Canada Day Across BC

Looking for the best activities to show off your red and white this Canada Day? We’ve got you covered. 

With so many fun, family-friendly activities taking place all over the province, there’s no shortage of Canadian spirit to celebrate our nation’s 157th birthday! 

One main difference you’ll find this year is that many cities are opting for drone shows over traditional fireworks. Instead of a large amount of noise pollution or explosives going off, it’s a more therapeutic, healing environment with hundreds of LED drones in the night sky. The perfect end to a day full of national pride.

 

1. Together at Canada Place – Vancouver

Historically the largest Canada Day gathering west of Ottawa, this year’s theme is “Weaving together the fabric of a nation,” and was planned in collaboration with representatives from the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. Don’t miss out on speaking with traditional weavers and carvers, and learning traditional words through colouring activities. 

At the main stage you can find music acts like Said the Whale, Fake Shark, The Free Label, and more. For family-fun, head on over to the Kids’ Zone for a mascot dance-off, Indigenous storytelling, and the Rock N’ Beau Dance Party. 

To keep yourself hydrated, Stanley Park Brewing is sponsoring Summer Sips, which includes a barbeque with a live DJ. For a multicultural taste of Canada, check out the dozens of food trucks along Canada Place Way.

And lastly, don’t miss out on welcoming new citizens with a ceremony honouring 60 new Canadians into Canada’s multicultural family!

 

2. Canada Day – Victoria’s Inner Harbour

What better way to celebrate our nation than in the capital of BC itself? Hit up the Legislature Lawns for a full day of live music and entertainment just steps from the picturesque Inner Harbour. 

Check out 2022 Juno Contemporary Indigenous Artist of the Year, DJ Shub—aka the Godfather of PowWowStep—who’s headlining the celebration. Other acts to look for are Hey Ocean, Mauvey, Posh Coat, the lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Dancers, and more.  

Hit up Belleview Street for an International Food Village offering global cuisine to highlight Canada’s multicultural flavours. And for kid-friendly activities, stop by the Family Zone where the Victoria Fire Department, Victoria Bug Zoo, and the Royal British Columbia Museum can keep the kiddos entertained all afternoon.

 

3. Celebrate Canada Day – Kelowna

Spread out among multiple locations along the lakefront and Cultural District, Kelowna’s celebrations are full of multi-generational, family-friendly activities for a variety of interests and tastes. 

Kick off your visit at the Canada Day Bazaar, enjoy the drum circle, get your face painted, and find more than 50 different activities and performances all day long! 

Support local artisans at the Made in Canada Marketplace where you can find all kinds of handmade Canadian arts and crafts and stop by a Taste of Canada for diverse, flavourful bites.

 

4. Canada Day – Kamloops

Head over to Riverside Park for a full lineup of activities, food, culture, and entertainment all day long! 

Begin bright and early with a pancake breakfast and follow it up with the “Art in the Park” artisanal market. Check out the multicultural flag parade for plenty of colours, as well as the International Food Fair for the many diverse flavours Canada has to share! 

Thanks to the Kamloops Multicultural Society, there are plenty of performances to check out like Irish dancing, Bollywood dance, and more.

 

5. Canada Day – Prince George

Head on down to Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park for a full day of national pride in BC’s Northern Capital! Spread out all across the whole park, there is no shortage of activities and performances to check out.

Wander the Food Pavilion for a taste of up to 17 multicultural cuisine vendors, stop by the marketplace to appreciate local vendors and artisans, bring the kiddos to the Kid Zone for bouncy castles and face paint galore, and end the day at the main stage for as many as 15 local performances!

 

6. Kanada Day – Prince Rupert

Plenty of community spirit going on at the north coast this Canada Day. Kick off the day with your own drum—or pot and spoon!—at Mariner’s Park where you can join in on the drumming taking place all over the nation. Follow this up with traditional face painting, dancing, food vendors and more at Nisga’a Hall, and don’t forget to support local artists and vendors at the Lax Süülda Container Market. 

Finish your Canada Day at Mariner’s Park for DJ dancing, free cupcakes, and snacks!

 

7. Canada Day at Lakeside Park – Nelson

Bust out your lawn chairs, umbrellas, and picnic blankets and head on over to the Lakeside Park for a day jam-packed with community events—just don’t forget your sunscreen! 

Start it off with a community drum circle where everyone of all ages is welcome, and then follow up with Canada Day cake served by the District Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy an afternoon fully-stocked with community bands and dancers, as well as the all-day long Rose Garden Café and the Rotary Club annual barbecue.