Canada Day is fast approaching! If you're stumped for activities on Friday, July 1 and the long weekend the holiday is part of, here are the best ways to celebrate around the country:
Celebrate Canada Day with Calgary!
Calgary
Riverfront Avenue
Celebrate Canada Day on Riverfront Avenue with family friendly activities, food trucks, live music and much more. At 7 pm Mayor Naheed Nenshi will kick off Canada Day. ceremonies and high-energy performances from Canada's greatest musical artists, ending with the Canada Day firework display at 11 pm.
Riverfront Avenue, July 1, 12 pm-11 pm.
Aboriginal Showcase and Powwow
This traditional Powwow is presented by Bow Valley College's Iniikokaan Aboriginal Centre. First Nations, Metis and Inuit people showcase storytelling, drumming, dancing and much more in this cultural showcase.
Prince's Island Park, July 1, 10 am-6 pm.
Stephen Avenue Walk
Check out downtown Calgary's historic district for great food and shopping, and then head to the Stephen Avenue Stage for a showcase of local musicians and dance troupes in celebration of Canada Day.
Stephen Avenue Walk and Stage, July 1, 11 am-8 pm.
Toronto knows how to throw a Canada Day party.
Toronto
Toronto Canada Day Celebration
Come to the Canada Day Celebration in Mel Lastman Square, hosted by Tim Hortons. Celebrate Canada's birthday with live performances, face painting, music and more. The event kicks off at 5 pm in Mel Lastman Square. Admission is free and events go all evening until a special fireworks display at 10:15 pm.
5100 Yonge Street, July 1, 5 pm-10:30 pm.
Toronto Ribfest
Get Summer underway with the 16th Annual Toronto Ribfest. If Ribs aren't enough of an incentive, then come for the musical lineup on three professional Toronto stages. Fun for the whole family with a Kidz Zone that includes face painting and a magic show.
Etobicoke Centennial Park, June 30-July 3, 11 am-11 pm.
Multi Cultural Canada Day
Presented by the Community Folk Art Council of Metro Toronto, this annual showcase celebrates ts 10th year and includes demonstrations of multicultural traditions, foods, and arts and crafts. The event is free and is great for the whole family.
Yonge Dundas Square, July 1, 12 pm-9 pm.
Vancouver is a great place to spend Canada Day.
VANCOUVER
Granville Island Celebration
This day-long celebration includes a parade, cookouts, live performances and a South Asian cultural fair. Plus, there is an official Canada Day Ceremony, complete with cake and a cookout. Bring the whole family and have a blast.
Granville Island, July 1, 8 am-Midnight.
Canada Day at Canada Place
Downtown Vancouver is taken over by Canada Place with a free Waterfront Party with live music and entertainment, followed by the annual Canada Day Parade. Finish off the evening with the Burrard Inlet Fireworks Show beginning at 10:30 pm.
Canada Place, Downtown Vancouver, July 1, 10 am-6 pm, followed by parade at 7 pm.
The Steveston Salmon Festival & Ships to Shore
The historic fishing village has two free all-day events: the salmon festival, including a parade and salmon barbecue, and Ships to Shore Steveston, with historic ships on display at the waterfront open to explore. The event is free and fun for all ages.
Ships to Shore: Imperial Landing and Britannia Shipyards, June 29-July 1 Noon-6 pm.
Steveston Salmon Festival: Steveston Community Centre, July 1 6:30 am-5 pm.
Happy Birthday Canada!
WINNIPEG
Canada Day at the Forks
Spend the day in the parks with Winnipeg's biggest birthday party. Musicians on two stages, buskers and crafts take over the Forks for the day, culminating in a fireworks display at 11 pm. It is not to be missed!
The Forks, Winnipeg, July 1, 12 pm-11 pm.
Canada Day Living Flag
Start off Canada Day right when Canada's largest living flag takes shape in downtown Winnipeg with performances, Canada Day swag, kids activities and of course a photo op. Event is free, first 2500 participants receive a free Canada Day T-Shirt.
Shaw Park 9 am-11 am.
Osborne Village Street Celebration
This free street festival is known to some locals as the party of the year. Featuring five live entertainment stages, a fashion show and the Classic Hockey Tournament. Come live it up at Osborne Village, then sing Happy Birthday Canada at 1PM on Friday and receive a free piece of Birthday cake.
Thursday, June 30, 7 pm-11 pm. Friday, July 1 and Saturday, July 2, 11 am-11 pm.
No matter what you choose to do, be sure to have a wonderful Canada Day!