Upcoming Event: Canada Day in Vancouver, July 1

As the unofficial kick-off to summer, Canada Day (July 1) is a fantastic opportunity to get out there and enjoy our city’s offerings, be entertained, eat superb food, and learn a few new things about our country along the way.

The big shindig this year is at Canada Place (999 Canada Place) as well as the nearby Jack Poole Plaza and the streets surrounding the area. It’s free and runs from 11 a.m. through 6 p.m. ‘Canada Together’ is an event produced in collaboration with the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, with the theme “weaving together the fabric of a nation.”

Entertainment includes performances by headliners Tegan and Sara, The Fugitives, Pat Chessell, and Murray Porter; a Kid Zone with the Rock N’ Beau Dance Party and a mascot dance-off; and the North Point of Canada Place stage featuring local emerging artists. Other activities and events include Indigenous weaving and carving displays, and a citizenship ceremony. All stages will start with an Indigenous welcome and blessing.

Of course, hunger will strike at some point, and that’s your cue to enjoy the cultural array of food trucks on-site that will be dishing out tasty fare.

A scenic SeaBus ride across the water from Canada Place will take you to North Vancouver, and that’s where the Canada Day festivities at Shipyards Live (125 Victory Way) will start revving up at noon. There will be live music on two stages, an all-ages splash park, a Retro Video Dance Party, plus a Patio Beer Garden presented by Stanley Park Brewing.

There are also plenty of self-guided adventures you can mark the day with as well, from strolling and grazing around Granville Island, to hiking the trails and maybe stopping for a picnic in Stanley Park. A unique way to recognize the day is by taking in the exhibitions at the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art – there are currently two excellent shows to see: Bright Futures and Matriarchs Seen and Unseen. Finish up with a quiet dinner at West Broadway’s Salmon n’ Bannock, Vancouver’s only Indigenous owned and operated restaurant, offering family recipes with organic and free range game meats, and local seafood and fish caught wild off the coast.

Planning on heading to our city for the Canada Day long weekend? Search our site for some great rates.

Photo Credit: Canada Place website