Father's Day

Father's Day History

Father's Day is a special occasion dedicated to honouring and celebrating fathers, paternal bonds, and the role of fathers in society. Across the globe, it is a day to express love, gratitude, and appreciation for the selfless care and support that fathers provide. The observance is marked by various activities, including spending quality time together, giving gifts, and participating in events that highlight the importance of fathers in family life.

The first Father's Day celebration took place in 1910 in Spokane, Washington, founded by Sonora Smart Dodd in memory of her father, a Civil War veteran and a single parent who raised six children. In Canada, Father's Day gained popularity in the late 20th century, with families recognizing the significant impact of father figures on their lives. Canadians value the contributions of fathers and consider them as role models who play an indispensable part in nurturing, guiding, and producing well-rounded citizens.

On Father's Day in Canada, typical observances include family gatherings, outdoor adventures, and various recreational activities. Barbecues, picnics, and sports events are popular ways to celebrate the day, as they provide opportunities for bonding and creating cherished memories. Gift-giving is also a common practice, with many Canadians choosing presents that reflect their father’s interests, from tools and gadgets to sports equipment and personalized items. Father's Day is observed on June 18th this year.

Father's Day facts

• Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd first came up with the idea for Father's Day after hearing a Mother's Day sermon in church. She was raised by her father and wanted to honor him.
• According to Hallmark, Father's Day is the fourth-largest card-sending occasion with 72 million cards given every year.
• The official flower for Father's Day is a rose. Wearing a red rose signifies a living father, while a white rose represents a father who has passed away.
• According to Statistics Canada, there were an estimated 8 million fathers in Canada in 2021. This includes biological, adoptive, and step-fathers.
• Indigenous fathers in Canada often face unique challenges in their roles as parents. They can experience significant barriers, such as poverty, addiction, and historical trauma, that affect their ability to be involved fathers.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Father's Day

Top things to do in Canada for Father's Day

• Arrange a BBQ and invite all of the fathers in your family.
• Spend the day with Dad doing one of his favorite activities: fishing, golfing, hiking.
• Watch a documentary or movive about the experience of fatherhood in Canada. Here are our recommendations:
  1. Being Dad: Father's Day in Canada (2015) - This documentary showcases various fathers across Canada, reflecting on their experiences and what being a dad in Canada means.
  2. Mr. Hockey: The Gordie Howe Story (2013) - A biographical sports drama film about Canadian ice hockey player Gordie Howe, often referred to as Mr. Hockey, as he returns to the sport in his 40s to play professionally with his sons.
  3. Fathers & Sons (2010) - A Canadian comedy-drama film that revolves around the complicated relationships between a group of fathers and sons.
• Canada's National Parks and other outdoor recreation areas offer plenty of opportunities for families to spend time together enjoying nature, whether it's through a leisurely hike or a more adventurous activity like mountain biking or kayaking.