On July 1, 1867, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario and Quebec came together as a single country.
Canada gained much independence from the U.K. through the Constitution Act and effective independence in 1931. But our constitution wasn’t repatriated (it’s a long story) until 1982, which is also the same year Canada Day replaced Dominion Day as Canada’s official birthday.
Celebrations take place across the city this year, but the largest by far is the 27th Annual Canada Day at Canada Place party and parade July 1, presented by Port Metro Vancouver. The celebration is the second largest in Canada outside Ottawa.
Canada Place offers 13 hours of free, family fun with exhibits, interactive displays and live performances from Canadian favourites Said the Whale, the Paperboys, three time world champion hoop dancer Alex Wells and country singer Crystal Shawanda as well as more than 25 music and dance acts from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Go Canada! Sports Zone is the place to test your skills with soccer drills, watch a game of wheelchair basketball or join the jump rope competition. Shoppers will want to check out Salty’s Market, including more than 50 Portobello West vendors and artisans. Other highlights of the day include the West Coast Lumberjack Show and the Sweet Soul Gospel Choir followed by the popular citizenship ceremony featuring the swearing in of 60 new citizens to Canada.
The Canadian Forces Zone will offer displays and exhibits that honour our country’s armed forces and heroes, while the Maple Lodge Farms Community Stage at North Point will be the place for family entertainment.
The popular Canada Day Parade returns with a 7 p.m. start on Georgia Street followed by the Coast Capital Savings Canada Day Fireworks Show at 10:30 p.m. Visit canadaday.canadaplace.ca or download the free Port Metro Vancouver mobile app for instant access to the event site map, performance schedules and a simulcast of the fireworks soundtrack at canp.lc.
Granville Island
Canada Day celebrations on Granville Island, July 1, promise a good time for all ages with an official ceremony, the Truly Canadian Pancake Breakfast, live jazz, a South Asian cultural fair and a parade. Kids will enjoy the roving characters and face painters. Parents of younger kids will want to pack a picnic blanket for breaks at the free Granville Island Water Park. The celebration runs from 8 a.m. to midnight. Visit granvilleisland.com.
On the water
CruiseyT Production celebrates Canada Day with a fireworks cruise July 1 starting at 7 p.m. with departure at 7:30 p.m.
CruiseyT presents the city’s largest T-dance party cruises and this celebration is no exception with DJs Zach Shore and Mattilda Ho and drag performers Conni Smudge and Iona Whipp. For more information, visit cruiseyt.com.
False Creek
Edgewater Casino is hosting its inaugural Canada Day Concert Series at the Plaza of Nations beginning June 28 at 5 p.m. with the James Rodgers Band followed by Blues in the City at 8 p.m.
On Sunday, the music begins at 2 p.m. with the Indestructibles followed by Golden Melody and No Quarter. Monday, June 30, includes performances by Tony Barton and Ten Souljiers followed by fireworks. And finally on Canada Day, Incognito, Golden Melody and Playlist will perform starting at noon. For more information, visit edgewatercasino.ca.
Pacific Spirit Park
Traverse the beautiful trails of Pacific Spirit Park at the Run Canada Day 10-k and 5-k run/walk and 1-k kids event followed by post-race refreshments and cake at the University of B.C.’s Westbrook Village.
Beginners can take advantage of free orientation evening runs from the UBC Running Room prior to the event.
Warm-up and stretching by YYoga begins at 9:45 a.m. followed by start of the kids run at 10 a.m. The 10-k and 5-k run/walks begin at 10:05 and 10:10 a.m. respectively. Race kits can be picked up Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, June 29, from noon to 4 p.m. at the UBC Running Room at 3308 Westbrook Mall. For more information, call 604-221-1685 or visit runcanadaday.com.
