Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario

Canada turns 158. Happy Canada Day!

Today, Canada turns another year older. Canada Day is a nod to the moment when the country officially came together in 1867. What began as a confederation of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia has grown into a nation of 10 provinces and 3 territories. Originally called Dominion Day, the name was changed to Canada Day in 1982—the same year the Constitution Act was signed, granting the country full control over its constitution. Citizens celebrate this holiday with fireworks, parades, concerts and community events. Ottawa, the capital, hosts one of the biggest celebrations, featuring music and speeches on Parliament Hill, seen in today's image. Red-and-white flags, maple leaf face paint and singalongs of the national anthem, 'O Canada,' are all part of the day.

Parliament Hill has been the centre of official Canada Day events since 1958, when Prime Minister John Diefenbaker introduced formal ceremonies. The site is home to major landmarks, including the Peace Tower, and several notable statues such as those of Queen Victoria, Sir John A. Macdonald and the Famous Five. The Centennial Flame, lit in 1967 to commemorate 100 years of the confederation, still burns in front of Centre Block.