Music

The Ultimate Canada Day Playlist

Crank up the CanCon this Canada Day and celebrate the red and white with tunes that fit the occasion

By Michael Small /

Credit: Flickr / Mike Gabelmann

Celebrate July 1 like a true Canadian with music as sweet as maple syrup

Canada has a rich history of musical talent, and if there’s ever a day to blast some homegrown tunes, it’s Canada Day.

From megastars like Bryan Adams and Shania Twain to a new generation of musicians like Dan Mangan, there are plenty of artists and songs to choose from.

So this July 1 – whether you’re heading to the beach, hosting a BBQ or sipping cervezas on a boat – pump some of these Canadian jams.



Credit: Flickr / Loimere

The Icons

Bryan Adams – Summer of 69
Tom Cochrane – Life is a Highway
Burton Cummings – Stand Tall
Roy Forbes – So Close to Home
Martha and the Muffins – Echo Beach
Bachman Turner Overdrive – Takin’ Care of Business
Prism – Don’t Let Him Know
Chilliwack – Whatcha Gonna Do
Rush – Spirit of the Radio
Michael Buble – Quando Quando Quando
Barenaked Ladies – One Week
The Tragically Hip – Poets
Neil Young – Down by the River
Shania Twain – Man! I Feel Like A Woman



Credit: cjmod

Big Shiny Tunes Era

Alanis Morrisette – You Oughta Know
Our Lady Peace – Superman’s Dead
Chantal Kreviazuk – Before You
Colin James – Freedom
Matthew Good Band – Everything is Automatic
Danko Jones – Bounce
Bif Naked – Spaceman
Joel Plaskett Emergency – Come on Teacher
Sarah McLachlan – Building a Mystery
Great Big Sea – When I’m Up
The Philosopher Kings – Hurts to Love You
Bran Van 3000 – Drinkin’ in LA
Len – Steal My Sunshine
Big Sugar – Turn the Lights On
The Tea Party – Heaven Coming Down
Wide Mouth Mason – Smile
The Moffats – Misery
The Trews – Tired of Waiting
Sloan – The Good in Everyone
The Odds – Someone Who’s Cool
Sam Roberts – No Sleep



Credit: eastscene

Hip-hop / R&B

Drake – Best I Ever Had
Choclair – Let’s Ride
Kardinal Offishall – Ol’ Time Killin’
Swollen Members – Lady Venom
Rascalz – Northern Touch / Top of the World
Maestro Fresh Wes – Stick to Your Vision
Classified – Oh . . . Canada
K’naan – Wavin’ Flag
k-os – Crabbuckit
Nelly Furtado – Promiscuous
Shad – Rose Garden



Credit: LeJyBy

The New Generation

Dan Mangan – Robots
Current Swell – Young and Able
Hey Ocean – Big Blue Wave
Metric – Gimme Sympathy
DFA 1979 – Sexy Results
Tegan and Sara – Closer
Chromeo – ‘Bonafied Lovin’
Japandroids – Younger Us
The Sheepdogs – Feelin’ Good
MSTRKRFT – Heartbreaker
Deadmau5 – The Veldt
Grimes – Oblivion
Dragonette – I Get Around
Esthero – Everyday is a Holiday with You
The Zolas – You’re Too Cool
Mother Mother – Hayloft
Shawn Hook – Every Red Light