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Canadians marked the birth of their nation for the first time in 1868, when Gov.-Gen. Lord Monck issued a proclamation encouraging all residents to celebrate on July 1.
This tradition has continued ever since, first under the name Dominion Day before officially becoming Canada Day in 1982.
Canada Day is synonymous with community gatherings that celebrate Canadian identity and the anniversary of Confederation. The largest official event traditionally takes place on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, but many of the country’s cities mark the day with massive firework displays, vibrant parades, and outdoor concerts.
If you’re looking for a fresh location to celebrate Canada Day, explore these often-overlooked destinations for July 1 festivities this year.
Parry Sound, Ont: Bands on the Bay
Celebrate the spirit of Canada in Parry Sound, Ont., by enjoying beautiful Georgian Bay scenery and family fun activities. Shutterstock/Lynda Potter Photography
Toronto-area residents looking to get out of the city can head north for a weekend of fresh air and music on the shores of Georgian Bay in Parry Sound.
Music lovers can celebrate the holiday at the Canada Day edition of “Bands on the Bay” at the Stockey Centre in this town, located 225 kilometres north of the city.
This free waterfront concert combines live Canadian music, breathtaking bay views, and a vibrant community vibe that’s ideal for families and visitors alike. The event also features family activities, food vendors, and a fireworks display over the inner harbour at 10 p.m.
Bring a lawn chair, kick back by the water, and enjoy a night of entertainment in one of Ontario’s most picturesque small-town locations.
Canmore, Alta: Rocky Mountain Charm
Aerial view of Canmore and the Bow River in Alberta, with the Rockies in the background. Shutterstock/Shawn.ccf
Canmore is the ideal destination for Albertans and visitors hoping to celebrate Canada Day in the Rockies. Just five minutes from the eastern boundary of Banff National Park, it offers a mountain experience away from the hustle and bustle of crowded cities and popular tourist attractions.While not as busy as Banff, Canmore has become an increasingly popular Canada Day destination, thanks to its beloved pancake breakfast, lively parade, and family-friendly festivities at Centennial Park.
Canmore opts out of fireworks for Canada Day because of strict regulations aimed at reducing wildfire hazards and protecting local wildlife. But with the vibrant festivities occurring against the stunning Rocky Mountain backdrop, who needs a fireworks show?
Fort Langley, BC: Historical Highlights
Fort Langley, B.C. offers Canada Day celebrations with a historic twist. Shutterstock/EB Adventure Photography
Known as the “birthplace of British Columbia,” this historic waterfront village in the Fraser Valley is an hour’s drive east of Vancouver with a historical and pedestrian-friendly downtown filled with antique shops, cafes, and local restaurants.Free entry will be offered to the Fort Langley National Historic Site on Canada Day for multicultural music, a cake cutting, and historical trade demonstrations. The neighbouring BC Farm Museum joins the party with family-friendly scavenger hunts, vintage tractor displays, and a community barbecue.
Larger-scale evening festivities will be held in the Township of Langley at McLeod Athletic Park with a Tragically Hip tribute band just after 6 p.m., followed by other musical acts. The Wild Moccasin Dancers, an indigenous group, will take the stage for a short performance at 10 p.m. before fireworks light up the night at 10:15 p.m.
Quebec City: Iconic Locations
Aerial view showcasing Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, a historical hotel in Quebec City.Shutterstock/ywei61
Quebec’s capital will be celebrating Canadian pride in some of the city’s most iconic locations.The celebrations at the Plains of Abraham will revolve around a free family festival running from noon to 5 p.m. This event will showcase more than 50 activities, including live multicultural performances, inflatable games, and interactive sports zones.
The official Canada Day ceremony, complete with a flag-raising and speeches, will be held between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Dufferin Terrace. The ceremony is topped off by a long-standing tradition: the distribution of a giant Canada Day cake courtesy of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.
Live outdoor musical performances headline the evening at the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. A high-tech immersive laser show lights up the night sky in place of fireworks, for a sophisticated, European-inspired finale.
Charlottetown, PEI: Birthplace of Confederation
Canada Day festivities in Charlottetown, the birthplace of Confederation, is the most popular option in P.E.I. Shutterstock/Darryl Brooks
Every Canadian should celebrate Canada in the birthplace of Confederation at least once.
Canada Day festivities in Charlottetown take place in Victoria Park, anchored by a family-fun zone complete with bouncy castles, an obstacle course, and a towering 22-foot “Screamer Slide,” along with artisan demonstrations and cultural exhibits.
Local musicians and featured headliners take the stage at various locations during the afternoon and evening, culminating in a spectacular fireworks show—claimed to be the largest east of Ottawa—set off from a barge right in front of Victoria Park at 10 p.m.
St. John’s, Nfld: Be the First to Celebrate!
Early birds will enjoy the sunrise ceremony to kick off Canada Day in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Shutterstock/Henryk Sadura
Be among the first Canadians to celebrate Canada Day in St. John’s, the country’s easternmost city. The celebrations begin bright and early with a 6 a.m. sunrise event on Signal Hill acknowledging Memorial Day and Canada Day, followed by free birthday cupcakes at the visitor centre.
Get ready for a day full of fun as the city presents a schedule of complimentary, family-friendly activities on July 1 across multiple locations. The afternoon event at King George V Park includes fun activities for kids, a cultural concert, and interactive cultural experiences. The festivities will conclude with an evening concert at Quidi Vidi Lake, topped off by a fireworks display over the water at 10 p.m.
Port Credit, Ont: Fun in the GTA Without the Crowds
Port Credit, a vibrant lakeside community in Ontario, with Mississauga in the background. Shutterstock/Scott Robert Perry
“INThePort” in Port Credit is the largest waterfront Canada Day celebration in Mississauga, Ont. Formerly known as the “Paint the Town Red” festival, this lakeside event steers clear of the heavy traffic in downtown Toronto while offering a full day of community fun right by the water.Port Credit transforms into a lively street festival and parade on Canada Day. The free, all-day event runs from noon to 11 p.m. and offers plenty of food vendors. Enjoy a stroll along the pedestrian-only Lakeshore Road, which features a ferris wheel, amusement rides, games, live music, and plenty of activities.
Wrap up the night with a heartfelt rendition of “O Canada” on the main stage, topped off with a dazzling fireworks display at 10:15 p.m., launched from a barge on Lake Ontario near the mouth of the Credit River.
