Happy Birthday, Canada!
150 years ago the Province of Canada (aka Quebec and Ontario) joined up with Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to become the Dominion of Canada. On July 1, 2017 celebrations of Canada’s sesquicentennial will take place all across the country.
Officials have been planning for this anniversary celebration since 2010 and the federal government will be spending about a half billion dollars on these events — so it is sure to be the party of the century (and a half). The epicenter of the festivities will be in Ottawa, but the events will be happening all across our True North Strong and Free.
This is the perfect time to plan a trip to some of the best places to visit in Canada, while joining in on some of these celebrations. So, what are your plans for Canada’s birthday?
No matter where you go from the West Coast, to the Prairies, to Quebec, to the Maritimes, the celebrations will be huge this year. Here are some of the highlights across the country.
St. John’s, Newfoundland
Newfoundlanders are the first ones to celebrate Canada’s birthday, as they are located on one of the Easternmost points of land on the continent. They will greet the new day with a sunrise ceremony on Signal Hill, the stunning lookout point above the harbor.
After sunrise, breakfast will be served at the Visitor Centre — then you have a chance to take a nap before the live music and activities start at King George V Park at 2:00 p.m. The night ends with fireworks by Quidi Vidi Lake.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax will be celebrating this year with a huge concert, featuring DeadMau5, Matt Mays and many more. The event will also feature the FUSE Festival, hosted by Emera Oval, during which 175 artists from around the world will showcase their artwork.
You will also be able to enjoy free entry to the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.
With a lively nightlife, hip atmosphere and some gorgeous views there are plenty of things to do in Vancouver for everyone's tastes and preferences.
Ottawa, Ontario
Pyrotechnic masters have been working hard to prepare the biggest, brightest and loudest fireworks spectacle Canada has ever seen. Thousands of people will be watching from the Alexandra Bridge, which connects Quebec and Ontario.
Also, you’ll be able to check out the new Canadian History Hall opening at the Canadian Museum of History. This will be the biggest 150th birthday celebration anywhere in Canada and there are even rumors that the Queen might show up.
Toronto, Ontario
The theme of Toronto’s festivities is “TO Canada With Love” and the events include cultural programs, concerts and large-scale artworks. There will be a four day festival from June 30 to July 3 in Nathan Phillips Square and the lineup includes Ron Sexsmith, Barenaked Ladies, Buffy Sainte-Marie, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and more.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
On the morning of Canada Day, the festivities will begin when thousands of people will come together to create a living Maple leaf flag which will be photographed from above. If you want to take part, just show up wearing red!
Then, head to the Forks for the free live entertainment along the river including the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Indigenous Storytelling, many other live bands and a stunning fireworks show.
Where is Game of Thrones filmed? Much of the popular TV show was shot in Northern Ireland. Read on to learn how you can take a tour of these iconic sites!
Edmonton, Alberta
Edmonton will be hosting 16 hours of free events at the Alberta Legislature Grounds and City Hall. Canadian singer/songwriter Sarah McLachlan will be headlining a concert at Rogers Place and there will also be family events and an Indigenous showcase.
The day will be capped off at 11:oo p.m. with a firework show on the High Level Bridge.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver will be hosting an 11 day long First Nations Festival with events that showcase the rich history and traditions of Canada’s first people.
The diverse celebrations will also include events featuring other ethnic communities as well as a full day music concert, a citizenship ceremony where you can watch newcomers become Canadian and a massive fireworks display from two barges in the inlet.
The planet is a big, beautiful place but you can't go everywhere. Add these 15 places to your travel bucket list and start trip planning!
National Parks Pass
If those celebrations weren’t enough, there is also something else to be excited about during Canada’s birthday year. Admission to the 47 gorgeous national parks, reserves and historic sites is completely free throughout the entire year. The 2017 Parks Canada Discovery Pass will cost you exactly $0.
This means you can visit some of the most jaw-dropping and beautiful spots in Canada this year for free, such as Banff National Park in Alberta, Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve in British Columbia, Pukaskwa National Park in Ontario, Fort Anne National Historic Site in Nova Scotia, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve in British Columbia and many more.
Pack your hiking shoes and your camera — these places will astound you with their natural beauty.
So, how will you celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday?