8 Cities to Explore this Canada Day

We’re sure you’ve heard the news… Canada Day is quickly approaching! Regardless of where you are in Canada, festivals and events to celebrate our country’s 150th birthday will be happening nation-wide. If you’re still stuck on how you should spend your Canada Day this year, you can’t go wrong with packing the car and driving to one of these Canadian cities. This year, here’s where we suggest:

1. Ottawa, ON

The capital of Canada is well-known for their huge Canada Day celebrations, and this year will be nothing less, especially thanks to the country’s big 150. Parliament Hill will be raging with live music, cultural and historical workshops, a citizenship ceremony, and the largest fireworks ceremony that the city has ever seen. Make sure to visit the Canadian Museum of History and Jacques-Cartier Park to see some rich Canadian history and beautiful sculptures.

2. Calgary, AB

Calgary has done some serious preparation for Canada Day this year, and rightfully so, as over 250k Calgarians are planning on attending the festivities that are taking place on July 1! There will be music and events starting early in the morning and ending late into the evening. If you’re planning on going to Calgary to celebrate, make sure you stop by Riverfront Avenue to check out some live music and yummy food.

3. Saskatoon, SK

Jazz Fest in Saskatoon is happening over the Canada Day long weekend this year… you know what that means? An early pancake breakfast at Price Albert National Park, flag raising, birthday cake to feed the masses and boating under a beautiful firework-filled sky, all with the sweet sounds of jazz, blues and funk in the background. Stop by Diefenbaker Park, Dundonald Park, Lion’s Park or Martensville later in the evening to end your day with a bang!

4. Charlottetown, PE

Prince Edward Island’s capital will be filled with tons of family-friendly activities this weekend! Canadian culture will be more alive than ever as Charlottetown will be hosting artist performances, pop-up markets and stories of Canada’s history. Opening ceremonies in Victoria park kick off at 1 p.m., so make sure to save yourself a spot at the waterfront for the evening fireworks display!

5. Vancouver, BC

In honour of Canada’s 150, Vancouver is going big. Canadian Place festivities will go on for an extra day this weekend, including a pancake breakfast, followed by a parade and loads of activities around the city. From fireworks to lobster eating to boat parties and dancing on the street – if you’re close to Vancouver or live in the city, you don’t want to miss these events!

6. Halifax, NS

Canada Day will be like no other in Halifax this year! This city is hosting parades, fairs, free live music all over the city, a huge pancake breakfast on Saturday morning and Fuse Festival – a concert that will be showcasing and celebrating Canadian art and culture. Hosted at Halifax Common, Canada’s oldest urban park, the celebrations on July 1 will include performances from popular Canadian musicians and fireworks to end the evening.

7. Montreal, QC

The Old Port of Montreal will be buzzing with a full line-up of activities and events this Canada Day. From 11 a.m. – 10:30 p.m., the day will be packed with workshops, games, farmhouses, dancing, Canadian musicians and fireworks! Don’t miss the 21-canon salute at noon, and make sure to grab a slice of Canada’s birthday cake while you’re there!

8. Toronto, ON

Toronto will be hosting a city-wide celebration over the course of the entire weekend! Nathan Phillips Square, Mel Lastman Square, Humber Park West and the Scarborough Civic Centre will be celebrating with events and shows put on by Canadian artists. Bollywood beats, indie-folk, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, reggae, soul and jazz – you name it, Toronto will be dancing to it on July 1.

Wherever you end up this weekend, we hope your Canada Day is filled with fun, family and love! Make sure to wear sunscreen, drink water and take in the beauty of our wonderful country! HAPPY 150TH CANADA!