How to Celebrate Canada Day

Canada Day, formerly known as Dominion Day, commemorates the establishment of Canada as a self-governing country on July 1, 1867. The occasion, marked each July 1, is celebrated with parades, fireworks, concerts, picnics and the displaying of the Canadian flag.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Enjoy a day off work. Canada Day is a national holiday. All government offices and services are closed and most businesses give their employees the day off. If July 1 falls on a Sunday, the legal holiday is moved to July 2.
2. Display the Canadian flag. Canada Day is an occasion to raise the Maple Leaf flag and display the national, red and white colors--either in a traditional way or a whimsical way, like the little boy pictured above.
3. Watch a parade. Almost every town hosts some kind of Canada Day parade. The largest are in Ottawa, at Parliament Hill and in Toronto.
4. View fireworks. Fireworks are another common way of celebrating Canada Day. These lavish displays are usually held at dusk on July 1. In Windsor, across the river from Detroit, the two cities combine to celebrate the International Freedom Festival, which spans from Canada Day to the American Independence Day (July 4th).
5. Have a feast. Food is an integral part of any Canada Day celebration. Family cookouts, picnics and pancake breakfasts are popular ways of celebrating.