Amanda PhillipsCanada Day 2017 has been long awaited, with a huge line up of events in the run up to the big day. This year, Canada Day also marks the countries 150th anniversary and the celebrations are set to be bigger than ever.
Every year millions of Canadians celebrate Canada Day on the 1st July. It is traditionally a day to get together with your family and friends, celebrated with festivals, food, drinks and music. Conveniently, Canada Day falls on a Saturday this year, meaning events will be taking place over the country all weekend long.
Here is a quick guide to the celebrations in ten of Canada’s most popular destinations.
1. Ottawa
Canada’s capital Ottawa will be hosting a mega party in the heart of the city. Parliament Hill will take centre stage to an assortment of live music and performers, including the renowned Cirque Du Soleil. In the evening, prepare for a spectacular firework show which is rumoured to be the largest display in Canada Day history.
2. Vancouver
Canada Place will be the forefront of all celebrations in Vancouver, with a jam-packed live music line up and a dedicated children’s zone there is fun for the whole family. Keeping the party alive, head downtown on July 2nd for a traditional pancake breakfast and enjoy the parade as members of the local community march through the city.
3. Banff
Proving that it’s not only the major cities that know how to throw a party, Banff has a full itinerary of celebrations in place on the 1st July. The Rocky Mountains are a spectacular backdrop for the festivity. Visitors can expect a fun filled day complete with a parade, dancers and live music, ending with a magical firework display.
4. Toronto
Toronto is putting on a wealth of events all over the city to celebrate. Visitors can enjoy a varied line up of entertainment and indulge in the many food stalls on offer. Families should head to Queens Park for a memorable day of family friendly activities. Of course, the CN tower will play a key role in Toronto’s celebrations. The country’s tallest freestanding tower will boast a magnificent firework display and the whole spectacle will be accompanied by Canadian music whilst being broadcast on live radio.
5. Montreal
Like all cities in Canada, 1st July in Montreal will be full of events and a vibrant atmosphere. Montreal’s parade is one of the most significant, as it recognises the different cultures that help shape the city. Best of all, free cake is on offer at the end of the parade! The Montreal Jazz Festival also coincides with Canada Day, making it a double celebration with what is bound to be an electrifying concert.
6. Calgary
Calgary’s Olympic Plaza is just one area of the city hosting memorable events all weekend. Enjoy the story telling of Canada’s history over the last 150 years, let loose with some country line dancing or simply sit back and enjoy the show. Not to forget the firework display which will be the finale to the day’s events.
7. Niagara Falls
Niagara is no stranger to a party and Canada Day is no exception. What better way to celebrate than alongside one of Canada’s most famous landmarks: Niagara Falls. Start the day off healthy with the Canada Day 5k run, before getting comfy to watch the 150th anniversary parade. Afterwards, join the local community for a huge street party and soak up the electric atmosphere.
8. Whistler
With too much to pack into one day, Whistler has a week long string of events to celebrate Canada Day. Like most towns, Whistler is hosting a parade and the unique theme is “Strong, Proud & Free”. As a pedestrianised village, Whistler is the perfect place for plenty of street food and entertainment. Whistler Olympic Plaza will be the setting for the Canada Day wine & beer garden, where you can sip on a locally brewed craft beer or a glass of British Columbia wine.
9. Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is known for its top notch fresh cuisine, so it is only fitting that Canada Day is celebrated with a Kitchen Party at Halifax’s Farmers Market. Not forgetting its strong Celtic links, visitors will be treated to an Irish dancing display and the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo Parade in the downtown area. Halifax Common will host a live music event, including a performance from international electronic musician and fellow Canadian, DeadMau5.
10. Victoria
Victoria’s inner harbour will be the setting for many of the Canada Day festivities. Local and national performers will grace the stage with an array of entertainment and family-focused activities. Bring a blanket and get nestled in the wonderland that is Butchart Gardens for an evening of live music and an alluring firework display choreographed to music.
