There’s nothing like being in Niagara Falls for Canada Day, the federal Canadian holiday July 1. It’s a great time for celebrating the country and getting in the national pride spirit every year. This celebratory time commemorates the day in 1867 when the British North America 
Act went into effect, uniting the original provinces within the British Empire that now form Canada.
For those celebrating Canada Day in Niagara Falls, the Niagara Falls attractions and parties make it a very spirited time to be in the country. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Niagara Falls, including Niagara Falls fireworks, book a stay with Niagara Falls Hotels for Canada Day 2019. Here’s a look at the history of Canada Day and how to celebrate it today:
History of Canada Day
In 1867, the British North America Act united the British provinces of New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia into the Dominion of Canada. The reasoning was to give British North America a stronger defense, after the United States ended the American Civil War in 1865. The constitution-makers in Canada also wanted to create a strong federal government to avoid something like the American Civil War.
Canada Day is not a typical day of independence like those from outside of Canada might think. But its history and spirit of unity continue to prevail when the holiday is celebrated today. Canada gained full governmental independence with the Canada Act of 1982, the same year that Canada Day was formed after formerly being celebrated as Dominion Day.
What to Do in Niagara Falls on Canada Day
There are so many fun things to do in Niagara Falls on Canada Day. From a parade to Niagara Falls fireworks, mark these events on your calendar.
1K and 5K Run/Walk for St. John Ambulance
The run/walk takes place at Oakes Park. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the run/walk begins at 9 a.m. Registration starts at $30.
Ontario Power Generation Niagara Falls Canada Day Parade
Watch the parade when it starts at 11 a.m. and moves along Victoria Avenue to Queen Street, finishing up at St. Clair and Queen.
Canada Day Main Stage
After the parade, from 12:15-6 p.m., there will be free live entertainment at City Hall. There will be tribute acts, a student rock concert, free Canada Day birthday cake, henna tattoos, caricatures, face painting and food vendors.
Canada Day Car Show and Artisan Market
See classic cars along Queen between Victoria and St. Clair Avenue. Then head to the artisan market, Fantasyland and extreme sports demonstrations between St. Clair Avenue and Ontario Street.
Canada Day Children’s Activities
There are a ton of Niagara Falls attractions for kiddos on Canada Day in Niagara Falls. The Scotiabank Children’s Zone at Queen Street and Erie Avenue will have free inflatables, free electronic animal rides, a free rock-climbing wall, free family mini-putt, free face painting and a reptile kingdom.
The Scotiabank Children’s Stage in the Rosberg Family Park will have kids shows including a princess show, a mad science show and the Bubbleology Show. There will also be a children’s zone in the park, with free face painting, a circus workshop and mad science fun stations.
Live Entertainment
Live EntertainmentSee live entertainers like The Hip Hop Violinist, Ringmaster K Show with Fire, and Paradisaea Aerial Dance at Queen and Ontario and Queen and St. Clair. Check out a full Niagara Falls Canada Day schedule here.
Artistry by the Lake
Check out this free Canada Day event at Queen’s Royal Park at Niagara on the Lake from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A variety of artists will display fine paintings, sculptures, photography, jewellery, fibre arts, wood, glass and more. This juried show features some of the best art in Niagara Falls.
Annual Summer Show
The Annual Summer Show at the Floral Showhouse features the 2019 colour of the year ultraviolet and a display celebrating Chinese tourism. See gorgeous seasonal flowers and Chinese cultural installations like a moon gate and wishing bridge. The display is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and costs $7.
VIP Brews & Cruise Event
Hop on the Hornblower Niagara Cruises boat for a night-time cruise. The pre-game party goes from 7:30-9:30 p.m., and then the cruise departs. Party to live DJs, see Niagara Falls fireworks from the boat and enjoy food and drinks before you ride. The cruise comes back around 10:15 p.m. Tickets cost $98.50.
Canada Day Niagara Falls Illumination and Niagara Falls Fireworks
See Niagara Falls waterfalls illuminated in Canada Day colours beginning at 8 p.m. Check out the free Niagara Falls fireworks show at 10 p.m.
Come to Niagara Falls to Celebrate Canada Day with the Locals
If you’d like to see what Canada Day is all about, or you’ve been to Canada and have celebrated before, make Niagara Falls your 2019 Canada Day destination. Not only can you partake in tons of free, family-friendly fun things to do in Niagara Falls, but you can see an amazing world wonder – the Niagara Falls waterfalls. It’s a trip you’ll never forget!
Book your Niagara Falls Canada Day stay now.