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INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

O Canada! Surprising Facts About Canada Day

Canada Day
Written by Going Places

July 1st is Canada Day, a time for fireworks, concerts, parades, barbecues, and national pride! As Canadians celebrate their country’s birthday, cities and towns across the nation come alive with festivities.

While many countries mark their independence with stories of war and revolution, Canada Day honors a much more peaceful beginning. In 1867, leaders from the colonies of Upper Canada, Lower Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick sought permission from Queen Victoria to unite as one country. She agreed, and just like that, Canada was born. However, it took nearly a century for Canada Day — originally called Dominion Day — to become a widely celebrated event. It wasn’t until the country’s 100th birthday in 1967 that nation-wide enthusiasm for the holiday truly took off, paving the way for the grand celebrations held today.

Of course, there’s much more to Canada Day than fireworks and barbecues! From bathtub races to international festivities, here are some fun facts about this special day and the country it honors.

Canada Day Arose from Diplomacy, Not War

Many countries mark their national day with stories of war, revolution, and hard-fought independence. But Canada’s path to nationhood was much more peaceful. On July 1, 1867, the British North America Act (now called the Constitution Act) united the colonies of Upper Canada (Ontario), Lower Canada (Quebec), Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick into one country—Canada. Rather than a bloody fight for independence, Canadian leaders worked through diplomacy, requesting permission from Queen Victoria to form a self-governing nation within the British Empire. She agreed, and thus, Canada was born.

At the time, the holiday was called Dominion Day, reflecting Canada’s status as a “dominion” under British rule. It wasn’t until 1982, when Canada gained full political independence from Britain with the passage of the Canada Act, that Dominion Day was officially renamed Canada Day — a name that better reflected the country’s national identity. Thanks to Canada’s peaceful beginnings, July 1st is celebrated not with tales of battle, but with fireworks, concerts, and joyful gatherings from coast to coast!

Provincial Capital Legislative Parliament Building Queen Victoria Statue Victoria British Columbia Canada. Gold Statue top of dome is of George Vancouver.

Queen Victoria Statue, Provincial Capital Legislative Parliament Building, British Columbia

The Country’s Name Was a Misunderstanding

As Canadians celebrate their country on July 1, many proudly utter the name “Canada,” but the name itself came from a misunderstanding. In 1535, French explorer Jacques Cartier arrived in what is now Quebec and met the Iroquois people. They used the word “kanata,” which means “village” or “settlement,” to direct him to their community of Stadacona. Cartier mistakenly believed “kanata” referred to the entire land, and the name stuck.

By 1547, maps of the region were already labeling it as Canada. Over time, the term came to represent not just a single settlement but an entire territory. When the country officially formed in 1867, the name Canada was chosen to represent the newly united provinces. Today, that simple misunderstanding lives on as the name of one of the largest nations in the world.

Ottawa Boasts the Biggest Celebration

It isn’t surprising that Ottawa hosts the biggest Canada Day celebration. As the nation’s capital, it becomes the heart of the festivities, drawing thousands of people for concerts, activities, and a spectacular fireworks display. For decades, the main celebrations took place on Parliament Hill, but due to ongoing renovations, events have been relocated to LeBreton Flats Park and other key sites around the city. Major performances, family-friendly activities, and cultural displays now take place at multiple venues, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Despite the changes in location, Ottawa remains the epicenter of Canada Day celebrations. While cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal also mark the occasion in grand style, the capital is where the country’s biggest and most symbolic party takes place. The night always ends with a dazzling fireworks show lighting up the sky, making Ottawa the ultimate place to celebrate Canada’s birthday.

Canada map

Nanaimo Celebrates Canada Day with a Bathtub Race

Canada Day hasn’t always been just about barbecues and fireworks. Some towns put their own quirky spin on the celebrations—especially Nanaimo, British Columbia. In 1967, to mark Canada’s 100th birthday, the town launched its first-ever World Championship Bathtub Race, where participants raced across the water in motorized bathtubs.

Though the race eventually moved to later in July as part of the Nanaimo Marine Festival, it remains a beloved tradition that attracts competitors and spectators from around the world. From high-speed bathtub boats to festive waterfront events, this unusual competition proves that Canadians know how to make their national holiday both fun and memorable.

