Originally known as Dominion Day, Canadians celebrate Canada Day on July 1, commemorating the creation of Canada, when its initial four provinces of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia were united into a single Dominion within the British Empire called Canada, established by the “British North American Act” on July 1, 1867. The Act formally joined the colonies, creating the semi-independent Dominion of Canada, a self-governing dominion of Great Britain. In 1982 Canada became fully independent; and since 1983, July 1 has been known as Canada Day.
Here are some of the fun celebrations in British Columbia you may want to attend when visiting these boating destinations:
Campbell River – Celebrations take place at Robert Ostler Park along the waterfront (922 Island Hwy); shop the “Market Place” food and craft vendors from 11 am to Dusk, followed by the Festival of Lights fireworks. The Campbell River Rotary Parade starts at 4 pm from 13th and Dogwood Steet and heads to Robert Ostler Park.
Powell River – Hosted by Powell River Parks Recreation and Culture, celebrations at Willingdon Beach Park include live music and various activities from 3 pm to 10:30 pm, followed by the finale of fireworks.
Nanaimo – Gather with others at Maffeo Sutton Park along the waterfront for live music, family games in the Kid Zone, HMCS Nanaimo ship tours; grab some eats from the food trucks in the Food Zone, and enjoy performances by cultural community dance groups 11 am to 3:30 pm.
Saturna Island Lamb BBQ – a popular event among boaters; anchor out in Winter Cove to attend the Lamb BBQ on shore. Dinghy dock available or use the skiff shuttle service to shore during the event. Tickets go on sale at 9am at the gate. The BBQ event runs from 10am to 4:30pm; the Lamb Meal, with all the fixings, is served between 2pm and 3pm in the order of your ticket number. Scheduled entertainment and a beer/wine garden create a festive atmosphere. Lamb is staked around an open fire pit, slowly roasted for many hours beginning at 4am. For more information see saturnalambbarbeque.ca.
Steveston – The Steveston Salmon Festival on Canada Day includes a number of festival zones spread across the village. Enjoy a lineup of live music and performances, including a Japanese Culture Show. The parade with dazzling floats begins at 10 am from Garry Point Park. Various food vendors, including the savory barbecued salmon. For more information, see the festival website at stevestonsalmonfest.ca.
Sidney – Celebrations kick off with Sidney Days on June 30 at Beacon Park with live music at 7:30 pm. Fireworks start at 10:15 pm along Sidney’s waterfront that same evening. Sidney’s Canada Day Parade on Beacon Ave. begins at 11:30 am on July 1, followed by the Family Fun Fair, Noon to 4 pm, at Iroquois Park.
Surrey (accessible by fast Transit from Vancouver) – Celebrations are held at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre (17728 64 Ave.) from 10 am to 10:30 pm featuring live music, along with various family-friendly activities, an Indigenous Village, and a fireworks finale. Carnival rides, food trucks, and a beer garden too.
Vancouver. The city celebrates Canada Day with a host of activities, featuring live entertainment and zones for all ages at various locations, including Canada Place, Jack Poole Plaza, and surrounding city streets from 11am to 6pm. Granville Island will host events in the new Chain & Forge event space, and The Shipyards in North Vancouver will also host Canada Day celebrations from 11am to 5pm, with free events and family-friendly activities. West Vancouver holds celebrations at John Lawson Park from 4pm to 9pm.
Victoria – Presented by the City of Victoria, Canada Day celebrations take place in the Inner Harbour on the Legislative Precinct lawn. Come enjoy a full day of musical performances, cultural programming, and family activities. Beautiful fireworks light up the night sky around 10:30 pm.
White Rock – “Canada Day by the Bay” takes place from Noon until 10:30 pm along the waterfront at Memorial Park and West Beach. Walk the promenade to shop creations by local artisans, operating until 5pm. Live music and entertainment on the Mainstage in Memorial Park and a Kid Zone at West Beach. The Fireworks start at 10:15 pm.
Visiting Butchart Gardens is another viable option for boaters. Spectacular creative ground-level fireworks are held every Saturday evening starting June 28 through August 30. Each show features original aerial and ground displays choreographed to music. Attendance is included with your admission ticket. You can also take in live performances Wednesday thru Sunday, showcasing a variety of talented performers.
Photos: Community Event Sponsors
