Canada Day is a time to celebrate the people, places and values that make Canada unique. But beyond the fireworks and festivities, it's also an opportunity to reflect on what Canadians are most proud of and what makes national celebrations truly special.
To mark Canada Day, we dedicated two special editions of our Question of the Day, asking Ipsos iSay members and visitors which Canadian value deserves more recognition around the world and what makes a national celebration memorable. Their responses reveal a story that's less about the occasion itself and more about the people and values at its heart.
The Canadian Value That Stands Out
Canada is known for many things, from its breathtaking landscapes to its multicultural communities. But when we asked Ipsos iSay members and visitors which Canadian value deserves more recognition around the world, one answer rose above the rest.
Respect for diversity was selected by 37.2% of respondents, making it the most valued characteristic by a comfortable margin. The result reflects Canada's long-standing reputation as a diverse and inclusive society, where different cultures, perspectives and traditions help shape everyday life.
The second most popular response was protecting nature, chosen by 18.2% of participants. With Canada's vast forests, lakes and national parks, it's perhaps no surprise that caring for the natural environment remains an important value for many.
Community spirit followed with 15.8%, highlighting the importance of supporting one another and building strong local connections. Meanwhile, work-life balance was selected by 13.8%, suggesting that creating space for both work and personal life continues to resonate with many Canadians.
Finally, 14.9% of respondents felt that none of the listed values best reflected their views, reminding us that national identity can mean different things to different people.
Together, these results suggest that Canada's greatest strengths are not defined by a single idea, but by a combination of inclusion, community and respect—for both people and the world around us.
It's the People Who Make the Celebration
Canada Day celebrations may include concerts, parades, fireworks and family gatherings, but what leaves the biggest impression?
When we asked Ipsos iSay members and visitors what makes a national celebration memorable, one answer stood out clearly.
For 42.5% of respondents, it's the people you're with that make the day special. More than any tradition or activity, spending time with family, friends and loved ones was what mattered most.
The next most popular choice was community spirit, selected by 23.5% of participants. Whether it's neighbors coming together, local events or shared celebrations, the sense of belonging that comes from celebrating as a community remains an important part of Canada Day.
Traditions received 15.3% of the vote, showing that familiar customs continue to play a meaningful role in creating lasting memories. Meanwhile, food and entertainment were chosen by 8.9%, proving that while they're an enjoyable part of the festivities, they're not what defines the occasion for most people.
Interestingly, 9.8% of respondents said they don't enjoy celebrations, a reminder that people experience national holidays in many different ways.
A Celebration of Values and Connections
Looking at both Question of the Day results together, a common thread begins to emerge.
The value that Ipsos iSay members and visitors believe deserves more recognition is respect for diversity, while the most memorable part of a national celebration is simply the people you're with.
Perhaps that's no coincidence. Both answers highlight the importance of human connection. Whether it's embracing different cultures and perspectives or spending time with the people who matter most, relationships are at the heart of what makes Canada and Canada Day feel special.
While fireworks may light up the sky for one evening, it's the shared experiences, meaningful conversations and sense of belonging that leave the longest-lasting memories.
Every Opinion Adds to the Conversation
Every day, the Ipsos iSay Question of the Day gives members and visitors the opportunity to share their opinions on the topics shaping our lives. From national celebrations and current events to lifestyle and entertainment, every response helps build a richer picture of what our community is thinking.
Enjoy sharing your opinion? Join Ipsos iSay to earn rewards for taking surveys, discover more insights from our community, and make your voice count.
*These results represent Ipsos iSay web visitors across Canada, conducted July 1 - 15 2026, and may not reflect the views of the general population.
