Canada Day Party Ideas Let Us Celebrate Our Nation With Pizzazz

It’s hard to believe, but it’s nearly the Canada Day weekend: a chance to barbecue, relax, and celebrate this country’s birthday.

Fourth of July parties seem to get all the attention, and it’s true that all you need for a great party on July 1 is beer and friends, but that doesn’t mean you can’t break out a few patriotic touches.

Check out our 15 suggestions for special touches to add to your Canada Day celebrations, from food to decor to activities, and celebrate the country’s 147th birthday in style.

1. Perfect Poutine: What’s a Canada Day party without this quintessentially Canadian treat? We trust Canadian chef Chuck Hughes to offer an authentic version.

Get the recipe for this at the Cooking Channel here.

2. Striped Straws: Classic red-and-white straws are an easy way to add a festive touch to your decor, especially if you are craft challenged.

Get these on Etsy.

3. Patriotic Windsock: Show your Canadian pride with a couple of these easy-to-make windsocks hanging from your front porch.

Learn how to make these at Echoes of Laughter.

4. Flag Icebox Cake: You can make this cake the night before in order to save time on the day of your party.

Get the recipe for this at Canadian Living.

5. Red And White Parfait: With raspberries and yogurt, this parfait is a delicious way to end your celebratory meal. The tiny maple leafs on top are a cute touch.

Find out how to make this at Yummy Mummy Club.

6. Caesars: If you really want to wow your guests, make pitchers of the ultimate Canadian cocktail with this homemade Caesar mix.

Find out how to get this pitcher at CBC.

7. Handprint Shirt: Hit up a thrift store for plain white tshirts and make this fun craft with your kids. They can wear their patriotic shirts to your town’s Canada Day parade.

Get the instructions for making these at Workman Family

8. Beaver Cupcakes: These sweet versions of our national animal are definitely ambitious, but they’re adorable enough to be worth it.

Get the recipe for making these at Canadian Living.

9. White Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: We like this festive twist on chocolate-dipped strawberries, with white chocolate instead of the usual dark.

Get the recipe for these at In The Kitchen With Little Buddy.

10. Trivia Game: Which of your guests knows the most about our country’s history? Have a prize for the winner!

Get a Canada Day quiz at Moms and Munchkins — or check out this infographic to create one of your own.

11. Nanaimo Bars: The origin of nanaimo bars is debated, but the town itself decided that this recipe was the definitive version of the Canadian dessert.

Visit Nanaimo.ca to get the recipe.

12. Beer-Brined Chicken: We suggest using one of the many excellent Canadian craft beers for this chicken recipe. As a bonus, science shows that beer-marinaded chicken is better for you when grilled!

Get this recipe at The Kitchn.

13. Themed Board Games: If your crowd is more inclined towards sitting down and having some fun, try playing a Canadian-created board game, like Balderdash or Trivial Pursuit, or even a Canadian version of a classic like Monopoly.

14. Watermelon Daiquiri Popsicles: Cutesy doesn't have to mean P-G, which is why these maple leaf-shaped ice pops get a hit of booze in them. Make some virgin ones for the kids (just be sure to mark them carefully!).

Get the recipe and instructions for these at Once Upon A Cutting Board.

15. Colourful Oats: For guests who want a healthier option (or if you're throwing a Canada Day brunch), these vegan overnight oats will be right on theme (and filing to boot).

Get the recipe at Oh She Glows.