Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Measurements
Canada officially uses the metric system, but imperial measurements are used for
many day-to-day purposes .
Smoking
Smoking is banned in all restaurants, bars and other public venues nationwide.
Public Holidays
Canada observes 10 national public holidays a year and more at the provincial level.
Banks, schools and government offices close on these days.
UNIQUELY CANADIAN CELEBRATIONS
National Flag Day
( Feb 15)Commemorates the first time the maple-leaf flag
was raised above Parliament Hill in Ottawa, at the stroke of noon on February 15
1965.
Victoria Day
( late May)This day was established in 1845 to observe the birth-
day of Queen Victoria and now celebrates the birthday of the British sovereign
who's still Canada's titular head of state. Victoria Day marks the official beginning
of the summer season (which ends with Labour Day on the first Monday of
September). Some communities hold fireworks.
National Aboriginal Day
( Jun 21)Created in 1996, it celebrates the contribu-
tions of Aboriginal peoples to Canada. Coinciding with the summer solstice, festiv-
ities are organized locally and may include traditional dancing, singing and drum-
ming, storytelling, arts and crafts shows, canoe races and lots more.
Canada Day
( 613-239-5000;
www.canadascapital.gc.ca/canadaday
;
Jul 1)
Known as Dominion Day until 1982, Canada Day was created in 1869 to commem-
orate the creation of Canada two years earlier. All over the country, people celeb-
rate with barbecues, parades, concerts and fireworks.
Thanksgiving Day
( mid-Oct)First celebrated in 1578 in what is now New-
foundland by explorer Martin Frobisher to give thanks for surviving his Atlantic
crossing, Thanksgiving became an official Canadian holiday in 1872 to celebrate
the recovery of the Prince of Wales from a long illness. These days, it's essentially a
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