Canada Day is celebrated every year on July 1st. People celebrate Canada as their home and native land. On this day, the anniversary of the Constitution Act is commemorated. In 1867, mentioned Act consolidated three territories into the single nation of Canada. In 2017, the country celebrated its 150th birthday.
History
Canada celebrated Dominion Day as their national holiday, until 1982. The day was given the new name – “Canada Day.” Unlike many other countries, the history of Canada is not splattered with bloodshed and a ton of wars. The possibility of unification between the British North American colonies was discussed throughout the mid-1800s. In 1867, on July 1st, the British Parliament brought the British North America Act into effect, which led to the creation of an independent Canada. The territories within the dominion consisted of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Upper and Lower Canada. Through the British North America Act Canada was divided into Quebec and Ontario, letting provisions for neighboring colonies to join in the future. This is how current Canada was formed. Until 1982, the British North America Act served as the constitution for the country.
In 1879, Dominion Day was established. Though many Canadians did not celebrate this day as they still identified themselves as British citizens. In 1917, on the 50th anniversary of the confederation, when Dominion Day started becoming more popular, this changed. In 1946, a bill was forwarded to rename Dominion Day, but the passing of the bill was delayed due to a dispute in the House of Commons over what the new name should be.
On the 100th anniversary of the nation’s creation, in 1967, celebrations took off as there was an increasing interest in Canadian patriotism. Citizens would refer to the holiday as Canada Day, even before it became official, and in 1982, the name was finally adopted.
Timeline of Canada Day
1867 (Canadian Independence) – Britain granted Canada its national independence.
1879 (Dominion Day) – A federal law made July 1st a statutory holiday as the “anniversary of Confederation,” afterward renamed “Dominion Day.”
October 27, 1982 (It’s Official) – Dominion Day officially became Canada Day.
2017 (Canada turns 150) – The 150th Anniversary of Confederation was celebrated jubilantly.
Traditions of the Day
Big and small parades take place in cities and villages all over Canada. Other traditions include wearing the national flag colors, sporting events, having outdoor picnics, festivals, and fireworks.
Check out what is today’s date in numbers
FAQs about Canada Day
Why is Canada Day celebrated?
This day commemorates the anniversary of Confederation in 1867 when the British North America Act was enacted.
How old is Canada this year 2022?
Canada turned 155 years old in 2022.
Is Canada Day like the 4th of July?
Canada Day celebrates the country’s independence and its unity similar to how Americans celebrate the 4th of July.
What date will be 28 days from today?
Activities on Canada Day
Bust out the Canadian flag – Without the Canadian flag no Canada Day celebration is complete, be it draped from the shoulders, hung from a window, or painted on the face.
Whip up some Canadian delicacies – Canadians love to celebrate this day with traditional Canadian foods, whether it be Baklava, beaver tails [deep-fried bread dough with cinnamon and chili], or Poutine.
Get out to a Parade – On Canada Day parades will take place in many Canadian cities. Which will be complete with street food, fireworks, and full marching bands. There is nothing more Canadian than going out and celebrating with your neighbors.
5 Interesting Facts about Canada
Canada has more lakes than you assume – Compared to any other country in the world combined, Canada has more surface area covered with lakes.
Canada has the world’s longest coastline – it will take 30 years if one were to walk the entire length of the Canadian coastline at a pace of 12 miles per day.
Canada has an abundance of trees – Canada boasts 10% of the world’s total forests and 30% of the world’s boreal forest.
Quebec produces the most maple syrup – Almost two-thirds of the world’s maple syrup is supplied by Quebec.
Canada can get as cold as Mars – On February 3, 1947, a temperature of -81.4℉ (-63℃) was recorded in the small village of Snag (which is colder than the average temperature on the surface of Mars).
Why We Love Canada Day
It coincides with personal freedom – It roughly correlates to America’s Independence Day, but many Canadians get the extra gift of personal freedom, as in La Belle province most leases expire on July 1st.
It is the perfect excuse for a cold one – British Columbia alone drinks 1.2 million liters of beer over Canada Day weekend [all bought from official government-run liquor stores, of course].
It kicks off History Week – Canada Day has marked the beginning of Canada History Week from 2013 onwards, which motivates citizens to discover more about their nation by visiting monuments, museums, and memorials.
