1897 in Canada
See also: 1896 in Canada, other events of 1897, 1898 in Canada and the list of 'years in Canada'.
Events
- Klondike Gold Rush rages in the Yukon
- January 29 - The Victorian Order of Nurses is founded in Ottawa
- February 2 - Clara Brett Martin becomes the first woman allowed to practice law in Ontario
- February 19 - World's first Women's Institute founded in Stoney Creek, Ontario
- May 24 - Félix-Gabriel Marchand becomes premier of Quebec, replacing Edmund Flynn
- September 6 - The federal government gives the CPR a grant to allow it to reduce freight rates through Crowsnest Pass
- October - A.B. Warburton becomes Premier of Prince Edward Island
- October 7 - Responsible government is introduced in the North-West Territories: Frederick Haultain becomes the first premier
- October 29 - Henry Emmerson becomes premier of New Brunswick, replacing James Mitchell
- Lord Grey of Britain proposes that Canada create a navy to protect its west coast; Laurier does not act on the recommendation
Births
- April 23 - Lester B. Pearson, last prime minister born in the 19th century
- September 23 - Walter Pidgeon, actor
Deaths
- Amor De Cosmos, former Premier of British Columbia