Canada Day: What's It All Aboot?
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh watch a dancer perform during Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill on July 1, 2010 in Ottawa, Canada. The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh are on an eight day tour of Canada starting in Halifax and finishing in Toronto. The trip is to celebrate the centenary of the Canadian Navy and to mark Canada Day. On July 6th the Royal couple will make their way to New York where the Queen will address the UN and visit Ground Zero. (Getty Images)more pics »
Canada Day (Getty Images) This July 1, Selena Gomez's newest film, Monte Carlo, hits theaters. But if that doesn't sound like your cup of tea, it's OK, because that date just happens to also be Canada Day -- or Canada's independence day.Wondering what Canada Day is all about? Well, it's very similar to what America's July 4th -- also known as their Independence Day. Canadians put aside their hockey (sort of) and maple syrup (ocassionally) in favor of fireworks watching, a trip or three in front of the BBQ, and a lot of beer drinking.
Canada Day, formerly known as Dominion Day (which frankly has a lot better ring to it) more or less celebrates Canada's independence from Great Britain. Yet, ironically, Prince William and Kate Middleton will be arriving in Ottawa -- the nation's capital -- on July 1. Needless to say, they have a full itinerary. But what should an American do on Canada Day, other than prep for the Fourth of July? Here's a few ideas:
- Go see Monte Carlo, because Justin Bieber's girlfriend stars in it. Gomez isn't Canadian, but Bieber is, which means the fate of his nation rests in how well her movie does that day. Or something like that.
- Buy as many Canadian beers as you can and take a taste tour of the Great White North. Unfortunately, most mainstream super markets only supply a handful of brews. Moosehead, Molson and Labat Blue should be available, none of which are anything to write home about, but at least you'll feel supportive.
- Play street hockey: Strangely, hockey isn't Canada's national sport. Lacrosses is. But that doesn't mean the country isn't hockey crazy. So get out there and play a game with your kids, your friends, your wife, or whoever wants to run around the street weilding a stick and feeling Canadian.
- Watch any Southpark episode involving Ike or Canada, or both.
- Watch Titanic, a film that wouldn't be the same movie without Canadian pop icon, Celine Dion's vocals.
And of course, check out more pictures of last year's Canada Day party too!
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