Canada Day is to mark the anniversary of the Confederation of Canada, which occurred on July 1, 1867. It is a national holiday and a day of celebration, reflection and pride for Canadians across the country and around the world.

Table of Contents

1. When is Canada Day?
2. The History of Canada Day?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?
4. The Dominion of Canada

When is Canada Day?

Canada Day is celebrated every year on July 1. If July 1 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the public holiday is observed on the next Monday ensuring Canadians can enjoy a long weekend.

The following is the list of Canada Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Canada Day? 

On July 1, 1867, the British North America Act came into effect, creating the Dominion of Canada. This act united four provinces: Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, marking the start of Canadian self-governance within the British Empire.

The first anniversary of Confederation was celebrated on July 1, 1868, at the request of Governor General Lord Monck. Public events included parades, speeches and fireworks, but the day was not yet an official holiday.

In 1879, the Canadian Parliament established Dominion Day as a statutory holiday. However, Dominion Day was celebrated sporadically and remained a relatively low-key event for decades.

By the 20th century, Canada's sense of national identity grew, and Dominion Day became more widely celebrated.

On October 27, 1982, following Canada's full sovereignty under the Constitution Act, 1982, the holiday was officially renamed Canada Day. The change reflected Canada's growing independence and evolving identity separate from the British Empire.

What Do People Do on This Day?

On Canada Day, Canadians celebrate their national pride and heritage through a variety of activities, events and traditions. The day brings together communities across the country.

Fireworks are a highlight of Canada Day celebrations, with major cities like Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver hosting spectacular shows. Many smaller communities organize fireworks in local parks or near water bodies, providing family-friendly evening entertainment.

Parades featuring marching bands, floats, performers and cultural groups are popular in cities and towns across Canada.

Families and friends gather for outdoor meals in parks or backyards, and many others enjoy recreational activities like hiking and kayaking.

Communities host fairs, carnivals and concerts with Canadian musicians and artists.

Some museums, historical sites and cultural centers often offer free or discounted admission, providing opportunities to learn about Canada's past.

Many Canadians use the day to relax with loved ones, whether by having a quiet meal or enjoying a lively outdoor gathering.

The Dominion of Canada

The Dominion of Canada refers to the initial political entity that was established on July 1, 1867, through the Constitution Act, 1867. This marked the beginning of modern Canada as a self-governing federation within the British Empire.

Enacted by the British Parliament, the British North America Act united three British colonies, Canada (Ontario and Quebec), New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, into a federal union. The new nation was officially named the Dominion of Canada.

The process of Confederation was driven by several factors including economic benefits from trade and infrastructure, the need for defense against potential U.S. expansion, and political deadlock between English and French populations in the Province of Canada.

The term "Dominion" was inspired the Bible: "He shall have dominion also from sea to sea", and this phrase reflected the vision of Canada as a vast and united land. While "Dominion" is no longer an official designation, it remains a historical term reflecting Canada's origins as a federated nation.

Canada was established as a federal system, dividing powers between the national government and provincial governments. The provinces retained control over local matters like education and health, while the federal government managed national issues like defense and trade.

Canada recognized the British monarch as its head of state, represented in Canada by a Governor General.

Over time, Canada grew to include new provinces and territories, expanding its borders to the Pacific and Arctic oceans: Manitoba (1870), British Columbia (1871), Prince Edward Island (1873), Alberta and Saskatchewan (1905), Newfoundland and Labrador (1949), and Territories like the Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut also became part of Canada.