HAMILTON’S HISTORIC WEEKEND: Everything you need to know to enjoy Canada Day celebrations in the city.
Stretch your long weekend as far as you can. Start with the majestic tall ships sailing in on Friday, and the Hamilton Community Foundation’s Place to Belong day of free cultural and recreational events and open doors on Sunday, then Waterdown’s Ribfest, which continues to Monday. We’re here to give you lots of ideas to pack into your days.
Hamilton Waterfront
Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta — Pier 8, Discovery Drive. Friday, June 30: Tall Ships Parade of Sail around Hamilton Harbour beginning at 2 p.m., with all ships docking at Pier 8 at 4 p.m.; Live music performances on the Waterfront Stage from 6 to 10 p.m. Recommended vantage points to watch the parade on the water are: Pier 8, Bayfront and Pier 4 parks, the High Level Bridge, Burlington Canal and Fisherman’s Pier, Eastport Drive, LaSalle and Bayshore parks. Remember that the lift bridge will be up from 2 to 3 p.m. to enable the ships to enter the harbour. Saturday, July 1: Free deck tours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (first come, first served); free family-friendly and nautical-themed activities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and live music performances on the Waterfront Stage from 6 to 10 p.m. For more detailed information about the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta in Hamilton, visit www.Hamilton.ca/TallShips. Celebrate Canada 150 Day — Bayfront and Pier 4 Parks Family-friendly programming from 3 to 9 p.m.; RBC Stage at Bayfront Park; opening ceremony 3 p.m. and live music between 5 and 10 p.m.; family zone with colouring mural, puppeteer performances and more. The fireworks finale is at 10 p.m., set to an orchestral arrangement performed live by maestro Boris Brott and the National Academy Orchestra of Canada. Get there — HSR shuttle bus is free from downtown to Bayfront, Piers 4 and 8 on Friday and Saturday; free secure bike parking at Pier 8 and Bayfront Park; DARTS drop-off zones at Williams Café; limited free parking at Bayfront and Pier 8 parks.
Lancaster
Keep your eye in the sky Friday and Saturday for several flypasts by the Lancaster over the Tall Ships Regatta.
Place to Belong
Fifty cultural, conservation and recreation sites across Hamilton will be open and free on Sunday, July 2, thanks to the Hamilton Community Foundation. A Place to Belong is a Canada 150 event celebrating belonging and inclusion. Visit something familiar or sample somewhere you’ve never been. Participating venues range from the RGB, public pools, Westfield Heritage Village and Tiffany Falls to the Workers’ Arts and Heritage Centre, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum and more.
Sentimental Journey
One of the most iconic bombers of the Second World War, the B-17G “Sentimental Journey,” will be on display at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum daily until Sunday. It is one of only 10 airworthy in the world. Tours inside the B-17 are from 2 to 5 p.m., fees are $14 per person or $28 for a family of four in addition to the museum admission. You can also book rides in the aircraft at a cost of $425 US or $850 US in the nose cone by calling 778-668-0417 and press 2 to be connected to the B-17 Ride Team; or online at azcaf.org and see legends tour.
Burlington
City celebrations are Saturday at Spencer Smith Park from noon to 10 p.m. They have packed the day full of entertainment and family friendly activities such as a 5K and fun run, yoga, dog performances and more. Burlington Teen Tour Band kicks it all off at the main stage at 1 p.m., and the grand finale fireworks are set to start at 10 p.m. There will be a shuttle service making stops at Haber Recreation Centre, Mainway Recreation Centre and Burlington GO Station to the downtown bus terminal from noon to 11 p.m. Events hotline is 905-335-7766.
It’s Your Festival
Cape Breton fiddle sensation Ashley MacIsaac, country-rock quartet The Sadies and indie-rock crooner David Usher will be the headline acts as the It’s Your Festival celebrates Canada’s 150th birthday Friday through to Sunday at Gage Park. As well as the live entertainment, the weekend will feature a Canadian citizenship ceremony, parade of cultures, talent search, spelling bee, bingo games, song contest, beer garden, international food court, art contest, birthday cake and more. For children, there will also be a midway, water games, bubble soccer and pony rides. The festival runs noon to 11 p.m. daily. itsyourfestival.ca
Sticky fingers
Oh, Canada! Ribfest is sure to hit the spot this weekend. The Rotary Club of Flamborough AM and Rotary Club of Waterdown present the seventh annual Oh Canada! Ribfest on Friday from 3 to 11:30 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Monday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., at Memorial Park on Hamilton Street in Waterdown. The festival is about more than meat. It also has great entertainment on two stages, from dance groups, musicians, singers and more. For a complete lineup, go to ohcanadaribfest.ca
Tattoo
The annual Canada Day Military Tattoo is Saturday starting at 5 p.m. Enjoy the Regimental Band of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry Band and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Pipes and Drums as they perform in front of Dundurn Castle. Catch a glimpse of the redcoated defenders of Canada West at Ridgeway during the Fenian Raid of 1866, as the 13th Battalion Ceremonial Guard takes the field. The park is located at 610 York Blvd.
Hot Jazz
The Brott Music Festival presents Hot Jazz on the Water featuring Dominic Mancuso Group on Friday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Bay City Music Hall, 50 Leander Dr. Tickets are $15 to $29.
Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology wants to offer you a ride on a miniature coal-burning steam-powered train. Golden Horseshoe Live Steamer Days is Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 900 Woodward Ave. Free event and museum admission. Wear red and white to fun swims at Mountainside and LaSalle pools on Saturday and you will pay only $1.50 for admission. If you also show staff a photo of a Canadian flag in your window, you can swim for free. Family-friendly games and activities will also be featured during the Canada Day swims. Mountainside Pool from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and LaSalle Pool from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The restored Freeman Station, Burlington’s railway junction from 1854-1988, will open with a Canada Day ceremony at 11 a.m., July 1. There will be refreshments and tours from noon to 3 p.m. The station is at 1285 Fairview St. in Burlington. Celebrate Canada Day at Wild Waterworks with flags, pins, stickers. Service persons receive free entry and those wearing red and white will receive $3 off admission at the gate not applicable with sundown rates. Join in the fun with Canada-themed games and contests on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. https://wild-waterworks.com/ Westfield Heritage Village celebrates Canada on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Experience history as Westfield celebrates early Canada. Regular admission applies. Visit the gardens and forests, stroll on the boardwalk or take a hike on the trails; 1049 Kirkwall Rd., off Highway 8 in Rockton. conservationhamilton.ca Give yourself to the great outdoors during Family Fishing Week. It all begins July 1 and goes to July 9. Canadian residents can fish in Ontario without a fishing licence. For more information, call Valens Lake at 905-525-2183, Fifty Point at 905-525-2187 or Christie Lake at 905-628-3060 or ontariofamilyfishing.com
Valens fireworks
Valens Lake fireworks begin after sunset. Celebrate Canada Day in the great outdoors on Saturday. The park is open for your family picnic, hiking, canoeing, swimming, or event an overnight camping trip close to home. Late admission (after 6 p.m.) will be just $15 per car.
Lynden celebrates
They celebrate hard in the village of Lynden with the parade at 11 a.m. through to fireworks at dusk. You will find activities and fun at Lions Park, 4070 Governor’s Rd., Ancaster, through the day.
Famee Furlane
Free Canada Day celebration at Famee Furlane, 3457 Hendershot Rd., from noon to 11:30 p.m. Bouncy Castle, slide, dog shows, yoga class, dancers, vendors, beer garden and more. This free event has fireworks scheduled for 9:30 p.m.
Welcome aboard
The HMCS Haida is open Thursday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 658 Catharine St. N. Admission is free in celebration of Canada 150. Last admission at 4:15. Call 526-6742. Go to hmcshaida.com
AGH
The Art Gallery of Hamilton is open this weekend. Saturday, 12 to 5 p.m., with family workshops featuring hands-on studio fun from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $5 per family. Sunday, 12 to 5 p.m., is free admission. And a rare Monday opening, 12 to 5 p.m., featuring family workshops featuring hands-on studio fun from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. for only $5 per family; and a free Family Performance Series at 3:30 p.m. featuring The Lone Rhubarbarian with special guests Michael Rode, Amber Mills and Caitlin Fralick from the Hamilton Choir Project. 905-527-6610.
Safe to swim?
Pier 4 beach is closed temporarily due to high water levels. Bayfront Park beach is closed for the season. All other Hamilton area beaches remain open after recent testing. In Halton, the following beaches are closed because of the high water levels — Beachway Park, Brant Street Beach, and Coronation Park east and west. Bronte Beach Park and Kelso Conservation Area are open for swimmers after recent testing. Prospect Park Old Beach in Acton remains closed. For more information, call 905-546-2189 for Hamilton and 1-866-442-5866 for Halton. Go to: hamilton.ca/beaches or halton.ca/beaches.
Outdoor concert
The Music at Fieldcote Series begins Sunday, 7 p.m., with music and stories that treasure Canadian culture and community. The outdoor concert will feature Canadian jazz stalwarts, bassist Paul Novotny and pianist Robi Botos together with jazz-soul vocalist Michael Dunston. Free admission, but bring a lawn chair or blanket. In case of rain, the concert will be held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 31 Sulphur Springs Rd.
More fireworks
At the Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park in Oakville, the Milton Fairgrounds, Prospect Park in Acton, and in Caledonia off of Kinsmen Park.
More Canada Day info
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 163, 435 Limeridge Rd. E., barbecue and entertainment by Ken Musson. Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m.
Note there are no Canada Day celebrations this year at Webster’s Falls. The annual concert was cancelled by the organizers.
What’s open, what’s closed
Most retailers, including grocery stores, banks, beer and liquor stores, will be closed Saturday. All Hamilton and Burlington municipal offices and museums, are closed on Monday. For Hamilton emergencies involving roads, water mains, sewer systems, public health and safety issues, call 905-546-2489. Hamilton libraries are closed Saturday and open on Monday. Hamilton’s senior centres and clubs, recreation centres and arenas are closed Saturday and open on Monday. City of Hamilton outdoor pools are open Saturday but indoor-pool programming is closed. Burlington pools, arenas and community centres on their own schedules, see your local facility for detailed programming. The Hamilton Farmers’ Market is Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Monday. Hamilton garbage collection will occur on the day of your regularly set day, no changes are in effect. Halton collection is closed Monday, waste collection is delayed by one day. HSR will operate on a holiday schedule on Saturday and Monday. Burlington Transit will run regular schedules each day but administration offices will be closed Monday. DARTS is on weekend service hours on Saturday and holiday service hours on Monday.