This Thursday 1 July is Canada Day, to celebrate Canada turning a very refined 143 years old! If you’re in London, why not dress up in red and white and join in the celebrations at Trafalgar Square? Here you’ll find Singing of ‘O Canada’ by the prestigious Canadaian Tenors as well as traditional Canadian cooking demonstrations, a fun street hockey tournament, special film screenings and performances from various Canadian artists. If you’re feeling peckish, indulge in Canadian Bison burgers, refreshing Sleeman’s beer and the ever-popular iced coffee and delicous doughnuts by every Canadian’s favourite, Tim Horton. Of course if you’re in Canada there will be plenty of events happening around the country, so here’s our pick of the top five places to celebrate Canada Day in the breathtaking country itself.
1. Vancouver
In Vancouver you can celebrate in the name of Canada Day with colourful parades, a scrumptious pancake breakfast, live jazz and much more on Granville Island. The biggest celebration of all though, will be held at Canada Place, where you can catch a huge music concert as well as all day parades and fantastic street dancing. End your day in Burrard Inlet for the big and beautiful Canada Day fireworks, which are sure to impress.
2. Torono
Canada Day is best celebrated in Toronto with a range of fun family activities, especially so in North York’s Mel Lastman Square where you’ll see some spectacular fireworks come dusk. You can also see the all important fireworks display at Ontario Place as well as Ashbridges Bay. For more family friendly events you’re best off heading into the great doors, where Queen’s Park, Centennial Park or Albion Hills Conservation Area have plenty of food, music and sport related activities on offer.
3. Ottawa
Of course Canada’s capital, Ottawa, parties extra hard for Canada Day, with a vast festival taking place in Queen Juliana Park, featuring talented performers, an exciting Bubble Bounce Amusement Park and a plethora of other vibrant activities. All over the city though you’ll be able to catch a range of events; be sure to check out Parliament Hill, Major’s Hill Park, Jacques-Cartier Park and Confederation Park for sumptuous feats, craft stalls and fairground rides.
4. Montreal
If you’re looking for fireworks and maple leaf cakes in Montreal, head to Phillips Square, where the Canada Day parade will make its extravagant end. Down town, you’ll find heaps of activities in Old Port as well as Pointe Claire, where you can swim for free, as well as in Lachine where you’ll be entertained by a brilliantly upbeat gospel choir.
5. Calgary
Fireworks mark the peak of Canada Day in Calgary from the Municipal Building at twilight. But first, journey to Fort Calgary for a free pancake breakfast, lots of live music, a petting zoo for the kids, as well as pony rides, crafts and much more. Heritage Park offers a more traditional celebration with hand-made birthday cakes and western entertainment. If you prefer to party until late, make time to celebrate at Princes Island Park or the Olympic Plaza, where you’ll attend Canada’s birthday in true style.
See our Canada tours here
Read more about Canada Day in London on the official website
