With the long weekend rapidly approaching, you’re probably looking ahead to make plans for next week sooner rather than later. The good news is that there are plenty of options by way of food trucks, family-friendly activities, and even firework shows to take advantage of in the area. Let’s get into it, here’s our roundup of 10 amazing things to do on Canada Day 2022 in and around Vancouver.
Canada Together
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Vancouver’s Fraser Port Authority presents the return of a classic Canada Day celebration this year – Canada Together at the Port of Vancouver. Historically, this event is the largest Canada Day celebration outside of Ottawa, so you know what that means. Tons of great food, family fun, and a slew of upbeat live performances.
This year, the event has been planned collaboratively with representatives from the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations to include added cultural programming that honours Canada’s pre-colonial Indigenous history. The theme is “weaving together the fabric of a nation,” which the organizers aim to translate into a meaningful, inclusive day of festivities for all.
Where: The outdoor spaces at Canada Place, Jack Poole Plaza, Harbour Green Park, and surrounding city streets.
Abbotsford Canada Day Parade
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Start your Canada Day off with a classic community parade in Abbotsford, followed by day-long festivities and community showcases at Abbotsford Exhibition Park. Expect live entertainment, interactive play zones, international food trucks, and yes, some evening fireworks.
Where: Parade along Abbotsford’s main street, festivities at 32470 Haida Drive, Abbotsford Exhibition Park
StreetFest on Central
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Luckily for foodies, the City of Burnaby is hosting a new StreetFest on Central event for this year’s Canada Day starting at 7 pm. What can visitors expect? Well, a bunch of children’s activities, food trucks and a beer garden, and some top-notch entertainment, for starters. Plus, you’ll be able to see some fireworks at 10:15 pm.
Want to mix things up a bit? Take a detour to the Burnaby Village Museum for unique Canada Day programming, including multi-cultural musicians (and Shari Ulrich headlining), historical re-enactments and demonstrations, and even special Canada Day cupcakes.
Where: 6100 Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby Civic Square
Shipyards Live
Photo via Shipyards Live
Shipyards Live has already been bringing the summer heat and treats for weeks now, but they’re gearing up for a massive Canada Day celebration. What can folks expect this year? Well, a happy hour patio and beer garden (thanks to Stanley Park Brewing). There will also be a face painting station and all-ages splash park for the kids, and live music on the Stage at Shipbuilders Square as well as on Cates Deck from noon until 10 pm. Performers include The Shenanigans, Fully Loaded, 5 Star Motel, and much more.
Where: 125 Victory Ship Way, The Shipyards
TD’s International Jazz Festival
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From Frankie’s Jazz Club to Guilt & Co., the International Jazz Festival in Vancouver has a ton of iconic performances throughout the city slated for July 1st. Take a look at their schedule and carve out some time to enjoy some of the best jazz in the city and beyond.
Where: Various
Bard on the Beach
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If you’d rather go see an exciting theatrical show as opposed to taking part in more traditional Canada Day festivities – we have the one for you. Bard on the Beach is back on, and you can see a showing of Harlem Duet on July 1st for $79 for GA, or $39.50 for folks aged 6 to 22 years old.
Where: 1695 Whyte Avenue
Victoria Canada Day
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Victoria is going all out for Canada Day this year. Visitors can expect delicious street market eats, live music and entertainment, and an evening firework display scheduled for 10:20 pm over the Inner Harbour. Talk about a picture-perfect moment!
Where: 812 Wharf Street, Victoria
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Coquitlam Canada Day
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The City of Coquitlam has adapted their Canada Day event to provide a range of diverse community performances and multi-cultural programming that are sensitive to the mixed perspectives of the holiday. This year’s event will include a variety of inclusive, family-friendly fun – including a face painting station, performances on The Meadow Stage, and fireworks at 10 pm at the Town Centre Park.
Where: 1299 Pinetree Street, Town Centre Park, Coquitlam
Surrey Canada Day
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After a two-year-long hiatus, Surrey Canada Day is back and bigger than ever for this year’s festivities. The celebration will take place at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre from 10 am to 10:30 pm – and will feature a variety of live performances, sporting activities, and market eats.
Where: 17728 64 Ave, Surrey, Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre
Rosie’s BBQ & Smokehouse Tailgate
Photo via Rosie’s BBQ & Smokehouse
Texas BBQ lovers take note! Rosie’s will be setting up shop outside the Nat again for the long weekend Vancouver Canadians games against Spokane. Naturally, attendees will include Hank – their 19′ smoker. This year, they will also be joined by Jillian Brooks of Métis Bannock Queen, who will be cooking up her generations-old bannock recipe.
They’ll be open from 11:30 am to 6 pm on Friday and Saturday, and from noon to 7 pm on Sunday. Menus are available on their website, and Canada Day pre-orders are available now!
Where: 4601 Ontario Street, The Nat
Well, that’s the list folks! Have a great long weekend.
