Happy Canada Day Notables! On this, our nation’s 144th birthday, there are numerous festivities happening across the country, and it’s interesting to note the similarities and differences from one city to the next. So, to show the diversity of beautiful Canada’s most notable cities, here’s a rundown of how Canada Day is being celebrated in Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, and Montreal…
Toronto
Canada Day at Mel Lastman Square
The staple for Toronto’s celebrations, the City organized event will see Ray Robinson and King Sunshine performing sets on the stage, with a spectacular fireworks show starting around 10:15pm.
Harbourfront Centre’s Canada Day Celebrations
Why not celebrate the 144th birthday of our beautiful country down by the water? With Esthero, Kim Davis, Hip Hop Karaoke, and a Strawberry Culinary Marathon, the Harbourfront’s festivities are sure to be kicking.
Goldenvoice Canada at Downsview Park
The Tragically Hip, Weezer, Buck 65, Hey Rosetta, and Broken Social Scene are celebrating Canada Day in style with a concert at Downsview Park.
F-STOP Loves Canada
Hot new scene club F-Stop is hosting a long weekend gourmet barbeque tomorrow, with special guest DJ Tech Twelve. Note it: This is guest list only; get in touch with F-Stop to book your spot.
Tryst Nightclub’s 3rd Annual Canada Day Bash and Official Boat Cruise After Party
We think the title speaks for itself.
Canada Dry Festival of Fire
Get ready for a bang at the massive fireworks explosions to be had at Ontario Place, sure to be one of the best fireworks shows in the city.
Multicultural Canada Day at Yonge Dundas Square
Celebrate our nation’s birthday and Toronto’s multiculturalism at the fifth annual Multicultural Canada Day festivities, including a Bollywood dance party at 7pm.
Calgary
Prince’s Island and Olympic Plaza
Partake of Calgary’s largest single day festival, and experience music, roving performers, games, activities, and tons of food at the city’s annual celebration. If you’re also a young professional parent, Prince’s Island has everything from balloon animals and face paint to kids entertainment. It all comes together with fireworks at 10:45pm at Olympic Plaza.
First Thursday Canada Day Edition
If you’re looking to spend Canada Day immersed in Calgary’s arts and culture, then this is for you. With everything from historical walking tours of downtown, to shopping for locally-produced wares at Art Central, to taking in music and entertainment, or just enjoying the free pancake show (free pancakes, bands, and two art openings), this special edition of “First Thursday” has you covered.
Escape the City
Maybe you prefer to celebrate Canada Day with a view. Luckily, both Banff and Canmore have full Canada Day schedules to offer, including free breakfasts, parades, and entertainment. Take a break to enjoy high tea and tradition at the Fairmont Banff Springs, or celebrate Canada’s birthday in rustic serenity at the Rustica Steakhouse in Canmore while you’re in town.
Calgary Stampeders
If sports are more your celebratory style, the Stamps have you covered. Enjoy their official Canada Day Kickoff Party (free with your ticket) from 4 to 6pm, where you can enjoy entertainment and mingle with Calgary Stampeder Outriders and player alumni. Then check out the Stamps versus the Toronto Argonauts at McMahon Stadium. Kick-off is at 7pm.
East Village Street Fair
With a focus on “Harmony in our Part, our Home, our Future,” the East Village Street Fair is a unique way to enjoy Canada Day. Their walkabout format will showcase wares, crafts, old and new transportation, and musician showcases throughout the day provided by the Cantos Music Foundation. Take in the newly revitalized East Village river walk while you’re there, or hop across the river for more activities at Fort Calgary.
Looking for more Canada Day in Calgary suggestions? Check this out…
Vancouver
Rev your engines for the Canada Day long weekend and support CAN Fund’s “Charitable Canada Day Celebration,” hosted by Legacy Liquor Store. This Thursday, break out of work early and mingle with 2010 Olympic medallists in support of an amazing organization that helps raise awareness and much-needed funding for Canadian athletes. Tickets are still available ($28) and the evening features a sampling of more than 50 Canadian products, catered canapés, prizes and a silent auction.
Kick Canada Day long weekend into high-gear with a day full of celebrations at Canada Place in the heart of the city. Canada Place will host live bands throughout the day – featuring more than 30 performers. Come dusk, take in a spectacular lightshow as part of the Canada Day Burrard Inlet Fireworks Show from a variety of harbour-area patios and parks for free. Feeling lazy? Purchase tickets for under $10 and gain access to the new View for Change reserved-seating area (all proceeds will be donated to a local charity).
Head to Granville Island for a full day of Canadiana-style festivities and fun. Free concerts featuring artists from around the world will be ongoing as part of the Vancouver International Jazz Festival celebrations. Stop into the Granville Island Brewery and partake in a tasting tour for your afternoon pick-me-up, then head out to take in the 12th Annual Canada Day Parade. Wind down at any one of the island restaurant’s patios and you’ve got the best seat in the house.
Get outta town, and head to Whistler for Canada Day. A full weekend’s worth of ski-bum fun is on the menu: starting with a dose of free yoga, followed by the annual Canada Day Parade, free concerts (check out fiddler-extraordinaire, Ashley MacIsaac and Juno-nominee: Matthew Barber). Thanks to Mother Nature, be sure to check out the Coca-Cola Summer Tube Park while the snow permits.
Canada Day, Tiki Style: The legendary Waldorf Hotel is set to host a just-as-legendary Long Weekend Canada Day Crasher on June 30th. Promising to be debauchery at its finest, we suggest taking it slow the following morning – lest you see red and white stars…
Montreal
Montreal Canada Day Parade
Since 1978, Montreal has hosted a Canada Day Parade in honour of our country’s birthday. Starting at 11am, 24 cultural communities participating in the Montreal procession march down St. Catherine Street between Fort and Peel. The parade is culturally rich and worth a visit.
Old Port Celebration
For our country’s 144th birthday, celebrations will be extending into the wee hours of July 2nd. During the day, head under the big top at the Clock Tower Quay to watch acrobats, clowns and tightrope walkers perform.
In the evening, head to the Jacques Cartier pier to watch the fireworks and listen to bands from all over the world perform. The main concert event has Bruno Pelletier, Gino Vanneli, Jodie Resther, and Juno-winner Chantal Kreviazuk performing to help celebrate this special birthday.
Image coutesy Jurvetson/flickr.