Canada Day: Discovering the Land of Maple Syrup

Canada is known for many things, from its friendly culture to its stunning scenery and love of hockey, so in our humble opinion, it’s safe to say the nation is one that many hold dear. 

Just around the corner is Canada Day, one of the biggest celebrations of the year. It’s a day dedicated to celebrating all things Canada, the traditions and cultural elements that make the country what it is. 

Read on to learn about the origins of Canada Day and how you can celebrate through the power of food, featuring, you guessed it, maple syrup, the country’s culinary treasure and a symbol of the nation. 

What is Canada Day? 

Canada Day is a federal holiday celebrated every year on the 1st of July to mark the coming together of Canada’s three original provinces, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the Province of Canada, into one nation. Put simply, it’s Canada’s birthday! 

The day was once known as Dominion Day, but was renamed Canada Day in 1982, the same year Canada patriated its Constitution from Britain. 

Today, Canada Day is all about celebrating Canadian culture, history and independence, as well as the people who have shaped the country, including Indigenous Peoples, immigrants and communities from around the world.  

How is Canada Day celebrated? 

Most workers in Canada get the day off, and we’re definitely a little jealous. The celebrations are hard to miss, with parties, street parades, live concerts, plenty of renditions of the national anthem O Canada and of course, barbecues. 

Each Canadian city marks the occasion in its own way, but the biggest events take place in the capital, Ottawa. Thousands gather on Parliament Hill to watch the Changing of the Guard, enjoy live music and catch an impressive firework display. 

In Quebec, Canada Day also lines up with Moving Day, when many leases end and people move house, making it a time for fresh starts. 

Across the country, you’ll see plenty of red and white, Canadian flags on display and lots of delicious food, from poutine and bannock, to maple syrup (heads up, you’re going to hear this ingredient mentioned a lot throughout this blog…naturally). 

Recipes for celebrating Canada Day 

While we’ve been going on about how this day is celebrated in Canada, it’s worth noting you don’t have to be Canadian to enjoy Canada Day! 

Enjoying traditional Canadian food, wherever you are in the world, is a great way to get involved. Take a look at our suggested recipes below, all featuring Canadian maple syrup. 

Pancakes with Maple Bacon, Chipotle and Avocado  

Celebrate Canada Day in style with a brunch favourite that brings a true taste of Canada to your table. These fluffy pancakes topped with maple-glazed bacon combine sweet and smoky flavours, with a hint of chipotle for gentle heat and creamy avocado for balance. It’s a simple way to enjoy a Canadian classic, perfect for a laid-back Canada Day morning. 

Maple Glazed Chicken Wings with BBQ Sauce 

Hosting a Canada Day party? Try this simple but delightful side that’ll impress your guests. These maple-glazed chicken wings are packed with flavour, coated in a spicy seasoning and finished with a sticky BBQ and Canadian maple syrup glaze. Baked to perfection, they’re the ideal finger food for any Canada Day get-together. 

Maple Coconut and Jalapeño Margarita 

Raise a glass to Canada with this refreshing but warming cocktail. This Maple Coconut and Jalapeño Margarita uses Canadian maple syrup to balance the spicy jalapeño with a natural maple sweetness. It’s a twist on your classic margarita that will provide the heat in the colder months. 

Maple Lemon Meringue Tart 

A Canadian twist on this traditional dessert, this Maple Lemon Meringue Tart combines zesty lemon curd with a light, fluffy meringue, sweetened with maple for depth of flavour. With its crisp pastry base, sweet and citrus notes, it’s an ideal choice for finishing off Canada Day celebrations. 

Canada Day, the maple way 

Whether you’re catching up with friends over brunch, enjoying a cosy meal at home or simply looking for an excuse to try new recipes, Canadian maple syrup is a delicious way to bring a little taste of Canada into your celebrations. For more inspiration on how to use maple syrup in cooking and baking, take a look at the rest of our recipes here.