The Nation’s Capital is the headquarters for Canada’s birthday celebration on July 1, 2010. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people visit Parliament Hill, Major’s Hill Park, Jacques-Cartier Park, and other locations in the surrounding areas to celebrate Canada. This year marks Canada’s 143rd birthday.
On June 20, 1868, the Canada’s Governor General proclaimed that Canadians should celebrate the anniversary of the confederation (July 1st 1867, the “British North Americas Act” created the Dominion of Canada as a federation of four provinces). July 1st then became a statutory holiday, known as Dominion Day in 1879. No official celebrations were really held until the 50th anniversary in 1917 and the 60th anniversary in 1927. After World War II, Dominion Day was celebrated more frequently and more events were organized by the national government. After the centenary of the confederation in 1967, Dominion Day events became more widespread. July 1st became officially known as Canada Day from 1983 onwards.
Interesting! Did you know that in the province of Quebec, many home leases start on July 1st and last for exactly one year? Forget the party! Many people in Quebec spend Canada Day moving their possessions from one house to another. Canada Day in Quebec is also known as Moving Day!
Check out the links below to see what is happening in Niagara to help you Celebrate Canada Day!
Canada Day: GO TRAIN Special Weekend Fare
Canada Day in St. Catharines
Canada Day in Niagara Falls