What Are Some Interesting Facts About Canada Day and the 4th of July?

Canada Day and the 4th of July are two of the biggest national holidays in North America. Both days celebrate the birth of a nation, and both are filled with parades, fireworks, and patriotic pride. But while they seem similar, there are many fun and surprising facts that make each unique. Let’s dive into some interesting facts about Canada Day and the 4th of July!

What Is Canada Day?

Canada Day is celebrated on July 1st. It marks the day in 1867 when Canada became a country through the British North America Act (now called the Constitution Act). This act united three colonies—Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada—into one country.

Some Canada Day Facts:

1. It Wasn’t Always Called Canada Day
   The holiday was originally called Dominion Day. It wasn’t officially renamed “Canada Day” until 1982.
   
   
2. Canada Day Fireworks Are a Big Deal
   Cities like Ottawa and Toronto host some of the largest fireworks displays in the country. Ottawa’s show near Parliament Hill draws over 100,000 people every year.
   
   
3. You Can Celebrate in the U.S. Too
   Places with strong Canadian communities like Detroit, MI and Blaine, WA often host Canada Day events. Some U.S. cities even light up the sky in red and white!
   
   
4. It’s a Relatively Young Country
   Canada turned 157 years old in 2024. By comparison, the United States is nearly 250 years old.
   
   
5. Free Admission to National Parks
   To celebrate the holiday, many of Canada’s national parks offer free admission on July 1st.
   
   

What Is the 4th of July?

The 4th of July—also called Independence Day—celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. That’s when the 13 American colonies declared independence from Great Britain.

Fun 4th of July Facts:

1. It’s Older Than Canada Day
   The U.S. celebrated its first Independence Day in 1777, just one year after the declaration was signed.
   
   
2. Americans Spend Big on Fireworks
   In 2023, Americans spent over $2.3 billion on fireworks and food for the 4th of July.
   
   
3. Hot Dogs Are a Big Tradition
   On average, Americans eat 150 million hot dogs during the holiday weekend!
   
   
4. It Wasn’t Always a Federal Holiday
   The 4th of July became an official federal holiday in 1870, nearly 100 years after the original event.
   
   
5. Some People Thought the Wrong Date Was More Important
   Some founding fathers, like John Adams, believed July 2nd (when the resolution for independence was approved) should be the holiday—not July 4th.
   
   

Similarities and Differences

Even though these holidays come just a few days apart, they celebrate very different histories. Canada became a nation through a peaceful act. The U.S. had to fight a war for its independence.

Celebrating Together

Families that span both Canada and the U.S. have a unique chance to celebrate both national holidays—and sometimes back-to-back! These binational families often honor Canada Day on July 1st and then switch gears to the 4th of July just three days later. 

Living in cities like Detroit–Windsor or experiences like border-town picnics, binational households use these holidays to embrace both heritages, teaching kids the histories of both countries and enjoying a week of family fun and cultural pride.

Canadiana Fest in Kalamazoo, Michigan

Just south of the border, Canadiana Fest in Kalamazoo, MI offers a vibrant celebration of Canadian culture—perfect for binational families and anyone who loves Canada!

• When & Where: The 2025 festival—branded the "Can‑Am Peace Jam"—is scheduled for September 20, 2025, at downtown Kalamazoo’s Arcadia Creek Festival Place. It’s a family-friendly, free (or “pay what you will”) event.
  
  
• What to Expect: Live music—from Quebecois folk to local cover bands—plus Indigenous drum performances, a kids’ culture tent, and workshops on genealogy, step-dancing, maple sugaring, and more .
  
  
• Tasty Cultural Eats: Enjoy classic Canadian dishes like poutine, butter tarts, peameal bacon sandwiches, and even a “World Champine Poutine Competition.” Vendors range from local restaurants to Canadian-import drinks and sweets.
  
  
• Sports & Activities: Try curling, street hockey, basketball, lacrosse, and traditional games like crokinole—all part of the Canadian Sports Center at the fest.
  
  
• Charitable Impact: Proceeds benefit local food banks such as the South Michigan Food Bank and Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes—helping feed thousands in the community
  
  

Canadiana Fest is built on a spirit of unity and friendship—especially meaningful for Canadian–American families. 

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