national health and fitness day
Celebrate active living in Canada on the first Saturday in June!
what is national health and fitness day?
National Health and Fitness Day is an annual coast-to-coast-to-coast celebration of physical activity held on the first Saturday in June (June 7 in 2025).
It was established in 2014 after the Government of Canada passed the National Health and Fitness Day Act to make Canadians more aware of the important health benefits of physical activity, urge them to get more active, and encourage local governments and organizations to host events and initiatives that celebrate and promote the significance and use of parks and local fitness, sport and recreational facilities.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL HEALTH AND FITNESS DAY
Tips for individuals
1. Find a community physical activity event
Participate in a group yoga session, dance class, walk/wheel, hike, run, bike ride, swim or sporting event in your community at a local community centre, gym, aquatic centre, park, trail or beach.
2. Get active with friends and family
Plan a group walk/wheel, hike, run, bike ride, swim or team sport, or go on an active date with your significant other.
3. Take advantage of public recreation facilities
Some communities offer free or discounted access to community recreation centres, swimming pools and gyms on National Health and Fitness Day.
4. Use active transportation
Wherever you’re going on National Health and Fitness Day, walk/wheel, take public transit, cycle, scoot or skate to get there.
5. Follow along with online exercise videos
Our workout videos page has plenty to choose from for all abilities and skill levels.
ideas for organizations
1. Plan a group physical activity event
Host a free yoga session, dance class, walk/wheel, hike, run, bike ride, swim or sporting event that’s open to your organization’s employees, volunteers or members and/or the public.
2. Partner with local gyms and personal trainers
Arrange free or discounted exercise sessions at local fitness centres.
3. Encourage active commuting
Promote walking/wheeling, cycling, scooting, skating and using public transportation by covering the cost of transit fares and/or bicycle rentals for your employees, volunteers and/or members.
4. Join the ParticipACTION Community Challenge
Register your National Health and Fitness Day event(s), program(s) or initiative(s) and track the number of participants on the ParticipACTION Community Challenge web portal for your organization’s chance to win $500!
Suggestions for local governments
1. Organize community physical activity events
Host free group fitness classes, walks/wheels, hikes, runs, bike rides, swims or sporting events at community centres, aquatic centres, parks, trails or beaches that are open to residents of your municipality on National Health and Fitness Day.
2. Collaborate with schools and local businesses
Engage schools, businesses and community groups in National Health and Fitness Day physical activity initiatives.
3. Implement "open streets" programs
Close streets to vehicles on National Health and Fitness Day to encourage community residents to walk/wheel, cycle, scoot or skate.
4. Join the ParticipACTION Community Challenge
To help your community compete for the title of Canada’s Most Active Community and win up to $100,000 to support local sport and physical activity events, register your National Health and Fitness Day event(s), program(s) and/or initiative(s) and track the number of participants on the ParticipACTION Community Challenge web portal.
Join us on social media
Inspire others to get more active by promoting and sharing your National Health and Fitness Day event(s), program(s), initiatives and experiences on social media, making sure to use the hashtag #NHFD2025.
resources
The ParticipACTION Community Challenge webpage
6 simple somatic exercises to sneak into your day
How to start your active journey
5 fun and active date ideas to spice up your love life
Follow along with our workout videos
6 beginner calisthenics exercises to easily fit into your workday