No matter where you're located in the country this Canada Day, we've got you covered.
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Are there many things better than a bright summer day? Canada Day is the perfect excuse to get your family out to enjoy the season, and there are many activities across the nation this year for you to explore. Whether catching a baseball game, indulging in a delicious barbecue or capping off an exciting day with a fireworks display, our guide has something for the whole family on July 1st.
July 1 marks the day that our country became Canada in 1867. In 1879, the anniversary of confederation was called Dominion Day, a name that officially stuck around until 1982, when the Canada Act was passed, meaning the country became completely independent from Britain. Typical festivities in the late 1800s weren't all that different from how we celebrate today, with fireworks and military displays.
The Toronto Blue Jays are Canada's team when it comes to baseball, which makes attending a game on the nation's birthday a special treat. Plus, it is the only time the team sports their slick red jerseys. There will be special Canada Day-themed activities before the first pitch at 3:07 pm, so fans are encouraged to visit the ballpark early. You can purchase tickets on Ticketmaster.
What better way to celebrate Canada Day than in our nation's capital? It is no surprise that Parliament Hill has hosted the largest Canada Day celebration for over 50 years. Festivities will begin at 9 am, followed by a ceremony at noon, and will close with a fireworks show at 10 pm. The events will be broadcast on CBC. The list of activities is too big to detail in this article, so take a look for yourself.
Located at the Port of Vancouver, Canada Place is organizing the 38th installment of the largest Canada Day celebration outside of Ottawa. Families can enjoy a selection of activities and food between 11 am and 6 pm. The main stage will have free performances all day. Take your children to the Kid's Zone for programming that the whole family will enjoy.
Just outside of downtown Vancouver, there is more fun to be had. The city of Surrey invites Canadians to a day of live entertainment and Indigenous cultural sharing from 10 am to 10:30 pm. There are no tickets required. Activities include food trucks, a beverage garden, a kid’s zone and amusement rides.
Calgary is organizing a sprawling celebration in its downtown core including The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, St. Patrick's Island and Olympic Plaza and Municipal Building. Events like Indigenous showcases, powwows, live music and face painting will keep families busy the entire day.
The Mill Woods Presidents' Council presents Southeast Edmonton's Canada Day Celebration and has been doing so since 1990. The event will begin at 2 pm with children's activities and food trucks, followed by a fireworks show at 11 pm. Mill Woods is also collaborating with St Theresa's Food Bank to collect non-perishable food donations to help feed people in the community.
Québec City will be celebrating its biggest party of the summer with amazing activities, workshops, performances and several surprises. A schedule has not been released yet but the historic Plains of Abraham Museum will have free admission all day. Families can also walk down the beautiful Dufferin Terrace with the perfect view of the St. Lawrence River.
Montreal will have a family-friendly day of celebrating that begins at 3 pm and concludes with a fireworks display at 10 pm. Activities include the swearing-in of new Canadians, a demonstration by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and cupcakes for everyone. Canadians from across the country are invited to the Clock Tower Quay for a celebration that is not to be missed.
iStockHalifax is presenting a Canada Day celebration in collaboration with Indigenous communities. The programming honours the traditions of the Mi’kmaw Nation and celebrates pan-Indigenous communities that call the city their home. Many events span the Halifax and Dartmouth waterfronts, with a firework show beginning at 10:30 pm. If you are walking around exploring the city, the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site is allowing free entry all day with its own set of celebrations and activities.
The city of Moncton will be hosting a Canada Day celebration at Riverfront Park. Families can find activities for their children at the Kids’ PlayZone. You can also walk past the mainstage with headliners Big Wreck and Caroline Savoie, while enjoying some grub from the food trucks. A spectacular fireworks show is promised before the night draws to a close.
This celebration in Winnipeg will take place at the University of Manitoba field with live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. Free tickets can be collected on a first-come, first-served basis for mainstage performances including the Sam Roberts Band with Special Guest Doc Walker.
The city will host a large event across three locations for an eventful day of Canadian fun. Locations include Nasser Plaza, Rotary Park and River Landing Amphitheatre Stage. Expect live performances, food and games for the entire family. Stick around for fireworks beginning at 10:30 pm.
Newfoundland and Labrador is celebrating Canada Day earlier than any other province. The city of St. John's is planning to offer a 6 am sunrise event on Signal Hill, followed by an afternoon of children's amusements at King George V Park. An evening concert will round off an exciting day, with a fireworks show at Quidi Vidi Lake beginning at 8 pm.
Have your child exert some of their energy bright and early with this unique event. Charlottetown is hosting a kid-friendly triathlon at 8 am. Registration and payment is required. The Opening Ceremony is at 1 pm and fireworks start at 10 pm. The rest of the day is filled with live music, games and local food vendors that will deliver tastes from around the world.
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Andrew is a master's student at Toronto Metropolitan University. His work has been published in University of Toronto's student newspaper, The Mike. He specializes in arts and culture writing. He lives in Toronto where he enjoys watching movies and spending time with friends.