Canadian Rivers Day is observed in Canada on every second Sunday of June. The celebration aims to highlight the importance of preserving Canada's river heritage, with its origins traced back to the Canadian Rivers Heritage Conference in 2001, where the idea was first proposed. The following year, Sheila Copps, then Minister of Canadian Heritage, officially designated this day. Activities during Canadian Rivers Day include picnics, canoeing, paddle-a-thons, nature walks, and bicycle rides along rivers, encouraging the public to appreciate and enjoy these natural resources. The event is actively promoted by the Canadian Heritage Rivers System, which is the national conservation program for rivers in Canada, although Quebec does not participate in this program. As of 2015, there are 38 designated and 4 nominated Heritage Rivers across the country.