Mondo Canada Day activities in Vancouver

From fireworks and parades to block parties and free music, the Canada Day party train is chugging through Vancouver.

By Becky Gavigan / June 30, 2010

Credit: Flickr / Roam the Planet

Canada Day fireworks in Burrard Inlet start at 10:30 p.m.

Vancouver celebrates Canada Day with fireworks, parades, block parties, street performances and the relighting of the Olympic and Paralympic Cauldron

The 2010 Canada Day party train is chugging through the streets of Vancouver with a range of fun activities and events for the whole city.

“Whether you have a party in your neighbourhood or join the festivities downtown, I encourage everyone to show your community spirit and pride in our country,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson.

Canada Day Parade and Fireworks

One of the highlights will be the Canada Day Parade starting at 6:30 pm, running east on West Georgia from Broughton to Hornby, north on Hornby to Dunsmuir, west on Dunsmuir to Thurlow, and ending on Melville at 8:30 p.m.

The parade will be followed by fireworks in Burrard Inlet at 10:30. Best viewing spots are Coal Harbour, Stanley Park and along North Shore; live simulcast on Shore 104.

Canada Day on Granville Island

Another parade will take place earlier in the day on Granville Island at 1:30 p.m., starting at Ocean Construction and ending at Ron Basford Park. Be sure to get down there early, though, to catch a free performance by the B:C:Clettes, an all-women bicycle-inspired performance/dance group, under the bridge at 1 p.m.

Check out the Granville Island website to learn about more of the Canada Day bike fun, going on all day, starting at 10 a.m. (Psst, there’ll even be free bike valet service at False Creek Community Centre and Ocean Construction!)

Canada Day Yaletown Grand Prix

The Yaletown Grand Prix is also set for Canada Day, with hundreds of riders and thousands of spectators riding hard and fast around the streets of Yaletown, from 1-6 p.m.

Canada Day street party at Canada Place in Downtown Vancouver

Many of the other activities throughout the day will be centred downtown around Canada Place with a street party, including the relighting of the Olympic and Paralympic Cauldron in Jack Poole Plaza, a special citizenship ceremony, and the singing of “Oh Canada” at 12 p.m.

Plus, local bands will play on four stages throughout the day, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., including Hey Ocean!, Carly Rae Jepsen, Five Alarm Funk, Rumba Calzada, Dal Richards and more.

Canada Day on Nanaimo Street

Neighbourhood events include the Canada Day Community Celebration on Nanaimo Street between 41st and 45th Avenue.

Free music and carnival rides at the Surrey Canada Day Celebration

Head further south for Surrey’s ginormous Canada Day Celebration at the Cloverdale Amphitheatre, where you’ll find music, activities and carnival rides—all free! Plus more than 30 food vendors will be serving up corn on the cob, fresh lemonade, real fruit smoothies, smokies, pizza and Indian cuisine.