Canada Day
Have a Canadian cook-out, research the history of this wonderful country, or plan a trip to see first-hand what the vast and diverse place has to offer.
Capitalize on Canada Day patriotism and cookout culture to drive food, beverage, retail, and travel promotions targeting Canadian and North American audiences.
- Red & white product bundles and home décor tie-ins for non-Canadians celebrating the aesthetic
- Canadian food experiences: maple syrup, poutine, butter tarts, and specialty snacks for BBQ season
- Travel packages and tourism campaigns showcasing Canada's natural diversity and lifestyle appeal
- Cookout and entertaining gear promotions aligned with summer entertaining season
Canada Day celebrates that day in history when the British North America Act (now called the Constitution Act of 1867) was put into place. This was an important end to a long struggle to get Canada recognized as a separate country from its British parents.
Three colonies were bound together to create what is now recognized as one of the best countries in the world to live in. For a long time it had some issues with its currency not performing well on the world stage, but recently it has risen to prominence and held its own amongst first world countries.
Then, in 1868, Governor General Lord Monck signed a proclamation requesting that all of Her Majesty Queen Victoria’s subjects across the nation would celebrate Canada Day.
Yet, somehow, in keeping with Canada’s reputation for humility, the country didn’t make a big deal out of this event over the next few years. In fact, it took until 1917 before any official celebration of the event was held, and it took a full 10 years for another to be held.
In 1946, what was then known as ‘Dominion Day’, eventually became known as Canada Day. And in 1958, almost a hundred years later, Canadians finally started celebrating it yearly with government-sanctioned events.
Canada may be the only country in the world that essentially won its independence from its mother country and then went on not to be bothered with making a big deal about it!
Decorate in Red & White
Canada’s colors are, of course, red and white. So, lovers of the Great White North can find anything that fits the scheme and incorporate it into their home’s design. The great thing about celebrating Canada Day this way (if you’re not Canadian) is that you don’t have to answer awkward questions. No that’s not a Canadian flag in your front garden – you’re just digging primary colors at the moment!
Have a Canadian Cookout
Cookouts aren’t only synonymous with Canada, but Canada is part of North America, so it counts. Even better, the Canadians have an eclectic mix of foods, some that Americans love (hello maple syrup) and others that aren’t as familiar. This makes for an insanely interesting BBQ with fat-lined bacon on the menu. The sides are pretty novel, too. Who’s for ketchup- and dill pickle-flavoured chips? No? Okay, well there’s plenty of poutine, butter tarts and Nanaimo bars to go around!
Play Canadian-Inspired Games
Yes, that means getting physical and replicating some of the Great One’s signature moves. Gretzky hasn’t got anything on you! Variations of hockey aren’t the only sports played in Canada, so don’t worry if you’re not a fan of the NHL. Alternatives include searching for maple trees, making a canoe (and testing whether it floats), and reciting “O Canada.” Hint – Robert Stanley Weir’s English version has four verses. Bonus points go to anybody who knows them without using Google.