LET’S PARTY, CANADA STYLE!
You’ve stocked up on red-and-white flags, filled the cooler with Canadian beer and made the decision to avoid ferry and border lineups by staying at home. Now all you need to do is find somewhere to celebrate Canada’s 149th birthday. Tiffany Crawford look
CANADA PLACE
This is one of the largest Canada Day celebrations outside Ottawa, and it’s free. Arrive early for the daytime festival, which begins at 10 a.m. If you still have the energy, stick around for the evening parade through downtown Vancouver and the fireworks. The parade begins at 7 p.m., and the fireworks show starts at 10:30 p.m. The concert will include Aaron Pritchett, Sheena Easton, Barney Bentall, Mo Kenney, Twin Kennedy and more.
CELEBRATE IN SURREY
Another fete sure to draw large crowds is the free Canada Day celebration in Surrey at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. This party is great for families with children. There are amusement rides, the Kids World zone, and red-and-white cupcakes. Tom Cochrane will rock the crowd.
CANADA DAY PICNIC
If you’re looking to show off your patriotic ensemble, why not take part in a Canada Day picnic? Dress up in national colours and pack a picnic and head to West Vancouver’s John Lawson Park. If you don’t feel like preparing food, no problem: There are food vendors and entertainment.
STEVESTON SALMON FESTIVAL
If you are looking for something typically Canadian to feast on, salmon is the way to go. Richmond’s Steveston neighbourhood is holding its annual Salmon Festival and Canada Day celebrations. Events include the salmon barbecue, where 1,200 pounds of wild salmon is grilled over open fire pits. Other attractions include a Japanese cultural show, martial arts demonstrations, a food fair, music and a car show.
BOAT PARTY
Crowds of families and kids are not your thing? There are plenty of Canada Day parties in the evening, including the Ultimate Canada Day & Night Boat Party, leaving from the Plaza of Nations in Vancouver. Twenty-four DJs and artists are lined up for the event. Tickets are available at fullhouseevents.ca.