Canada Day 2025: History, Events & Ways to Celebrate
Canada Day is just around the corner. Whether you’re a lifelong Canadian or just experiencing your first July 1st up north, Canada Day is more than just fireworks and flag-waving. It’s a chance to reflect on the country’s history, celebrate local culture, and come together with your community. In this quick guide, you’ll find everything you need to know, from what Canada Day actually commemorates to fun, meaningful ways you can join the celebrations this year.
What Is Canada Day?
Canada Day is a national holiday that symbolises unity, independence, and a shared identity for Canadians across the country. First known as “Dominion Day,” this day honours the historic moment when Canada became a nation.
The celebration traces its roots to the unification of three British colonies in North America: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the Province of Canada (which later became parts of modern-day Ontario and Quebec). These regions came together under a single confederation, forming the foundation of the country we know today.
Here’s a quick look at the milestones behind the day:
On July 1, 1867, the Constitution Act (then called the British North America Act) created the Dominion of Canada, uniting the three British colonies into a single, semi-independent new country. This marked the beginning of Canada as a self-governing entity within the British Empire.
By 1879, July 1 was legally declared a statutory holiday known as the “Anniversary of Confederation,” which was later renamed “Dominion Day.”
On July 1, 1982, the name was officially changed from “Dominion Day” to Canada Day, reflecting Canada’s modern identity. That same year, the patriation of the Canadian Constitution ended any remaining legislative ties with the United Kingdom, solidifying Canada’s full independence.
Today, Canada Day is both a celebration and a time for reflection. It’s when Canadians look back on their history, honour their diverse cultural roots, and come together to celebrate what it means to live in a free, inclusive, and unified country.
When Is Canada Day?
Canada Day is always celebrated on July 1—every year, without exception.
Under the federal Holidays Act, if July 1 lands on a Sunday, the legal day off shifts to Monday, July 2, though most public festivities still happen on the first. Should July 1 land on a Saturday, most workplaces still mark it on July 1, though many businesses voluntarily close the following Monday as a holiday.
In 2025, Canada Day falls on Tuesday, July 1. It marks not only the 158th anniversary of Confederation, but also the 60th anniversary of the Maple Leaf flag, so you can expect extra flag-themed events and programming from Canadian Heritage to mark the occasion.
Many people and workplaces will opt to take Monday as a vacation day to extend the weekend. So, it’s a great opportunity to create a four-day break!
How to Celebrate Canada Day?
Ready to turn this July 1 into a memory-maker? Whether you’re in a big city, a small town, or chilling at the cottage, here are some fun ways to celebrate Canada Day with your loved ones:
Join a flagship party in a major city
If you’re near one of Canada’s major cities, you’re in luck—there are big celebrations planned from coast to coast:
Ottawa (LeBreton Flats Park)
This is the heart of Canada Day, featuring the official noon ceremony, live music throughout the day, and the signature Tim Hortons Canada Day Fireworks lighting up the capital at night.
Vancouver (Canada Place)
The “Canada Together” event runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with live performances (headlined by Dear Rouge), an Indigenous Marketplace, family zones, and a citizenship ceremony. It’s co-hosted with the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
Toronto (Ashbridges Bay)
Pack a picnic and hit the beach, or head to the Q107 Canada Day Picnic in nearby Woodbine Park. Stay for Toronto’s largest fireworks display at 10 p.m.—always a crowd favourite.
Montréal (Old Port)
The Quai de l’Horloge becomes a family-friendly zone with face painting, cupcakes, a welcoming ceremony for new Canadians, a 21-gun salute, and evening DJ sets.
Calgary (The Confluence & Stampede Park)
The day kicks off with the Indigenous Spotlight Powwow, followed by live performances including a headlining set from Sam Roberts Band. Fireworks launch from Stampede Park around 11 p.m.
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Tailgate the fireworks
Want to catch the fireworks without squeezing into a packed park? Arrive early at a prime viewing spot—like Mississauga Celebration Square or Ashbridges Bay—and turn your car into a cozy tailgate setup.
