Join the Scotiabank StartRight® Program designed for Newcomers‡ and get up to $2,200* in value in the first year.

1

2

3

Guided Form

Please answer a few questions, and our guided form will give you the most relevant solutions for your needs.

You can close this form by clicking outside the form, and return to it at any time by pressing the form button on the site’s navigation bar.

Are you currently living in Canada?

Canada Day 2025 for Newcomers: What to Know, Do & Celebrate

Written By

Zain Usmani

Jun 25, 2025

Life in Canada

Canada Day celebration with colourful fireworks over Niagara Falls.

Wondering what Canada Day 2025 celebrations are all about? For newcomers, July 1 is a perfect time to experience your first big Canadian celebration! This day marks the birth of the nation, and the meaning of Canada Day goes far beyond fireworks. It’s a time when people come together to reflect on their history, diversity, and shared values. If you’re new to the country, it’s a fun and meaningful way to connect with your community and embrace life in Canada. Discover how to make the most of the holiday and join in the celebrations happening from coast to coast.

In 2025, Canada will be 158 years old and home to more than 41.5 million people, an important milestone shaped largely by international migration! So, whether you’ve recently arrived or are planning your move, this is the perfect time to join the celebration and take pride in your new (or future) home!

Real-time model of Canada's population as of June25, 2025. Source, Statistics Canada
Check out Statistics Canada’s real-time population model.

What is Canada Day All About?

This holiday marks the anniversary of Confederation, when, back in 1867, the first four provinces (Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick) came together to form what we now call Canada. It was the beginning of the modern nation, though it took many more years (and provinces) to shape the country we know today.

Fun Fact: Canada’s official name is still the Dominion of Canada, though we usually just say “Canada”, much easier!

A colourful summer picture of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
A view of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. Previously a British colony, Newfoundland and Labrador became the 10th province in 1949.

A Young Country with a Rich Story

Compared to many nations, Canada is still quite young. Before Confederation, this land was made up of Indigenous territories and British colonies. Over time, other regions joined, with Newfoundland and Labrador joining in 1949, and Nunavut becoming a territory in 1999.

In 1982, the country took full control of its future! That’s when the Constitution was brought home from Britain, and July 1 officially became Canada Day, a true reason to celebrate!

Your First Weeks in Canada | Developing Your Action Plan

Arriving with an action plan for your first weeks in Canada can save you time and money. The quicker you settle into your new environment the faster you’ll feel at home! In this webinar, Your First Weeks in Canada, we discuss the important things to do to manage your first weeks efficiently.

REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR

Why Canada Day Matters for Newcomers

Canada Day is more than fireworks and flag-waving. It’s a celebration of what makes this country special: freedom, multiculturalism, and opportunity. As a newcomer, this holiday can feel especially meaningful. It’s a chance to:

  • Celebrate your new beginning
  • Join local events and meet people in your community
  • Learn about the country’s history and traditions
  • Take pride in your contribution to Canada’s future.
A picture of an immigrant judge and newcomer celebrating an Oath of Citizenship ceremony.
Some newcomers take the Oath of Citizenship on Canada Day, making it an unforgettable milestone.

Discover Canada Day 2025 Celebrations

You can celebrate on July 1 with events across Canada! From Vancouver, British Columbia, to St. John’s, Newfoundland, here are some common ways to have a happy Canada Day:

  • Wearing red and white
  • Watching fireworks
  • Joining outdoor concerts, parades, and cultural festivals
  • Enjoying picnics, barbecues, and local food
  • Spending time with friends and neighbours.
The largest Canada Day celebration takes place in the nation's capital, Ottawa, Ontario. A large crowd in gathered on Parliament Hills for a colourful fireworks display.
The largest Canada Day celebration takes place in Ottawa, Ontario.

In Ottawa, the nation’s capital, thousands gather near Parliament Hill for the country’s biggest party, complete with live performances and fireworks. Check out Canada Day 2025 events in Ottawa!

People are sitting on the grass on a sunny day near a lake. They are underneath an oversized red and white umbrella with maple leafs.
This national holiday is a great time to enjoy beaches, parks, festivals, and Canadian culture.

Is Canada Day a Statutory Holiday?

Yes! Canada Day is a national statutory holiday in all provinces and territories, so:

  • Most employees get the day off work with holiday pay (equal to one day’s wages).
  • Government offices, banks, and post offices are closed.

If July 1 falls on a weekend, the holiday usually shifts to the next working day. In 2025, the holiday falls on a Tuesday. In this case, if their employer allows, employees may opt to take an additional vacation day on June 30 for an extra long weekend!

If you have to work on the holiday (e.g., in healthcare, hospitality, or essential services), you’re usually entitled to premium pay (typically 1.5x or 2x your regular wage, depending on your province).

If you’re a newcomer or new worker, you can look forward to a paid day off (in most cases). It’s a great time to experience Canadian culture, meet people, and enjoy parks, beaches, and festival venues!

Two multi-cultural children are waving small Canadian flags outside on a sunny day.
Canada Day celebrates the country’s diversity, people, and unity!

A Celebration of Diversity

Canada’s strength lies in its diversity, and people from all corners of the world now call it home! Canada Day is a celebration of that unity. Whether you’re here on a work permit, as a permanent resident, international student, it’s a chance to feel part of something bigger.

So grab your flag, wear your red and white, and enjoy the music, food, and have a happy Canada Day!

WRITTEN BY

Zain Usmani

Writer, Prepare for Canada

My name is Zain Usmani and I am a freelance content writer who currently resides in Mississauga, Ontario. I immigrated from Pakistan to Canada 5 years ago and have lived in many cities ever since. I have lived in Calgary AB, Edmonton AB, Regina SK, London ON, and Mississauga ON, while visiting over 40 Canadian cities and towns. I have a great passion for writing and I love helping people through it.

© Prepare for Canada 2025

Related Articles