TORONTO — Our great nation’s 148th birthday is upon us. How should you celebrate the occasion? Well, we’ve put together a few suggestions for all the true, patriotic Canadians out there.
Our handy guide will hopefully serve as a helpful reminder of the fine Canadian cuisine you can (and should) indulge in. Plus, some great stereotypically-Canadian activities you can partake in — hopefully while clad in classic Canadian attire.
Let’s start with the most important part of Canada Day, or really any day.
What to eat
You’re obviously going to need some Timmy’s. Bonus points if you pick up a Canadian Maple donut with your double double. We suggest taking your Tim Hortons home, where your maple donut can serve as a wonderful accompaniment to a maple syrup-soaked breakfast.
READ MORE: 10 fresh ways to use maple syrup
The quintessential Canadian condiment isn’t just for pancakes and waffles. Although that’s a good start. You can also work it into your morning smoothie.
Once breakfast is behind you, it’s time to start thinking about lunch. If you’re a die-hard Canadian, there are plenty of ways to incorporate maple syrup here too. Still a little full from breakfast? How about a liquid lunch courtesy of a maple martini?
READ MORE: Red and white drinks for Canada Day
Or for the health nuts: walnuts drizzled with maple syrup, baked then tossed onto a salad with feta and strawberries.
Other Canadian staples that fit the bill:
- Poutine
- Alberta beef
- Atlantic Canada lobster
- Montreal smoked meat
- Beaver tail
- Cow’s ice cream
- Beer. Apparently Budweiser is Canada’s ‘most popular’ brew.
What to do
There will be plenty of free festivities to take in across the country on July 1. But if you want to do something really Canadian (aside from ringing in the big day in our nation’s capital), consider the following:
Microbrewery tour
Craft beer is bigger than ever in Canada. And there are plenty of micro-breweries to choose from.
Hockey
If you’re in Toronto, what could be more Canadian than a visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Those in Edmonton have the chance to get their dose of hockey live at West Edmonton Mall, where the Brick Invitational tournament has taken over the ice rink.
Horseback riding
Channel your inner cowboy and go horseback riding. Bonus points if you get to do it in the Rockies.
Learn all the verses to ‘O Canada’
Sure, you may know our official anthem, but did you know that it’s just the first verse of Robert Stanley Weir’s patriotic poem?
Go to the lake
Take a road trip out to the lake, which Canada has more of than the rest of the world combined.
READ MORE: Road trip! Your guide to uncover Canada’s hidden gems
Play beersbee
This frisbee spinoff is a Canadian creation. Check out Beersbee.com for the official rules.
Take our Canadiana quiz
Did you know that basketball was invented by a Canadian-born doctor? See what else you don’t know about your country here and check out more fun facts about Canada below.
Listen to a Canadian playlist
This playlist of 40 true north tracks reflects the wealth of musical talent from coast to coast. It is also Justin Bieber and Nickelback-free (sorry, not sorry).
You can find a closer look at the Canada Day celebrations in your area below:
What to wear
You really only have three wardrobe choices if you want to let your patriotic side shine on Canada Day:
1. Red and white
2. Plaid and/or flannel
3. The Canadian tuxedo. It even has our Canadian darling’s seal of approval.
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