Saturday, July 1st, 2017, is Canada’s 150th birthday.
It marks the moment that the Province of Canada (now Ontario and Quebec) and the British colonies of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia were united as one country in 1867. From coast to coast, Canadians and visitors alike will be celebrating this great nation of ours.
From free admission to all the national parks, to fireworks, parades, and many other special events, it’s going to be one heck of a party.
Here is a sampling of what’s going on in Kitsilano and beyond on this significant day:
Kitsilano Showboat
From 3pm till 9pm, the quaint and historic beachfront showboat stage will be entertaining us with various family-friendly shows including a puppet show, clowns, and tango dancers. All shows are free.
Vancouver Maritime Museum
For a $1.50 all day admission (10am-5pm), enjoy multicultural stories, printmaking, history lessons, and cupcakes at the VMM.
Granville Island
Bike decorating and parade, a carnival, live music, craft making, a lobster cook out, face painting, food trucks, an art market, a splash park, and much more will fill Granville Island on July 1st. Most events will be free of charge.
Wesbrook Village, UBC
Run the beautiful trails of Pacific Spirit Park at this 10km and 5km run (registration and fee required). There will also be a 1km kids run and a seniors walk. After the run enjoy hot dogs and cake by donation, and bouncy castles, face painters, and splash pad.
Canada Place, Downtown
Watch five performance stages at the white sails featuring some fabulous musicians including Dragonette and others, plus a spectacular fireworks show on July 1st. Then, a pancake breakfast and a parade on July 2nd. Most events are free.
Creekside Park, Science World
Join in on the Canada 150 Atlantic to Pacific Drumming Celebration that will attempt to achieve a Guinness World Record in simultaneous drumming. Starts at 10am, free to all.
Steveston Village
The annual Steveston Salmon Festival will be kicking it up a notch this time with all day festivities. It will start with a pancake breakfast, followed by a kids bike parade, and then the big parade. There will be a Japanese cultural show, a trade show, food trucks, bouncy castles, and games as well. The finale will be the famous salmon barbeque that will serve up more than 1200 pounds of wild salmon fillets. Most events are free.
Grouse Mountain
Dress in red and white, and try your hand at axe-throwing, show off your hockey skills, and get a keepsake photo of the local onsite grizzly bear. Live music, classic Canadian movies, group yoga, and a lumberjack show will also be part of the celebrations on Grouse Mountain. Most events are free.
Whistler Village
Whistler will be celebrating for four days from July 1st to July 4th. It will start with a pancake breakfast on July 1st, followed by a parade, a farmers market, gelato treats, street entertainment, a beer garden, and a performance by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. The following days will continue with various shows and entertainment. Most events are free. From July 1st to the 3rd, local transit will be free as well.
Last modified: July 22, 2017