Fold down the seats, unpack some snacks, and play your favourite playlist while you wait for the show. A compact portable power station makes it easy to keep your devices charged, your drinks cold, and your speaker going all night.
Go camping in a national park
If you’d rather skip the crowds this Canada Day, heading into the wild might be your perfect plan. With the new Canada Strong Pass, entry to all Parks Canada sites is free from June 20 to September 2, 2025, and camping fees are 25% off, making it easier than ever to trade city noise for mountain air.
Set up camp in iconic spots like Banff, Fundy, or Gros Morne, where you can spend the day hiking ridgelines, paddling along quiet shorelines, or just soaking up the scenery before settling around a fire under star-laden skies.
And when you’re staying off-grid, having a compact portable power station can make the whole experience a lot more convenient and comfortable.
The EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Portable Power Station slips neatly into the trunk yet stores 2 kWh of LiFePO4 battery power (expandable to 6 kWh) and delivers up to 2,400W of AC output—3,400W with X-Boost. That means you can easily charge your phones and run essentials like lighting, a mini fridge, or even an induction burner at your site.
EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Portable Power Station
Moreover, you could pair the station with the EcoFlow 800W Alternator Charger, which draws energy directly from your vehicle’s alternator while you drive, topping up the battery far faster than a typical 12V car socket and even keeping your starter battery healthy. With this setup, you’ll arrive at camp with a full charge and everything you need to stay comfortable, connected, and powered up.
Throw a backyard (or balcony) bash
If you’re staying close to home, turn your backyard or balcony into a mini celebration zone:
Grill up some Canada-themed eats—like maple-glazed veggie skewers or cedar-planked salmon.
Bake a red-and-white cake or hang handmade maple leaf banners to mark the 60th anniversary of the Canadian flag in 2025.
Canadian Heritage will be streaming the official national evening show and fireworks display. Just fire it up on your phone, tablet, or TV while you toast with friends.
Celebrate with meaning
Don’t forget—Canada Day is also an opportunity to reflect and connect. Consider attending Indigenous-led events, visiting a local market, or taking part in a land acknowledgment ceremony. These experiences offer meaningful ways to honour the many histories and communities that shape Canada.
Conclusion
However you choose to spend it, catching the fireworks in a major city, going on a national-park road trip, hosting a BBQ, or simply relaxing with friends, Canada Day is yours to celebrate in a way that feels right for you. It’s a moment to appreciate where we are, how far we’ve come, and the diverse voices that make up the fabric of this country. So, mark your calendar, make a plan, and enjoy every moment of July 1st. Happy Canada Day!
FAQs
What day is the stat holiday for Canada Day?
Canada Day is a federal statutory holiday in Canada, celebrated annually on July 1. This date marks the anniversary of Canadian Confederation in 1867, when the British North America Act united several provinces into what became Canada.
The Holidays Act mandates that if July 1 falls on a Sunday, the statutory day off shifts to Monday, July 2. This ensures Canadians still get a paid day off to celebrate. If it falls on a Saturday, many workplaces—especially in the public sector—will either close on Saturday or offer a day off in lieu, typically on the preceding Friday or the following Monday.
What day do we get off for Canada Day 2025?
In 2025, Canada Day will be observed on Tuesday, July 1. Since it doesn’t fall on a weekend, there will be no extra “substitute holiday” on Monday, June 30. However, many people choose to take Monday, June 30 off as a vacation day to create a long four-day weekend.
Employers aren’t required to give Monday off, but depending on your company’s policy or union agreements, some may offer additional flexibility. Regardless, Tuesday, July 1, 2025, is the guaranteed statutory holiday with pay for eligible workers.
What happens if Canada Day is on a Tuesday?
When Canada Day falls on a Tuesday, as it will in 2025, the statutory holiday is observed on that day—Tuesday, July 1. There is no automatic shift of the holiday to another day, unlike when it falls on a Sunday.
Some individuals and employers may choose to take or offer Monday, June 30, off to create a long four-day weekend, but this is not legally required. For those who continue working on the Monday and return Wednesday, the Tuesday off still provides a welcome midweek break.