Celebrating Canada 150!

Commemorating Canada's historic birthday and its cultural and heritage ties to Britain. Read on for more ways to explore our shared connections.

Celebrating Canada 150

Canadians definitely know how to party. And this year, they have something extra special to celebrate: the 150th anniversary of Canada’s Confederation. To mark the momentous occasion with a bit of British flair (Canada is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations after all), we’re paying homage to the strong cultural and heritage connections between Canada and Britain.

In fact, the impact of British exploration and settlement is evident all across the ‘True North Strong & Free.’ Several Canadian cities are even named after British locations, British explorers, and British royalty— think Victoria, Vancouver, London, Stratford and Halifax—so it’s only fitting that Queen Elizabeth II sent a congratulatory message for the country. Happy Birthday, Canada! (You don’t look a day over 149).

Canada's British Connections

Trace your British ancestry

Interested in discovering more about your British ancestry? Head straight to the source.

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A tale of two Churchills

Curious where Churchill, AKA the polar bear capital of Canada, got its name?

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The inspiration behind Victoria Island

Ever wonder how Canada's Arctic Victoria Island got its name?

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Edinburgh Festivals 2017

This year marks the 70th Anniversary of the world-famous Edinburgh festivals.

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10 must-see royal landmarks

Queen Elizabeth II has visited Canada 22 times! Stop by some of her residences on your next trip to Britain.

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48 Hours in Glasgow

Make the most of your time in this vibrant city

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Stay in a castle

Skip the hotel and sleep like royalty!

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Destinations

Scotland

2017 is Scotland’s year of heritage, history, and archaeology—making it the perfect occasion for Canadians to discover their own Scottish ancestry. Need some help tracing your family’s Scottish linage? The tartan butler can help!

Explore Scotland

England

From Sherlock Holmes to Harry Potter, Canadians have always been on the cutting-edge of British literature. To commemorate England’s year of literary heroes, let’s tip our hats to the authors, books, and characters who have stolen our hearts.

Explore England

Wales

Canada and Wales are more connected than you might think—especially when it comes to art, music, and folklore. Explore the stories, myths, and legends that have shaped the landscape of Wales (and become a part of Canadian culture) while discovering fascinating world heritage sites and 641 castles.

Explore Wales