July 1 is Canada Day, a national holiday to celebrate the day when three colonies united to become our great nation Canada. It is now a federal holiday where people have the day off to celebrate with fireworks, parades, festivals and events. This year there are many exciting options to celebrate Canada’s 148th birthday in Vancouver.
1. The new zipline at Queen Elizabeth Park will open July 1! This temporary zipline will be open till October.
2. Free concerts on Granville Island. Not only free concerts, but there is a parade, food and various art projects to participate in.
3. Flyover Canada.
Adults and families of all ages are invited to the celebration to take in the fireworks show from a private viewing zone on the βflight deck,β while enjoying Vancouverβs hottest attraction FlyOver Canada, a simulated aerial adventure over Canadaβs most stunning landscapes and food catered by Vera’s Burger Shack.
4. Various parades around the city and Metro Vancouver
5. Surrey’s Canada Day Celebration. 100,000 people attend this free celebration in Surrey. There are midway games and rides, a Kids Play area, over 100 exhibitors,Β live entertainment with musical headliners Blue Rodeo, and a spectacular fireworks show for the grand finale.
6. Canada Place fireworks and parade. This event is entering it’s 28th year. It will includeΒ live music and dance performances withΒ popular acts including Hannah Georgas, The Hairfarmers and Watasun, andΒ interactive activity zones featuring food carts, street hockey, an armed forces display, Saltyβs Fun Zone and a circus show.
Afterward, check out theΒ Canada Day Parade presented by Port Metro Vancouver at 7:00 p.m. and theΒ Coast Capital Savings Canada Day Fireworks at 10:30 p.m. For front-row seats to the fireworks, with entertainment and access to bathrooms, purchase tickets to theΒ Hudsonβs Bay Fireworks Viewing ZoneΒ at Canada Place.
7. Steveston Salmon Festival. This festival has been running since 1945. The community of Steveston welcome 70,000 people to the city to enjoy a parade, the festival and the famous salmon barbecue.
8. Vancouver Maritime Museum. Free admission on Canada Day with cupcakes, a special exhibit, crafts and activities for the family to enjoy.