Three ways this July 1 celebration in Vancouver is going to help you celebrate in style

Vancouver, mark your calendars. The 38th annual July 1 event, with this being the third year celebrating as Canada Together is happening at Canada Place, and between the live performances, delicious eats, and fun activities, it’s sure to be a day of celebration you don’t want to miss. 

The theme of this year’s Canada Together event is “weaving together the fabric of a nation”, which honours Canada’s diversity and sets an intention for the day to gather, celebrate, learn and share. As such, the event has been planned with representatives from the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tseil-Waututh Nations. 

We’re not saying Canada Together is better than what you’ve got planned, but once you see the lineup of activities, you might come to that decision on your own. Wink, wink. 

Fun for the whole family

Inside the ballrooms lies the Port Community Zone, an opportunity to learn about Canada’s largest port through feature displays, fun activities, a speaker series, and more, thanks to the sponsorship of several partners. Meanwhile, the CN-presented Kids’ Zone features family-friendly entertainers and activities like mascot dance-offs, Indigenous storytelling, and performances by School of Rock, Karima Essa, and more. You might be tempted to dance along!

If your soul is full of music, then you’ll definitely want to check out the Downtown Van Main Stage performers. This year’s headliner is Said the Whale, a Vancouver-based, Juno-award-winning indie band known best for hits such as I Love You and Camilo – The Magician. Other acts performing throughout the day include Fake Shark, The Free Label, and DJ O Show.

Foods and sips

Making a day of July 1st? You’re going to get hungry. In fact, we hope you get hungry, because the food and drinks at Canada Together are nothing short of delectable. Over 20 different food trucks will set up along Canada Place between Burrard and Thurlow, offering a wide array of the tastes of the country and beyond. 

If you’re craving a cold one, head to the Summer Sips beer & wine garden on the North Point of Canada Place. This patio area offers a beautiful view of the North Shore mountains and Burrard Inlet, alongside crisp beverages, a delicious barbeque, and a live DJ. It’s also child-friendly, so there’s no need to worry about bringing the kiddos along with you.

What it means to be Canadian 

It wouldn’t be a July 1st celebration without honouring what it means to be Canadian. At 9:30 AM., Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada will host a citizenship ceremony where 40 new Canadians will be welcomed into the country’s multicultural family. 

Throughout the day, there will also be a variety of Indigenous displays, where guests can learn about the host Nations by speaking with traditional weavers and carvers. There will also be colouring activities that will teach some hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim words.

The Canada Together event is a fantastic opportunity for guests to connect with the community, create memorable experiences, and celebrate Canada’s diversity and shared values. With a fun-filled day that spans five city blocks to host thousands of people, it’s the largest July 1st celebration in the country outside of Ottawa. Gather your family and friends, and be sure you don’t miss out on this epic event! Visit Canada Place online or on Instagram for more information.

CANADA TOGETHER

When:  Monday, July 1st, 2024
Where: Canada Place – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Time: 11 AM – 6 PM, with the Citizenship Ceremony at 9:30 AM