National Canadian Bacon Day (March 3rd)

Quick facts
When is it?	Every March 3rd
Tagged as:	Food & Drink
What's the hashtag?	#NationalCanadianBaconDay
We first published this page on:	Dec 23rd, 2017
We last updated this page:	Feb 2nd, 2026

Contents

For meat lovers, there’s not much that is better than good old slices of yummy bacon! In sandwiches, fried up on a breakfast plate, served in pancakes, even served with syrup – bacon is the meat candy of the world and has more than its fair share of dedicated fans!

But, then, there are different kinds of bacon to enjoy in different capacities– and one of them is Canadian bacon, as it is known in the United States.

Many people think that Canadian bacon is a little more like ham than actual bacon, because of the way it is served. Made from back bacon and formed into a cylindrical shape, this type of meat is sold ready to eat.

History of National Canadian Bacon Day

According to rumor, Canadian bacon may have once upon a time been known as ‘peameal bacon’. This is because the ham was prepared with brine and then rolled in ground-up dried yellow peas that would extend the meat’s shelf life.

The versatility of the product led to it being quite popular and useful, especially for those who were in a hurry to prepare a meaty meal.

Today, Canadian bacon is still cured, but it is usually rolled in yellow cornmeal instead of the dried yellow peas. But the composition of the savory treat remains the same – cut from the loin and served unsmoked in thick, circular slices.

This is a leaner cut of pork than standard bacon, making it a slightly healthier choice for those trying to cut down on the amount of fat they eat.

If you were to go to Canada and ask for Canadian bacon, you might be met with a few confused looks. In Canada, it is usually known instead as ‘back bacon’, or simply ‘ham’.

If you just asked for bacon in Canada, you would likely receive the same streaky pork belly slices that you’d be used to in the United States.

National Canadian Bacon Day was created in celebration and honor of this tasty, versatile meat from the land that is beloved for ice hockey, maple syrup, and, of course, this type of bacon.

How to Celebrate National Canadian Bacon Day

Celebrating National Canadian Bacon Day brings with it the obvious choice of partaking in a meal that includes (or, better yet, is centered around) Canadian Bacon. Most likely this will be eaten for breakfast, but it doesn’t have to be.

The great news is that even folks who don’t know how to do much cooking can make this simple pork cut into something delectable. Even the most inexperienced of cooks can make a go of it on National Canadian Bacon Day!

Serve a Canadian Bacon Dish

Canadian bacon is so versatile, there are plenty of recipes you could try your hand at on this day to celebrate this tasty cured meat.

Because of the way it is prepared and sold, it is not even necessary to cook Canadian bacon before it is served, either, so it’s excellent for those people who are on a tight schedule.

Or, consider these other simple options for serving up Canadian bacon in honor of the delicious day:

When in a hurry, simply frying up an egg and serving it with a couple of slices of Canadian bacon will be a perfect start to the day.
Or place a slice of this tasty meat into a toasted English muffin with an egg. Add some hollandaise sauce for a super tasty savory treat!
Other delicious options include folding Canadian bacon into omelets easily enough, or chop it into small squares and throw it into a pasta dish.
Those who have a frozen pizza that’s looking a bit sad could also sprinkle on some cuts of Canadian bacon and tomato sauce to really jazz things up and go from boring to wow!

Give a Nod to All Things Canadian

When enjoying the delightfulness of Canadian Bacon, why not take time out to appreciate some other great things that this northern nation has to offer?

Canada is known for more than just the obvious ice hockey and maple syrup! It’s a country filled with beautiful landscapes and some of the friendliest people.

Just a few of the things that people love about Canada include:

Clean Air. Due to its natural forests, low population density, as well as a commitment to clean energy, Canada provides some of the cleanest breathing air on the planet.
Scenery. Some of the most beautiful, unadulterated nature in the world lies in this country. From the snow-capped Rocky Mountains to Niagara Falls, from deep forests to sparkling oceanic coasts, this country offers much to be enjoyed.
Diversity. Filled with descendants of immigrants, Canada is a fairly young nation with various languages and cultures that supply it with a rich variety and a welcome feeling.

Get Breakfast at Tim Hortons

While there’s no guarantee that all of the Tim Hortons franchise stores serve Canadian bacon, many of them do have breakfast sandwiches that contain this special meat. Since more Canadians eat breakfast at Tim Hortons than any other restaurant, it seems like the perfect place to soak up some northern exposure.

Tim Hortons locations can be found in North America, Central America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Enjoy Some Canadian Entertainment

While gobbling up a breakfast that includes this yummy cured pork, why not be entertained by Canadians? Some stellar comedians, musicians, and actors hail from here (and they are probably celebrating National Canadian Bacon Day every day!).

Canadian Musicians and Bands:

Sarah McLachlan
Neil Young
Celine Dion
Drake
Shania Twain
Barenaked Ladies
Loverboy
Arcade Fire
Rush

Canadian Actors and Actresses:

Ryan Gosling
Cobie Smulders
Seth Rogan
Rachel McAdams
Keanu Reeves
Sandra Oh

Facts About National Canadian Bacon Day

Peameal Bacon Was Invented as a Preservation Hack

Peameal bacon emerged in late 19th‑century Ontario when pork loins were cured in brine and rolled in finely ground yellow peas to extend shelf life during storage and transport.

