How to Celebrate Canada Day

Canada Day or Dominion Day is one of the most important holidays for Canadians to celebrate the birth of the nation and when Canada gained its freedom from British rule. It's a much anticipated holiday for many Canadian citizens and is usually celebrated with gatherings, food and fun. Here are a few suggestions on how you can show your Canada Day spirit!

EditSteps

1

Dress in a patriotic way.

Dress in a patriotic way. This can be done by wearing a simple maple leaf T-shirt or going bold by draping the maple leaf flag over your shoulders. Get creative and show off your pride for Canada with red and white attire! Here are some ideas for showing off your Canadian colours:
- Dye your hair bright red with temporary hair colour spray or use the spray with a maple leaf stencil
- Wear a Canadian flag hat
- Wear pins and buttons that bear the Canadian flag on clothes.
  
  Wear pins and buttons that bear the Canadian flag on clothes
- Opt for temporary tattoos on your cheek or a Canadian flag nail design.
- Wear red and white clothing.
2

Depending on your community, hit the streets and enjoy the parades, outdoor concerts, and food.

Depending on your community, hit the streets and enjoy the parades, outdoor concerts, and food. There are many things to have fun with from face painting for the kids to crowd entertaining jugglers and magicians. Check online or in local newspapers for details.
3

Consider visiting the nation's capital.

Consider visiting the nation's capital. Ottawa throws a spectacular event on the grounds and surrounds of Parliament House, with activities all day long. You'll experience flyovers, concerts, the RCMP musical ride, food booths, excited crowds and much more; it's a day to remember for always, so book early if you're travelling from another province.
4

Enjoy air shows from Canada's Air Force.

Enjoy air shows from Canada's Air Force. Check online for details of where they will be each year.
5

Attend the Montreal Jazz Festival or Calgary Stampede.

Attend the Montreal Jazz Festival or Calgary Stampede. Be sure to book early though, as these events are popular and accommodation fills fast.
6

Have a cookout with family and friends or go into town to enjoy some delicious multicultural food.

Have a cookout with family and friends or go into town to enjoy some delicious multicultural food. Depending on your province, here are some suggestions:
- Hot dogs and hamburgers
- French fries with gravy and cheese curds, or try making a recent innovation known asberry poutine
- Deep fried bread dough with cinnamon and chili (beaver tails)
- Lobster rolls or fried clams
- Baklava
- Canadian flag cupcakes or cake
- Cupcakes made to look like beavers
- Anything using maple syrup, from taffy pulls to pancakes.
7

Let off some fireworks.

Let off some fireworks. Alternative, make plans to spend an evening enjoying local firework shows in your area. Take along the whole family to make an event of it.