McDonald’s introduced its first restaurant in Canada in 1967, making Canada its first market outside the United States.
The Canadian opening marked the beginning of McDonald’s international expansion. The restaurant opened in Richmond, British Columbia, near Vancouver. Canada was a practical first overseas market because of its geographic proximity to the United States and strong commercial connections between the two countries.
International growth later spread the Golden Arches to Europe, Asia, Australia, and many other regions. Although the core visual identity remained recognizable, McDonald’s adjusted menus, advertising, and operations to fit local languages, customs, and regulations.
Some accounts confuse the first Canadian restaurant with the first McDonald’s outside North America. Canada was the first country outside the United States, while later openings established the brand on other continents.