Canada Day (French: Fête du Canada) is Canada's national holiday. It is celebrated on July 1.

It celebrates the creation of the Dominion of Canada through the British North America Act 1867, which came into effect on July 1, 1867, uniting three British territories — the Province of Canada (southern Ontario and southern Quebec), Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick — into a federation. (See Canadian Confederation.)

The holiday itself was formally established in 1879 and was originally called Dominion Day. The name was changed to Canada Day on October 27, 1982.

It is a mandatory holiday across Canada for all federal institutions. It is also celebrated by all provincial governments and businesses across Canada. Quebec provincial governments under the Parti Québécois refused to recognize the celebration.

Activities

With the exceptions noted above, Canada Day is generally marked by patriotic celebrations. Most cities have organized celebrations, often featuring fireworks. Entertainment usually has a Canadian theme. Canadian flags abound, and some go as far as to paint their faces in Canadian colours.

The celebrations in Ottawa are particularly lavish. Every Canada Day, tens of thousands gather on Parliament Hill to celebrate Canada's birth.