June 29, 2015
Canada is turning 148 on Wednesday July 1st, but by country standards we’re still in our youth! We’ve got 2 brand new Canadian citizens with us at SplitMango, and this will be their first Canada Day as full fledged Canadians! There are always some fun activities going on throughout Metro Vancouver and we’re going to share a few of our favourites with you.
The Canada Day Parade
If you haven’t been out to Canada Place and Jack Poole Plaza to see some great live entertainment, the parade, and fireworks then this is the year to do so. With performances from Tim Chaisson, Hannah Georges, Don Amero, and Rumba Calzada throughout the day on the main stage there’s sure to be some great entertainment.
The Parade itself starts at 7pm on the corner of Georgia Street and Broughton Street, winding it’s way towards Canada Place where the annual fireworks show takes place. There are also family friendly activities throughout the day including food, fun games, and even a circus!
Canada Day Fireworks Show
There are two barges that will be setting off the exploding light show throughout Metro Vancouver on Canada Day. The first is located in Coal Harbour, and can be easily viewed from Canada Place, Stanley Park, or other areas along the waterfront such as Harbour Green Park, and Devonian Harbour Park.
The second barge will be located near Dundarave beach in West Vancouver, and is viewable from many places such as Ambleside, and Light House Park. Other mountain top view points on cypress provide a unique birds eye view of the show. The fireworks display is the exclamation point of Canada day in Metro Vancouver and we highly recommend viewing it.
The Steveston BBQ Salmon Festival
If you enjoy deliciously cooked salmon, parade floats, marching bands, and even a pancake breakfast for those arriving early then you should check out this Canada Day classic out in Steveston.
Surrey Canada Day Celebration
Another place that will provide free family fun is the Surrey Canada Day Celebration at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre from 10am to 10:30pm. Live entertainment including bands like Blue Rodeo, The Zolas, and Zerbin. Kids entertainment areas, amusement rides and more are here for you to enjoy while celebrating Canada’s birthday.
Vancouver Maritime Museum
What’s Canada Day without a little history? The Vancouver Maritime Museum is providing guests with free admission on Canada day from 10am to 5pm. The museum is full of history and stories to explore with your imagination. There will be a special guest storyteller Michael Kusugak, who is also a children’s author and will be detailing the traditional Inuit lifestyle he grew up in. Oh, there will be delicious cupcakes too.
Granville Island Canada Day Parade
One of Vancouver’s top tourist destinations has it’s own parade and will be hosting other family friendly Canada Day activities as well. A free waterpark, street performers, face painting, and Jazz music headline the day’s events with things getting started at 12pm and the parade around 1:30pm. Things wrap up at 9:30pm so you’ll still have time to find your way to watch the fireworks in Coal Harbour at 10:30pm.
Waterfront Festival North Vancouver
North Vancouver has it’s own festivities including a long standing parade at 10am begining at 13th & Grand Boulevard heading west toward Lonsdale Avenue. From 12pm – 4pm at Waterfront Park you’ll be able to enjoy the Artisan Craft Market, musical performances on the main stage, food trucks and kid themed activities for the whole family to enjoy. For a detailed list of performs you can visit the program page and plan your afternoon accordingly.
Last Tips
What ever you choose to do this Canada Day make sure you bring sunscreen and water as it looks to be a bit of a scorcher. Sunshine is forecast with high’s reaching 28 degrees celsius in North, West, and downtown Vancouver and 29 in and around the Surrey area. Be safe and enjoy Canada’s birthday this Wednesday!