation of Canada’s diverse cultural and natural heritage.
Join a parade
Many cities across the country host both large and small parades on Canada Day. These events often feature The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, a significant Canadian symbol, alongside local floats and marching bands. Parade themes and styles differ by city and province, so check online to locate the nearest parade route to you.
Go to Canada Day Festival
Experience a Canada Day festival in one of Canada’s larger cities, where you’ll find extensive free attractions. Festivals typically feature magic shows, stilt walkers, bouncy castles, and a variety of food. Many cities offer free concerts and entertainment, with activities suitable for all ages.
For example:
- Visit Ottawa, Canada’s capital, for an impressive Canada Day celebration on the grounds surrounding the Parliament Buildings. Enjoy day-long activities culminating in a not-to-be-missed fireworks display in the evening.
Or
- Join the annual Canada Day celebration in Toronto featuring circus acts, celebrity appearances, and performances by musical guests.
These events offer vibrant celebrations and entertainment, making Canada Day memorable for everyone.
Watch the fireworks
Enjoy a fireworks display as an essential part of your Canada Day celebration. Numerous cities host their distinctive fireworks shows visible from various locations within the city. Look up nearby venues that organize fireworks displays, and note that some cities have designated viewing areas where tickets may be required.
If you can’t attend a fireworks show, consider purchasing sparklers or small fireworks for home use. Always prioritize safety by carefully following all instructions and guidelines for using fireworks at home.
