Canada Day is Canada's national day, celebrated every 1 July — in 2026 a Wednesday. It marks the birth of the country with fireworks, parades and citizenship ceremonies. Here's the history behind the date and why it was once called "Dominion Day."
See the Canada Day holiday page or Canada's holiday calendar.
Why is Canada Day on July 1?
It marks 1 July 1867, the day the British North America Act (now the Constitution Act, 1867) came into effect — uniting three British colonies (the Province of Canada, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick) into a single Dominion of Canada. This event is known as Confederation.
Canada wasn't fully independent overnight — it gradually gained full sovereignty over the following decades — but 1 July 1867 is recognised as the country's founding date.
From "Dominion Day" to "Canada Day"
For its first century the holiday was called Dominion Day. It was officially renamed Canada Day in 1982 — the same year Canada "patriated" its constitution, gaining the power to amend it without the UK Parliament.
How Canada Day is celebrated
- Fireworks and concerts in cities and towns nationwide, with a major celebration on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
- Citizenship ceremonies welcoming new Canadians.
- Parades, barbecues, and lots of red and white — Canada's national colours.
- It's a statutory holiday across the country.
Quick answers
Why is Canada Day on July 1? It marks Confederation on 1 July 1867, when the British North America Act united the colonies into the Dominion of Canada.
When is Canada Day 2026? Wednesday, 1 July 2026 — it is always 1 July (if it falls on a weekend, the public holiday may be observed on the following Monday).
Why was Canada Day called Dominion Day? Because Canada was created as a "Dominion" in 1867. The name was changed to Canada Day in 1982.
Is Canada Day a public holiday? Yes — it is a national statutory holiday.