The dry pea coating helped absorb surface moisture and reduced spoilage before refrigeration was common; today, producers typically use cornmeal instead, but the traditional “peameal” name remains in use.

Canadian “Back Bacon” Helped Fill British Pork Shortages

In the 19th century, Britain faced periodic shortages of domestic pork and began importing large quantities of cured pork loin from Canada.

These lean back bacon cuts, distinct from fatty belly bacon, became associated with their country of origin, which helped cement the term “Canadian bacon” in foreign markets, even though Canadians themselves usually just call it back bacon or peameal bacon.

Canadian Bacon Is Nutritionally Closer to Ham Than to Streaky Bacon

Because it is cut from the pork loin, Canadian bacon is far leaner than American streaky bacon from the belly.

USDA nutrient data show that a 2‑slice (about 32 g) serving of Canadian bacon has roughly 60–70 calories and about 2–3 g of fat, compared with around 80–90 calories and 7–8 g of fat in a similar portion of pan‑fried streaky bacon, putting its fat and calorie profile much closer to that of lean ham.

Most Commercial Canadian Bacon Is Fully Cooked but Still Perishable

In North America, Canadian‑style bacon is typically cured and heat‑treated during processing, which means it is sold as a “ready‑to‑eat” meat under food safety rules.

The U.S. FDA and USDA still classify it as a perishable, potentially hazardous food that must be kept refrigerated at or below 40°F (4°C) and used within a few days of opening, because its moisture and protein content can support rapid bacterial growth if temperature control is lost.

Canadian Bacon Falls Under Some of the Strictest Meat Rules in the World

In Canada, back bacon and other pork products are regulated under the Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations, along with the Food and Drugs Act and Food and Drug Regulations.

Producers that ship meat across provincial or international borders must hold a federal license, maintain written preventive control and traceability plans, and follow HACCP‑style systems that identify and monitor critical control points during curing, cooking, and packaging.

Peameal Bacon Sandwiches Became a Toronto Icon at St. Lawrence Market

By the early 20th century, Toronto vendors at St. Lawrence Market were grilling thick slices of peameal bacon and serving them simply on soft white buns, a style that evolved into one of the city’s most recognizable street foods.

The sandwich is still closely tied to the market today and is often cited by tourism agencies and food writers as a quintessential taste of Toronto.

“Canadian Bacon” Has Different Meanings Around the World

The cut North Americans call Canadian bacon is not a universal concept. In Canada and the U.K., “bacon” can include back bacon from the loin as well as streaky belly bacon, while in the United States “Canadian bacon” specifically refers to round, trimmed loin medallions.

This difference in butchery and naming reflects regional meat traditions that developed from British, Irish, and later North American curing practices.

National Canadian Bacon Day FAQs

Why is Canadian bacon called “peameal bacon” in Canada?

In the late 1800s, Canadian pork producers began rolling cured pork loins in ground yellow peas to preserve them longer.

This practice gave it the name “peameal bacon.” Today, cornmeal is often used instead of pea meal, but the original term stuck.

How did peameal bacon sandwiches become a Toronto favorite?

In the early 1900s, vendors at Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market started selling peameal bacon sandwiches.

The combination of the savory cured meat on a soft bun quickly made it a staple for locals and visitors alike. Today, the market remains a hub for this delicacy.

Can you eat Canadian bacon without cooking it?

Yes, Canadian bacon is fully cooked during the curing process. While you can eat it straight from the package, lightly heating it brings out its savory flavor.

What are some quirky myths about Canadian bacon?

A common misconception is that all Canadians call it “Canadian bacon.” In reality, it’s called “back bacon” or “peameal bacon” in Canada. The term “Canadian bacon” is mostly used in the U.S.

Are there any traditional dishes made with Canadian bacon?

Canadian bacon plays a starring role in Eggs Benedict. This classic brunch dish layers English muffins with slices of Canadian bacon, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce.

How did Canadian bacon become popular outside Canada?

During a pork shortage in the 19th century, the UK imported lean pork from Canada. These back bacon cuts caught on and were eventually introduced to the U.S., where the term “Canadian bacon” took hold.

What sets Canadian bacon apart from American bacon?

Canadian bacon comes from the pork loin, making it lean and tender. It’s cured and sometimes smoked. American bacon, on the other hand, is streaky and fattier, cut from the pork belly.

Are there festivals celebrating Canadian bacon in Canada?

While there aren’t festivals specifically for Canadian bacon, many food events in Ontario feature peameal bacon prominently.

The St. Lawrence Market in Toronto often highlights peameal bacon sandwiches at local events.

How is Canadian bacon celebrated in modern cuisine?

Beyond traditional uses, chefs worldwide incorporate Canadian bacon into gourmet pizzas, salads, and even sushi rolls.

For instance, some fusion restaurants serve Canadian bacon-wrapped asparagus as a trendy appetizer. Its lean and smoky flavor complements a variety of dishes.

What’s a surprising fact about Canadian bacon’s nutritional value?

Canadian bacon is an excellent source of protein while being lower in fat and calories than traditional bacon.

A three-ounce serving contains around 21 grams of protein and only about 3 grams of fat, making it a favorite among fitness enthusiasts looking for a flavorful yet healthy option.

National Canadian Bacon Day

History of National Canadian Bacon Day