Today is Canada Day! Canada Day is celebrated on July 1st across the country. July 1st marks the anniversary of the formation of the union of the British North America provinces in a federation under the name of Canada. While celebrations complete with fireworks, parades, fairs, folkfests, concerts, athletic events take place across the country, the main events occur in Ottawa. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people visit Parliament Hill, Major’s Hill Park, Jacques-Cartier Park, and other locations in the surrounding areas of the capital city of Ottawa to celebrate Canada. This year marks Canada’s 144th birthday – and this year, the special guests are Prince William and Princess Catherine (Kate), who will be visiting as part of the Royal Tour.

Akin to the 4th of July/Independence Day festivities being kicked-off here in the United States, the celebration of the federation is a time of national pride and special celebration. Happy birthday to our neighbors to the North.