Canada became McDonald's first international market in 1967.
The company's first restaurant outside the United States opened in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, on June 1, 1967. This expansion made Canada the first country to receive a McDonald's restaurant beyond the American market.
The Canadian opening preceded McDonald's later moves into other major international markets, including Japan, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Canada was a natural early choice because of its geographic proximity and close commercial links with the United States.
The first Canadian restaurant helped establish the international reach of the Golden Arches. McDonald's now operates in countries and territories across the world, but Canada retains the distinction of being the chain's first international market.