The best Canada Day celebrations across the country

Victoria, British Columbia

Canada Day in Victoria is always packed with lots of things to do. The lawn in front of the parliament buildings becomes the site of the famous living flag, where hundreds dress in red and white to take the shape of the Canadian flag—2015 saw 2,500 people participate. Day-long shows and concerts follow, while vendors line the waterfront offering all kinds of food and goodies. The day ends with a show of fireworks at the harbor.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver claims to have the biggest Canada Day celebration outside of Ottawa. A daytime festival at Canada Place begins at 10 a.m., which includes music, multicultural performances and a citizenship ceremony where Canadians can reaffirm their dedication to the country while also welcoming newcomers. The day finishes with a huge parade through the streets of the city then a spectacle of fireworks at the Coal Harbour and Dundarave beach—they go off simultaneously for an even bigger firework experience.

Calgary, Alberta

Calgarians put a great emphasis on celebrating Canada’s history on Canada Day. A traditional Aboriginal Powwow starts off the day at Prince’s Island Park, followed by traditional First Nations music and storytelling. Also at the park during that time, patrons are invited to celebrate the Canadian Military with interactive displays and meet-and-greets with Canadian war heroes. Before viewing fireworks along the river, there are street vendors, buskers, food trucks and lots of other festivities all throughout the city.

Edmonton, Alberta

There are a ton of opportunities to have some fun on Canada Day in Edmonton. From the night market in Chinatown, to the parade and singing Happy Birthday to Canada at Fort Edmonton Park, to the live music and activities at City Hall, there’s something for everyone on July 1 in Edmonton. To finish off the day, be sure to head over to the High Level Bridge for the famous light show followed by fireworks in the river valley.

Regina, Saskatchewan

Wascana Park is the place to be if you’re in Regina on Canada Day. Every year, Regina dwellers make their way to the park for food, live entertainment and as of 2015, the living flag—500 participants wore red and white and stood in the shape of the nation’s flag in 2015, and residents hope that number will only grow in upcoming years. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Canada Day celebration without fireworks, which, in Regina, go off over the Wascana Lake at the end of the night.

Winnipeg, Manitoba

If you’re in Winnipeg on July 1, you’ll have a selection of awesome events to attend for Canada’s birthday. If you’re near Osbourne Village, you can expect everything from a hockey tournament to street sales to a fashion show. Whether you’re near Assiniboine Park or The Forks, you can enjoy family fun, a long lineup of musical acts and huge firework spectacles when the sun goes down. Whatever place you end up at on Canada’s birthday, you and your family are sure to have a great time in Winnipeg.

Toronto, Ontario

The Six is always bustling on July 1. If you’re not near the lake, you can celebrate Canada’s birthday while simultaneously participating in other events. Combine the Canada Day celebrations with Pride festivities, as the Toronto Pride Festival will be well underway, or mix in some jazz music as the Toronto Jazz Festival will also be taking place. If you’re near the water though, you’re going to want to be at the Harbourfront for music, activities and fireworks over Lake Ontario.

Ottawa, Ontario

No city does Canada Day like the nation’s capital, Ottawa. Every year, thousands make their way to Parliament Hill for a huge party on the building’s lawns and surrounding area. The crowds come early to watch concerts of big Canadian acts, take in the Snowbirds aerobatics airplane team and enjoy vendors and family entertainment all day long. To finish off the huge celebration, there’s a massive show of fireworks in front of the Parliament building, which is said to be visible from any vantage point downtown.

Montreal

If you’re in Montreal on Canada Day, make your way to the Old Port of Montreal—you’ll find a plethora of fun things to do. If you’re into history, you’ll enjoy the military fanfare and the Canada tent where you can learn information about our country’s startup. If picnics and family activities are more up your alley, then grab a slice of the big Canada birthday cake and relax while the kids enjoy face painting and crafts. Finally, wrap up your night by taking in the fireworks when the sun goes down.

Quebe City, Quebec

If you’re in Quebec City for the Fête du Canada, aka Canada Day, start off the holiday on a healthy note with group exercise at the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec. Once you’ve burned off some cals, gain them back by heading to the Fairmont Château Frontenac for a slice of Canada Day cake. After that, fill your day with family activities and music that will be held throughout the city, then catch some fireworks at Grey Terrace before heading back home.

Moncton, New Brunswick

In Canada, July 1 can be referred to as Canada Day, Independence Day of Canada, Dominion Day and, to Moncton residents who make their way to the riverfront, Whoa Canada!. In the morning of Whoa Canada!, Monctonians dress in red and white and decorate their bikes for the annual bike ride. They then enjoy a day of live music, vendors and riverside fireworks.

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Islanc

If you’re a music lover and you have good endurance, then Charlottetown is the place for you on Canada Day. After the flag raises and the national anthem is sung at Victoria Park, the 10-hour live concert commences. Don’t worry if you need a break from the tunes though—lots of activities will be taking place at the same time, ensuring that everyone in the family has a great time. To end the day, the Charlottetown sky lights up with a big fireworks display.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

There are Canada Day festivities all throughout Halifax on July 1. With a bit of wandering through the city, you’ll find free pancake breakfasts, the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo Parade, free yoga and free music, to name a few things. Wherever you end up going, make your way over to the waterfront to catch the fireworks show at the end of the night.

St. John's, Newfoundland

St. John’s dwellers like to be the first ones to ring in Canada’s birthday. If you’re in St. John’s on July 1, head over to Signal Hill at 6 a.m. to catch the beautiful sunrise with the other early birds. After that, you may want to squeeze in a nap because the rest of your day will be busy with a concert and carnival, which is held at Confederation Hill. Then, as the sun goes down, make your way over to the water for fireworks. From sunrise to well passed sundown, Canada Day in St. John’s is definitely a great time.

Whitehorse, Yukon

With mountains as the backdrop and the Yukon River flowing adjacent, Shipyards Park is a beautiful spot for Whitehorse’s Canada Day celebrations. Whitehorse residents start their day off with a parade down the streets of the city, which ends at the park where fun family activities are held. If you’re in the Yukon and you want a different Canada Day celebration, head north to Dawson City for the annual gold panning competition.

Yellowknife, North West Territories

If you happen to be in Yellowknife on July 1, the shores of Frame Lake are where you’ll want to be. Bring your friends and a few blankets and hang out on the lawn while snacking on food from the many vendors, listening to the local musicians playing in the amphitheater and watching the sailboats float across the water.

Iqaluit, Nunavut

Canada’s youngest territory kicks off Canada Day with a big pancake breakfast at the Arctic Winter Games centre. Iqaluit follows the flapjacks with a community parade, barbeque and family activities. If you’re in Nunavut and want to add some art to your Canada Day celebrations, you can attend Iqaluit’s annual Alianait Arts Festival, which is also held over Canada Day weekend. There you can enjoy a variety of acts and shows, including traditional Aboriginal music and art.