What to do and where to do it
If all goes as planned, Saturday’s Canada Day parade in Montreal will be a special one.
The parade is to begin at SteCatherine and Fort Sts. at 11 a.m., marking not just an annual tradition, but also the start of a day of celebrations tied to Canada’s 150th birthday and Montreal’s 375th anniversary.
The parade proceeds eastward along Ste-Catherine until Peel St., then turns south toward RenéLevesque Blvd. and concludes between 1:30 and 2 p.m. at Place du Canada. Festivities there include a giant cake, inflatable toys and activities for kids.
Other Canada Day events were scheduled in and around Montreal. However, some events have been postponed or cancelled due to weather. Environment Canada is forecasting rain showers and thunderstorms beginning Saturday afternoon. The rain is expected to continue into the evening, so best to check before you head out:
2,000 portions of another Canada Day cake will be served in the Old Port. If that sounds like a lot of calories, know that 20-minute dance sessions are scheduled between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
The jazz fest’s Discothèque concert starts at 9:30 p.m. at the Place des Festivals. The show will pay tribute to Canadian dance music and feature stars such as Carly Rae Jepsen and Radio Radio.
The fireworks display at La Ronde begins at 10 p.m. and lasts about 30 minutes. The kickoff of the International des Feux LotoQuébec can be viewed from the Old Port, Jacques-Cartier Bridge, Notre-Dame St. as well as rooftops, windows and balconies.
Cirque Éloize stages a free performance in N.D.G.’s Kent Park in conjunction with Montreal 375.
Montreal West is staging a parade along Westminster Ave. at 4 p.m., followed by festivities and fireworks at 10 p.m. in Hodgson Field.
Hudson’s St. Thomas Field hosts games all afternoon, a series of concert performances in the early evening and fireworks at 10 p.m.
Longueuil starts the day with a parade at 11:45 a.m. beginning at Parc René-Veillet. That will be followed by a concert and “family animation.” There will be fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
On the off-chance you find yourself homesick in New York City, Mile End Delicatessen in Brooklyn and Manhattan will be serving a special poutine to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday. (If you find yourself homesick elsewhere in America, there’s always the Tim Hortons poutine doughnut.)
CANCELLED OR POSTPONED EVENTS
A planned military parade from the Old Port to City Hall has been called off for meteorological reasons. Other outdoor events with military involvement, such as the raising of the Canadian flag and the playing of the national anthem will continue, said Captain Pierre Leblanc, the public affairs officer of the 34 Canadian Brigade Group.
Pointe-Claire’s planned activities at Alexandre-Bourgeau Park and Stewart Park (including with zip lines, inflatable games and an obstacle course) have been postponed to July 2, and the parade in Pointe-Claire village has been cancelled.
The city of Côte-St-Luc is also postponing their festivities until July 2. Residents will then be able to enjoy the opening of the city’s Shalom Bloom sculpture garden, the induction of retired Lieutenant-General Roméo Dallaire onto the Human Rights Walkway and a firework and laser show in the evening. Environment Canada is predicting a mix of sun and clouds on Sunday, albeit with a 60 per cent chance of rain.