See also: 1886 in Canada, other events of 1887, 1888 in Canada and the Timeline of Canadian history.

Events

• January 25 - Sir Louis-Olivier Taillon becomes premier of Quebec, replacing John Ross.
• January 27 - Honoré Mercier becomes premier of Quebec, replacing Sir Louis-Olivier Taillon.
• February 22 - Federal election: Sir John A. Macdonald's Conservatives win a third consecutive majority.
• March 3 - The United States imposes the Fisheries Retaliation Act putting limits on Canadian fishermen and traders
• March 28 - William Smithe, Premier of British Columbia, dies in office.
• April 1 - Alexander Davie becomes premier of British Columbia.
• April 23 - McMaster University founded
• May 3 - 148 coal miners are killed in a mine explosion near Nanaimo, British Columbia
• June 7 - Wilfrid Laurier becomes leader of the Liberal Party of Canada
• December 3 - Saturday Night founded
• December 26 - David Harrison becomes premier of Manitoba, replacing John Norquay.
• The first premiers' conference is held at Quebec City, Quebec

Births

• January 21 - Georges Vezina, professional hockey goaltender
• February 20 - Vincent Massey, Governor General
• February 25 - Andrew McNaughton, army officer and politician
• May 21 - James Gladstone, politician
• July 4 - Thomas Longboat , athlete
• October 8 - Huntley Gordon, actor
• October 14 - Frances Loring , sculptor
• December 20 - Walter R. Shaw, Premier of PEI
• December 8 - John Craigie , scientist

Deaths

• March 28 - William Smithe, Premier of British Columbia, dies in office