By Chrissy Chrzan and Sheri Selway

July is named after Julius Caesar, who was born in this month. A Roman dictator, he  lived from 100–44 B.C. July’s birthstone is the vibrant ruby, and its flowers are the larkspur and the water lily. The zodiac signs for this month are Cancer (June 21–July 22) and Leo (July 23–August 22). July is typically the hottest month of the year!

Canada Day – July 1st is a federal statutory holiday commemorating the enactment of the British North America Act in 1867, uniting the colonies of the United Canadas, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick into a single Dominion. At Confederation, there were four provinces: Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. Today, Canada includes 10 provinces and 3 territories.

 Notable events on this day include the flooding of the Saint Lawrence Seaway in 1958 and the first colour television broadcast in 1966.

Canada Day is widely celebrated with fireworks, music, and community events—but it is also a day of reflection. Many Indigenous peoples use the occasion to raise awareness about the impact of colonization, Residential Schools, and ongoing injustices. See you at Bayfront Park — and yes, there will be fireworks!

Did You Know?

  • July’s full moon is often called the Buck Moon —when male deer begin to grow their antlers.
  • July 6: Louis Pasteur administered the first successful rabies vaccination to a boy bitten by a rabid dog.
  • July 7: It’s World Chocolate Day, possibly commemorating chocolate’s introduction to Europe in 1550. Treat yourself — maybe even host a chocolate party!

Key Dates in July

  • July 9 – Nunavut Day: Celebrates the passing of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Act and the Nunavut Act in 1993. Nunavut officially became a territory on April 1, 1999. Festivities often include communal meals, games, dancing, and cultural events.
  • July 20 – World Chess Day: Celebrate the game of kings!
  • July 20–26 – National Drowning Prevention Week: As we live near a large body of water, this is a great time to brush up on water safety. However, do not swim in the Bay — water quality may be poor.
  • July 24 – International Self-Care Day: A reminder that self-care is essential every day. Eat well, move your body, get enough rest, stay connected — and keep your mind sharp!
  • July 28 – Day of Commemoration of the Great Upheaval: In 1755, approximately 10,000 French settlers (Acadians) were forcibly deported from what is now Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. Many died due to disease, famine, and harsh conditions during transport.
  • July 30 – International Day of Friendship: Proclaimed by the United Nations in 2011, this day celebrates the power of friendship to promote peace and build inclusive communities.

What’s Happening in Hamilton

Be sure to visit tourismhamilton.com for local events!

  • July 19–26 – Brott Music Festival

    • July 19: Jeans ‘n Classics

    • July 24: Hollywood and The Rite of Spring
    • July 26: Broadway Dreams
  • July 19 – Farm Crawl Hamilton
     A family-friendly opportunity to explore local farms and learn where our food comes from.
  • July 26–27 – Celebrate Women in Canadian History
     Join the festivities at the HMCS Haida Historic Site — just a short walk away!

For more important commemorative dates in July: