Canada Day in Montreal: Celebrating and reflecting on the nation’s birthday
Posted July 1, 2025 9:50 am.
Last Updated July 1, 2025 3:06 pm.
As Canada marks another birthday, people across the country are taking time to celebrate — and to reflect on what it means to call this place home.
“À tous les Canadiens, bonne fête du Canada,” said one woman in downtown Montreal.
Nearby, a man expressed his feelings simply: “I love Canada, I love Quebec, I love my country, I love my province.”
Gratitude for freedom and safety
For some, the day is a reminder of the freedom and safety they associate with being Canadian.
“I’m super proud to be Canadian,” said a young woman. “Just the freedom that we have, freedom of speech, everything. I feel super safe to live here as well, and I think I’m just very fortunate to be from here. I’m proud to be Canadian.”
She planned to celebrate the holiday quietly. “This Canada Day, I’m going to be spending some time with my friends, family, enjoying some good food, and just feeling grateful to be alive.”
Patriotism in uncertain times
One man reflected on his growing sense of patriotism in light of global events.
“I think it’s important to be patriotic, and I think now I’m probably more so than ever, given the kind of political strife that’s happening worldwide,” he said. “Yeah, so I mean, I’m a patriot. I have a big Canada tattoo on my ribs, so I think it’s important to value Canada and realize how great of a country it is, and I don’t think we necessarily get enough recognition, but we deserve it, I think. So why not celebrate it?”
He admitted he didn’t have concrete plans. “I do not, as of yet. No, probably just celebrate and relax with friends and family.”
A woman who accompanied him, though not Canadian herself, still shared her appreciation.
“I’m not Canadian, but I love this country, though.”
Stories of belonging and gratitude
Another woman spoke about her connection to Canada as a Lebanese Canadian. “I’m really grateful to have this as my second home,” she said. “It means many things, freedom, education, diversity.”
A woman from Vancouver, visiting Montreal, also reflected on her journey. “We’re from Vancouver, and so we haven’t really made any plans yet about Canada Day,” she said. “We emigrated 38 years ago, and we’re forever grateful to be here. Proud to be Canadians. It’s a peaceful place. We feel welcome all the time. And yeah, I wish every place in the world was like this.”
A couple’s Canada Day plans
A couple visiting Montreal for the Jazz Festival shared their plans for the holiday on July 1.
“This Canada Day, actually, we’re just here for the weekend for the Montreal Jazz Festival,” the woman said. “And then we are actually from Ottawa. So then we’re going back and we have a trailer on the lake. We’re going to just spend it at the lake.”
She also expressed pride in being Canadian.
“Everything, especially right now with the climate of everything economically and what’s happening down south. We’re so proud to be Canadian.”
Her partner echoed the sentiment. “I’m so very proud to be Canadian.”
