Canadian Rivers Day Date in the current year: June 9, 2024

The idea of celebrating Canadian Rivers Day was first voiced publicly at the Canadian Rivers Heritage Conference held in 2001. It was supported by the representatives from the Government of Canada, territorial and provincial governments. The next year, Sheila Copps, who then served as the Minister of Canadian Heritage, officially designated the second Sunday in June as Canadian Rivers Day.

Canadian Rivers Day focuses on celebrating Canada's river heritage, encouraging the public to enjoy and appreciate it, and raising awareness of the importance of conserving and protecting Canadian rivers. Celebrations include various events such as picnics, canoeing, paddle-a-thons, nature walks and bicycle rides along rivers, etc.

The celebration is actively promoted by the Canadian Heritage Rivers System, the country's national conservation program. The only Canadian province that does not participate in the program is Quebec. As of 2015, there are 38 designated and 4 nominated Heritage Rivers across Canada.