National Pie Day

National Pie Day History

National Pie Day is dedicated to paying tribute to one of the oldest and most popular forms of baked goods. Embracing the universality of pies and their rich diversity across the globe, this observance gives people an opportunity to savor their favourite pie variations and even explore new ones. This annual event commemorates the rich history, cultural significance, and culinary joy that pies bring, by fostering appreciation for this universally loved dish.

National Pie Day finds its roots in the United States, established in 1986 by the American Pie Council to commemorate Crisco’s 75th anniversary. Despite its US origin, the observance finds resonance in Canada due to the country's deep-rooted pie-loving tradition. Variations such as the sweet Saskatoon berry pie or the classic tourtière, a much-loved meat pie of Quebec cuisine, signify the nation's fondness for this versatile dish. It is also an occasion that empowers bakeries, cafes, and households across Canada to showcase their culinary prowess through their unique pie recipes.

Canadians celebrate National Pie Day by indulging in their favourite pie, baking pies at home, hosting pie-themed parties, or participating in baking contests in communities. Bakeries and cafes may offer special promotions or introduce new pie flavours marking this day. Even educational institutions may host demonstrations or workshops to celebrate the multidimensional aspect of pies, from the art of making pie crusts to filling them. Just like in the US, National Pie Day is celebrated in Canada each year on January 23rd.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 National Pie Day in Canada

• While often overshadowed by the mathematical celebrations in March, National Pie Day on January 23rd is a distinct food-focused observance that was originally established in the 1970s by American teacher Charlie Papazian to coincide with his own birthday.
• In Quebec, the day frequently centres on the cultural significance of the tourtière, a traditional spiced meat pie that remains a cornerstone of French-Canadian culinary identity during the winter months.
• Residents of the Canadian Prairies often use the occasion to celebrate the flapper pie, a classic regional dessert featuring a graham cracker crust, creamy custard filling, and a towering layer of meringue that rose to prominence during the early 20th century.
• Statistics Canada has previously highlighted the economic side of the holiday by tracking the fluctuating retail prices of essential ingredients like wheat flour, butter, and apples to show how the cost of home baking has changed for Canadian households.
• The January 23rd date is also shared with National Rhubarb Pie Day, a particularly relevant celebration for Canadians given that rhubarb is one of the few perennial vegetables hardy enough to thrive in the country’s varied northern climates.
• Despite the global popularity of apple and pumpkin varieties, recent consumer surveys in Canada indicate that lemon meringue and blueberry pies are among the most frequently searched and consumed flavours across the provinces.
• In Ontario, the observance often reignites the long-standing debate over the butter tart, with many locals considering the iconic gooey treat to be the province’s most important contribution to the broader pie category.
• Television programs such as The Great Canadian Baking Show have helped maintain public interest in the technical artistry of pastry, leading to increased interest in traditional techniques like the pâte brisée used for savory Canadian dishes.
• Unlike the math-heavy Pi Day on March 14th, the January observance is specifically endorsed by the American Pie Council and encourages the simple act of "pie-ing it forward" by gifting a baked good to friends, family, or first responders.
• Some film enthusiasts even mark the day by revisiting the romantic thriller Labor Day, which features a famous and meticulously detailed scene involving the preparation of a traditional peach pie.

In the News and Trending in Canada for National Pie Day

Top things to do in Canada for National Pie Day

• Visit your local bakery and check out what kind of pies they're offering. There might be special deals for National Pie Day.
• Films and shows you can watch that relate to Pie are:
  Waitress - This isn't set in Canada but is a popular movie about pie-making and includes some delightful pie recipes.
  Anna Olson: Bake - This Food Network Canada show features Pastry Chef Anna Olson and she covers everything about baking including pies.
  The Great Canadian Baking Show - This is a Canadian adaptation of the British series "The Great British Bake Off." Amateur bakers from across Canada compete in a series of themed culinary challenges. The show includes a "Pie Week" where contestants are tasked with creating a range of pie dishes.
  You Gotta Eat Here - This is a series about great local eats (including pies) in Canada.
• Popular things to do on National Pie Day in Canada are:
  1) Pie Eating Contest: Food events and bakeries might host pie-eating contests, either as individual challenges or as a part of larger events.
  2) Pie Baking & Decorating Class: Cooking schools may organize special pie baking and decorating classes.
  3) Pie Party: Some people might organize a pie-themed party at home, inviting friends and family to bake and bring their favorite pies.
  4) Farmers Markets or Food Events: Some farmers markets or food festivals during this period might have special activities related to Pie Day.