Canada Day Used to Go Largely Uncelebrated

Although Canada officially became a country in 1867, the anniversary of Confederation wasn’t widely celebrated for many years. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many Canadians still identified strongly with Britain, and Dominion Day, as it was then called, was largely overlooked. Some cities held small events, but it wasn’t a major holiday for most people.

It wasn’t until Canada’s 100th birthday in 1967 that enthusiasm for the holiday truly took off. The centennial celebrations that year included massive parades, festivals, and public events across the country, sparking a newfound sense of national identity. By 1982, when the holiday was officially renamed Canada Day, festivities had become a cornerstone of Canadian culture. Today, it’s one of the biggest celebrations of the year, bringing people together from coast to coast.

Canada Day is Celebrated Beyond Canadian Borders

Canada Day may be a national holiday, but the celebrations aren’t limited to Canada itself. Around the world, Canadian expats, travelers, and international fans of Canada come together to mark the occasion. In London, England, Trafalgar Square has hosted large Canada Day festivities, featuring live music, Canadian food, and cultural showcases. Canadian embassies and consulates in countries like Australia, France, and the United States often organize special events, bringing people together for barbecues, concerts, and fireworks displays. In Hong Kong, expat groups gather at Canadian-themed pubs, while in New York City, the Empire State Building has been lit in red and white in honor of the holiday.

Canada Day Fireworks Come with a Competitive Twist

Fireworks are a Canada Day staple, but some cities take things to the next level with dazzling competitions. In Montréal, the L’International des Feux Loto-Québec, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious fireworks competitions, kicks off in late June or early July. Pyrotechnic teams from around the world compete with choreographed displays set to music, lighting up the summer night sky in an explosion of color.

Across the country, major cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Halifax put on spectacular fireworks displays, but the most famous show is in Ottawa, where fireworks light up the sky above the capital in a grand finale to the nation’s biggest party.

Canada Day fireworks

Canada Day Pancake Breakfasts Are a Time-Honored Tradition

Maple syrup is about as Canadian as it gets, but it isn’t just drizzled on any ordinary breakfast—on Canada Day, pancake breakfasts are a community-wide celebration. Across the country, cities and small towns host massive outdoor pancake breakfasts where thousands gather to enjoy fluffy stacks of pancakes covered in real Canadian maple syrup. Volunteers, firefighters, and even local politicians often help flip pancakes, making it a true community event.

The tradition dates back decades and is especially popular in western provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan. These breakfasts not only bring people together but also highlight one of Canada’s most iconic exports—pure maple syrup, which the country produces more than 70% of the world’s supply.

FAQs:

Q: Is Canada Day a public holiday?
A: Yes, Canada Day is a national public holiday. Most businesses, government offices, and banks are closed. If July 1 falls on a Sunday, the holiday is observed on July 2.

Q: Are stores and restaurants open on Canada Day?
A: Many retail stores and restaurants are closed, but some remain open, especially in tourist areas and larger cities. Check local listings for details.

Q: Is public transportation available on Canada Day?
A: Yes, but many cities run on a holiday or reduced schedule. In major cities like Ottawa and Toronto, routes may be altered due to road closures for parades and fireworks.

Q: Are alcohol sales restricted on Canada Day?
A: Liquor stores’ hours vary by province. Some may be closed while others operate on reduced hours. Bars and restaurants typically serve alcohol as usual.

Q: What should I bring to a Canada Day celebration?
A: If attending outdoor events, bring sunscreen, water, comfortable shoes, and a small Canadian flag. For evening fireworks, a blanket or lawn chair is helpful.

Q: Can I set off my own fireworks on Canada Day?
A: Fireworks laws vary by city. Some allow home fireworks with safety restrictions, while others require permits or prohibit them entirely. Always check local regulations.

Q: Do I need tickets to attend Canada Day events?
A: Most Canada Day celebrations, including concerts and fireworks, are free. However, some special events or VIP areas may require tickets. Check local event listings in advance.

Where will you be celebrating Canada Day? Let us know in the comments below!

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