Us Canucks are a proud bunch, and we turn out in droves when it comes to the Canada Day celebrations that are organized in our respective cities. This year, as Canada turns 147 (she doesn’t look a day over 130), you’ll want to check out the roster of events that are planned for Canada Day from coast to coast.
Vancouver
Canada Place in Vancouver, BC will play host to the biggest party outside of the nation’s capital. There will be 13 hours of free activities, with performances by Said the Whale, The Paperboys, three-time World Champion hoop dancer Alex Wells, Crystal Shawanda, and more than 25 music and dance acts on three stages, plus the West Coast Lumberjack Show, a parade down Georgia Street at 7pm, and a big fireworks display.
Edmonton
Watch history being made as 55,000 LED lights are turned on for the first time at High Level Bridge, and then enjoy the magnificent fireworks that will be set off over Edmonton’s river valley parks and the North Saskatchewan River (there are a number of fantastic viewing points for the show including Victoria Park, the Alberta Legislature Grounds, Ezio Faraone Park – west entrance to High Level Bridge on 109 St. north, and Government House Park).
Calgary
If you’re in Calgary for Canada Day, take in some live music from Mother Mother and Michael Bernard Fitzgerald on Riverfront stage, take part in a First Nations Powwow on Prince’s Island, or check out one of many events such as the Living Flag activity, Food Truck Roundup and BassBus at Festival Market. It all concludes with an amazing fireworks display presented by Hudson’s Bay.
Saskatoon
Toontown will show its Canadian pride as 30,000 people come together to participate in the this year’s Canada Day activities in Diefenbaker Park. The day will feature a variety of children’s activities, entertainment, a flea market, and food from diverse cultural groups. The celebrations will wrap up with a fireworks spectacular at 11pm.
Winnipeg
‘Peggers know how to honour Mother Canada will three main stages of performers at The Forks as well as a variety of family-friendly activities like a Founding Nations Tribal Village. There’s the public market and children’s museum to visit as well.
Toronto
Harbourfront Centre will be the setting for one of the biggest, liveliest Canada Day celebrations in the country. The event will wrap up with an unforgettable 20-minute two-barge fireworks display set to music on Toronto’s central waterfront that’s free to check out.
Ottawa
Every Canadian should spend at least one Canada Day in the nation’s capital – the scene on Parliament Hill is like no other. The crowds start gathering on The Hill at 9am for the flag raising ceremony, followed by the Changing the Guard ceremony at 9:30am and the carillon concert featuring the Peace Tower bells at 10am. Be there at noon for a thrilling performance by the Snowbirds Demonstration team, and a noon hour show filled with cultural entertainment. Performers include Brett Kissel, British Columbia Boys Choir, Marianas Trench, Nadja, Serena Ryder, Terry Kelly and Véronic DiCaire. In the afternoon (from 2-5pm) visitors can enjoy 1930s- and 1940s-style swing dancing and acrobatic performances and dance workshops by Ottawa’s Swing Dynamite Dance School. More Canadian performers are on the line-up for the evening, with the grand finale being a massive fireworks show like nothing you’ve ever seen.
Montreal
Montrealers will come together at the Old Port to say “Happy Birthday” to Canada in a big way. A whole day of events is planned, from a morning presentation by a ceremony and military band to interactive activity tents and other demonstrations. In the evening hours there will be musical performances and an impressive nine-minute fireworks display.
Quebec City
Quebec City celebrates its second big holiday in a week (after St. Jean Baptiste Day) – Canada Day in this beautiful city means fireworks (at 9:30pm), and activities that will take place on the Plains of Abraham, Dufferin Terrace, at Artillery Park, and near Porte Saint-Louis.
Halifax
Recognized as the top tourist destination for Canada Day in the Maritimes, Halifax has a number of things planned for Canada Day. In addition to their annual pancake breakfast and Tattoo Parade, there will also be the Maple Lodge Farms Family Fun-Fest on the Commons and a huge summer concert with six-time Juno winner Sam Roberts Band, followed by a huge fireworks show.
Charlottetown
PEI – are you ready for one of the best Canada Days yet? PEI 2014 Concert for Canada, the main draw, will feature a stellar lineup of rising stars and Canadian music icons at the Charlottetown Event Grounds. Roch Voisine, Barenaked Ladies, Tegan & Sara, and Classified will all be there to celebrate one of the most highly-anticipated Canada Days yet.
St. John’s
St. John’s offers Canada Day celebrations at Signal Hill National Historic Site along with a confederation celebration at Confederation Hill. Fireworks at Confederation Hill stats at 9:55pm but locals can ring in Canada Day all day long at both national historic sites. Admission is free.
* Note: If you live in Regina, check with the city before making Canada Day plans as many activities have been cancelled due to excessive rain
