National Pizza Day

National Pizza Day History

National Pizza Day encourages pizza lovers across the globe to celebrate and indulge in their favourite pie, with countless varieties, toppings, and styles to choose from. Apart from individual enjoyment, it also serves as a moment to appreciate the culinary mastery behind pizza creation and the cultural significance associated with this universal dish. The observance encourages unity and bonding, as pizza is often shared amongst friends, family or colleagues, symbolizing togetherness and communal dining.

While National Pizza Day is thought to have roots in the United States, the day has spread north of the border, finding passionate advocates within Canada's diverse food culture. The importance of this day for Canadians lies in the adaptability of pizza to incorporate local food fare. Canadian-style pizza often features ingredients such as moose, elk or even the iconic Canadian bacon. Additionally, pizza serves as a culinary canvas, reflecting Canada's mosaic of cultures with fusion renditions including Middle Eastern, Greek, or Mexican-style pizzas prevalent across the country.

In Canada, National Pizza Day is marked with various activities ranging from special promotions at pizzerias to homemade pizza baking. Canadians take this opportunity to share their unique pizza recipes on social media or gather with friends and family for a themed dinner party. Some restaurants even hold pizza-making workshops, highlighting the skills and creativity involved in adorning this simple dish. National Pizza Day is celebrated on the 9th of February each year, mirroring its observance in other countries. For Canadians, it's a flavour-filled day to revel in all things pizza.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 National Pizza Day in Canada

• The globally recognized Hawaiian pizza was actually invented in 1962 by Sam Panopoulos at the Satellite Restaurant in Chatham, Ontario, after he decided to experiment with adding canned pineapple to a savoury pie.
• Windsor, Ontario, is frequently celebrated as the pizza capital of the country and is home to the unique Windsor-style pizza, which is distinguished by its use of julienne-cut shredded pepperoni and high-fat mozzarella from the local Galati Cheese Company.
• A distinct regional specialty known as Pictou County pizza from Nova Scotia features a secret spicy "brown sauce" and is so beloved by locals that pizzerias regularly ship frozen pies to homesick residents living in Fort McMurray and across Western Canada.
• Canadians are among the world's top pizza enthusiasts, with an average annual consumption of nearly nine kilograms per capita, which remarkably places the nation ahead of countries like Italy in per-person intake.
• Unlike many gourmet styles that prioritize fresh produce, authentic Windsor-style pizza explicitly requires canned mushrooms because their lower moisture content prevents the crust from becoming soggy during the high-temperature bake.
• The 2022 documentary The Pizza City You've Never Heard Of explores why the pizza culture in Windsor is so concentrated and how the city's original Volcano Pizzeria served as the foundation for nearly every local shop's heritage.
• The specific topping combination known as Canadian pizza is a staple across the provinces and typically features a signature trio of pepperoni, mushrooms, and smoked bacon.
• The name "Hawaiian" for the controversial pineapple-topped creation was not a tribute to the tropical state but was instead inspired by the brand name of the canned fruit used by the inventor during his original kitchen experiments.
• Many pizzerias in the Maritimes use a specific local meat product called Brothers pepperoni to achieve the spicy, traditional flavour profile required for an authentic East Coast slice.
• High-volume search interest often centres on the debate over whether pineapple belongs on pizza, a discussion that frequently references the Canadian roots of the dish and the legacy of its creator, Sam Panopoulos.

In the News and Trending in Canada for National Pizza Day

Top things to do in Canada for National Pizza Day

• Visit your favorite pizzeria. Most pizzerias will offer discounts and specials to celebrate National Pizza Day.
• Try a pizza with unique toppings. Here are some of our favorites:
  1) Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza
  2) Beer Battered Fried Calamari Pizza
  3) Butternut Squash and Sage Pizza
  4) Fried Chicken Pizza
  5) Brown Butter Lobster and Spinach Pizza with Bacon and Fontina
• Visit Pizzeria Via Mercanti, Toronto: This family-run operation offers many options to choose from, including their famous Margherita pizza.
• Attend Pizzapalooza: This food festival in Vancouver celebrates pizza in all its forms and serves up some serious slices from various sources.
  for events if you plan to participate.