Canadians poured out their best wishes and love for Queen Elizabeth on Thursday, as the monarch marked her 90th birthday.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wished the Queen "continued happiness for years to come," in a tweet sent out on Thursday morning.
Today, I join Canadians in wishing a happy 90th birthday to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Here's to continued happiness for years to come.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 21, 2016
The PM also acknowledged the Queen's birthday in a statement, saying that she has served on the throne "with dignity, wisdom and grace."
"Over the past 64 years, Her Majesty has stood with Canada through key moments of our country's history and, as our nation underwent change and transformation, has been a rock of stability and a steadfast keeper of tradition.
"Today we admire her devotion to duty, and are thankful for her deeply-held affection for our country and unwavering loyalty to all Canadians."
Official Opposition leader Rona Ambrose hailed the Queen in a separate statement, wishing her a happy celebration with family and friends.
"Over the 64 years of her reign, the Queen has earned great respect, affection and admiration of Canadians and people all over the Commonwealth," Ambrose said in a statement.
Former prime minister Stephen Harper also offered his best wishes to Queen Elizabeth. Harper thanked the Queen for her "enduring service to Canada and the Commonwealth," in a series of tweets.
Happy 90th birthday to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth! Thank you for your enduring service to Canada and the Commonwealth. 1/2
— Stephen Harper (@stephenharper) April 21, 2016
We wish Her Majesty continued health and happiness in the years to come #HappyBirthdayYourMajesty. 2/2
— Stephen Harper (@stephenharper) April 21, 2016
Canadians send birthday wishes
Many celebrations for the Queen's birthday took place across Canada. Toronto's Fairmont Royal York Hotel, which has hosted the Queen in the past, held birthday celebrations throughout the day, with English tea and a few of the Queen's favourite beverages on the menu.
Enjoy the #Queen’s favourite drink, Gin & Dubonnet as #Fairmontroyalyork celebrates her #Birthday in the Royal Suite pic.twitter.com/Pnl4UmbBbf
— Fairmont Royal York (@FairmontRYH) April 20, 2016
In Alberta, the province announced a new walking trail in Banff, as a tribute to Elizabeth. The Commonwealth Walkway through Banff National Park will be unveiled in September 2017, in time for Canada's 150th anniversary.
Many Canadians turned out for parades, tea parties or public gatherings, while others turned to Twitter to send their wishes to the monarch.
@BritishMonarchy @ClarenceHouse ...Happy Birthday Your Majesty!!...much love and respect from Canada!! #Queenat90 #HappyBirthdayYourMajesty
— Marg Harris (@Marg2057) April 20, 2016
#HappyBirthdayYourMajesty @KensingtonRoyal
— ddsnorth ™ (@ddsnorth) April 21, 2016
from #CANADA with LOVE pic.twitter.com/TD5dnfaukM
#HappyBirthdayYourMajesty #Queenat90 #Winnipeg #Manitoba @legislative @BritishMonarchy #canada & pic.twitter.com/91z8oSU61r
— Erin (@empowercanadian) April 21, 2016
A few shared historical photos from the Queen's various visits, including the following one of her standing with former Gov. Gen. Ray Hnatyshyn, in 1994.
Memories of Canada's 125th! Long may she reign over us
— Amber Meulenbelt (@stampwithamber) April 21, 2016
@BritishMonarchy #HappyBirthdayYourMajesty #Queenat90 pic.twitter.com/bzQLXP7rup
#HappyBirthdayYourMajesty Queen Elizabeth Royal Tour, #Canada 1951 #CN Coll @SciTechMuseum Archives #QueenElizabeth pic.twitter.com/GItgCjnDGo
— SciTechImages (@SciTechImages) April 21, 2016
#HappyBirthdayYourMajesty Photo of @queenelizabeth while on tour of Canada. From the collection of #IngersollMuseum pic.twitter.com/OkOBBtujcR
— Scott Gillies (@IngersollMuse1) April 21, 2016
With files from The Canadian Press