Events will be taking place across Vancouver Island this Sunday to mark Canada’s 151st birthday!
If you still don’t know where you want to go this Canada Day, here is a list of events around the Island.
Canada Day at Victoria’s Inner Harbour
Celebrations for Canada Day at Victoria’s Inner Harbour begin at noon on July 1. One of the big events of the day is the Coast Capital Savings Living Flag. Two thousand red and white T-shirts will be available courtesy of Coast Capital Savings for pick up starting at 12:30 p.m. or participants can bring their own red or white T-shirt to guarantee a spot. Participants are asked to assemble for the “Living Flag” photo between 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. on the B.C. legislature Lawns.
During the day there will also be a kids zone, an international food village and performances on the main stage. Celebrations finish after the fireworks over Victoria’s Inner Harbour at 10:20 p.m.
More information on the City of Victoria website.
Gorge Canada Day Picnic
The event kicks off at 8:30 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. along the Gorge Waterway between Tillicum and Admirals roads. There will be a pancake breakfast, family parade, the Show & Shine Car Show, entertainment, food trucks, canoe rides, kids’ inflatables and activities, street hockey, Strawberry Tea, the Canada Day Market and more.
For a full list of times and events, visit the Gorge Canada Day Picnic website.
Cake in Colwood
You can celebrate Canada Day with a piece of cake in Colwood. Canada Day’s biggest birthday cake will be served at the Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites (603 Fort Rodd Hill Rd. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cake and admission is free. There will also be live music, snacks at the concession and other activities.
Family Canada Day event at Waterwheel Park in Chemainus
There will be many activities from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Waterwheel Park (9799 Waterwheel Cres.). Admission is free and there are other free activities including tasty treats, a petting zoo, pony rides, a bouncy castle, games, live music and more.
Canada Day at the BC Forest Discovery Centre in Duncan
You can celebrate Canada Day at the BC Forest Discovery Centre at 2892 Drinkwater Road June 30, July 1 and July 2. Admission is $5 and the centre is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There are many activities to enjoy including steam train rides, crafts, a barbecue, tattoos and more. More information here.
Canada Day in Ladysmith
Enjoy Canada Day in Ladysmith from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Transfer Beach. There will be kids games and activities, live music, a giant cake and more. Visit the town’s website for more information.
Canada Day in Maffeo Sutton Park in Nanaimo
There will be many different events and live entertainment from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Maffeo Sutton Park. Family activities include face painting, crafts, games, bouncy castles, kayaking, balloon animals, magic, dance performances and more. A full list of events is available here.
Canada Day at Parksville Community Park
The day kicks off with the Shriner’s Pancake Breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Other events include:
- Parade (Pioneer Crescent to Parksville Community and Conference Centre) – 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Opening ceremonies – 12 p.m.
- Entertainment – 12:30 p.m. to dusk, featuring a variety of talent
- Thrifty Foods Fireworks Spectacular – 10:15 p.m.
Canada Day at the Royal Canadian Legion in Bowser
The event will feature a classic car show and a barbecue. It runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Canada Day in the Comox Valley
The all-day event takes place in Simms Millenium Park, Lewis Park and downtown Courtenay. There will be a parade, the Ducky 500 race, 5th Street Mile running event, a free swim, the Tea Dance, an open house at the museum, kids’ activities, Horseshoe Pitch, a variety show and more. For the times and locations of the events, visit the City of Courtenay website.
Canada Day in Campbell River
The event will have a full day of activities from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., ending with the Festival of Lights Display.
What to expect:
- Pancake breakfast
- Parade
- Barbecue
- Cake
- Pipe Band
- Helicopter rides
- Woodcarving
- Skateboard competition
- Quality Foods Kids Fest
- Live music and entertainment
- Fishing Derby
- Hockey Challenge
- Crafts
- Face painting
- Festival of Lights
For event times, visit the Campbell River Canada Day page.
Canada Day in Port Renfrew
There will be many activities in Port Renfrew in Canada Day, including a parade from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. There are prizes given out for the best float.
Here are some of the other activities taking place:
- Kids fishing derby at Pacific Gateway Marina (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
- All day scavenger hunt (starts at Beach Camp) with prizes (11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)
- Paper bag kite making (3 p.m. – 5 p.m.) – all supplies provided
- Hot dog barbecue (3 p.m. to 5 p.m.)
- “Beer Garden” at Beach Camp 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Fireworks at the Community Dock at 10 p.m.
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