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). It’s free, and it all starts at 11 a.m. ‘Canada Together’ is an event produced in collaboration with the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, with this year’s theme being, “weaving together the fabric of a nation.”
Family-friendly events include performances by headliner Johnny Reid, Spakwus Slolem (Eagle Song Dancers), the West Vancouver Youth Orchestra, and more.
After a special message from Chief Dr. Robert Joseph on behalf of Reconciliation Canada, head to the World Zone for an exploration of various global culture including an Aché Brasil performance, or the Kids Zone for a mascot dance-off, and a ‘Rock N’ Beau Dance Party,’ among other fun activities.
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 Boarder X, a traveling art exhibition presented with the Winnipeg Art Gallery featuring work from contemporary Indigenous artists across Canada, on at the Museum of Vancouver through October. Finish up with a quiet dinner at West Broadway’s Salmon n’ Bannock is 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