Canada Day facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Canada Day |
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Canada Day fireworks in Barrie, Ontario
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| Also called | Fête du Canada; previously named Dominion Day |
| Observed by | Canadians (Canada) |
| Type | Historical, cultural, nationalist |
| Celebrations | Fireworks, parades, barbecues |
| Date | 1 July |
Canada Day (French: Fête du Canada) is Canada's national day. It is a public holiday that celebrates the birthday of Canada as a country. This special day marks when the British North America Act became law on July 1, 1867. This act joined four provinces to create one country. People celebrate Canada Day all across Canada and even in other parts of the world.
Canada's Birthday
Many people call Canada Day "Canada's birthday." This day marks when three British North American colonies – Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada – joined together. The Province of Canada was then split into Ontario and Quebec. This created a federation of four provinces on July 1, 1867.
Even though Canada became its own kingdom on that date, the British Parliament still had some control over the new country. Canada slowly gained full control over its own laws. This process was completed in 1982 when Canada took full control of its own constitution with the Constitution Act, 1982.
How Canadians Celebrate
Most towns and cities across Canada hold special events for Canada Day. These are usually outdoor public parties. You might see parades, fun fairs, barbecues, air shows, and fireworks. There are often free music concerts too. Many new Canadians also become citizens during special citizenship ceremonies held on this day.
There isn't one single way to celebrate Canada Day. It's a bit like Canada itself – very spread out and diverse. The main celebrations happen in the national capital, Ottawa, Ontario. Large concerts are held on Parliament Hill, led by the Governor General. Other events take place in parks around Ottawa and in Hull, Quebec. Sometimes, the Queen or King of Canada also attends the Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa. For example, Queen Elizabeth II was there in 1990, 1992, and 1997. She also helped celebrate Canada's 100th anniversary in 1967.
When is Canada Day?
Canada Day is always on July 1. However, if July 1 falls on a Sunday, the holiday is officially moved to July 2. Even so, most celebrations still happen on July 1. If Canada Day falls on a Saturday, many businesses that are usually closed on Saturdays will also give their employees the following Monday off.
Images for kids
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A crowd in Vancouver celebrates Dominion Day in 1917, the golden jubilee of Confederation.
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Fireworks in Ottawa during Canada Day. Official celebrations at Parliament Hill include a fireworks display.
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Canada Day coincides with Memorial Day in Newfoundland and Labrador, with memorials typically held in the morning of July 1.
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The Queen of Canada waves to Canadians on Canada Day, 2010
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Trafalgar Square during Canada Day in London, England, 2013
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A First Nations dancer performs at the Canada Day celebrations in Calgary, Alberta - 2022
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A First Nations representative carries the Union Jack during Canada Day celebrations in Calgary, Alberta - 2022
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See also
In Spanish: Día de Canadá para niños
