CANADA Day sees people come together to mark the country's formation on July 1, 1867.
Here's everything you need to know about the national holiday, which is celebrated today.
3
Once a year on July 1, Canadians come together to celebrate their nation's birthday Credit: Getty Images What is Canada Day?
Canada Day is the national day of Canada and marks the anniversary of the day the country's three colonies of Canada, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick were united.
They came together to form one single Dominion that was part of the British Empire and is now a member of the Commonwealth.
The celebration is often referred to as Canada's birthday and sees Canadians celebrate both at home and around the world.
Meanwhile others refer to the holiday as Dominion Day or by the French phrase Le Jour de la Confederation.
3
Many people take to the streets to celebrate Canada Day with parades and festivals Credit: Getty Images How is Canada Day celebrated?
Towns and cities across Canada all organise huge celebrations for Canada Day, which include parades, festivals, firework displays and concerts.
The day is a public holiday across Canada.
The Canadian capital Ottawa also hosts a huge celebration on Parliament Hill, which is often attended by the Prime Minister and sometimes a member of the Royal Family.
In 2017, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall travelled to the country to celebrate the holiday.
The day is also marked with the singing of the national anthem, O Canada.
However, there is no set tradition on how the day should be marked, and Canadians celebrate in any way they like.
3
Canada Day marks the anniversary of when the country's three provinces joined together to become a united nation Credit: Getty Images
LATEST CANADA NEWS
tru livesAll about Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, from his family to the blackface row
HELL ON EARTHHeat kills at least 500 people across Canada & Washington as temps reach 118F
CANADA'S FIRST LADYMeet Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s wife Sophie Gregoire
DEADLY SCORCHER'Heat-dome’ kills 230 in British Columbia as temperatures soar to 121F
HOT STUFFHeatwave bakes US as record-breaking temperatures surge in major cities
Is Canada Day like the 4th of July?
Similar to how the Fourth of July celebrates American Independence, Canada Day is a celebration of a united Canada and it's journey towards independence.
On Canada Day, the national flag flies high above the country.
Citizens typically celebrate with concerts, fireworks and displays.
Any similarity to the Fourth of July is the focus on national food - celebrations often include traditional Canadian recipes or foods like pancakes or maple syrup.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gives victory speech after ‘blackface’ storm led to tense election