13 things to do in Calgary this Canada Day: July 1

Jun 30 2018, 1:20 am

How is it already Canada Day?

Summer may have officially started on June 21, but there’s no more telling sign that it’s BBQ, beach, and hiking season than partaking in Canada Day celebrations.

We’ve put together a few of our favourite events that you can check out today to show off your patriotism loud and proud!

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Shakespeare by the Bow

What: Your favourite outdoor theatre is back for yet another summer of dramatic and comedic performances. This summer watch as they perform a light-hearted take on the tumultuous friendship between Proteus and Valentine in Shakespeare’s ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona.”

When: June 29 to August 19

Time: Tuesday to Saturday, 7 pm; Sunday, 2 pm and 7 pm

Where: Prince’s Island Park

Admission: Pay what you can

Hang out on one of Calgary’s best patios

July 1

Drinks with straws/Shutterstock

What: Take a break from the heat and have an ice-cold bevy on one of Calgary’s best patios. From rooftops to hidden gardens, there are plenty of spots to choose from that will have the vibe and ambiance you’re looking for. Check out some of Calgary’s best rooftop patios here!

Bike the Banff Legacy Trail

What: Take your bike out for a cruise and enjoy all the breathtaking scenery that this 22.3 km trail has to offer! The trail links the Town of Banff and Canmore through an additional 4.5 km of pathway outside of Banff National Park boundaries, from the Banff Park East Gate to the Travel Alberta Visitor Information Centre.

Where: Banff Park East Gate to the Bow Valley Parkway

Red Rock Diner

What: Head back to the 1950s for a musical performance about coming of age in the rock n’ roll era! The energy is guaranteed to be contagious and the music will bring back a nostalgic toe-tapping sensation that will have you singing along all night.

When: June 29 to August 30

Time: Varies by performance

Where: Stage West Theatre Restaurant – 727 42nd Avenue SE

Tickets: Online, $75+

Go on a road trip

What: Head out for a day trip and explore one of the many amazing spots that surround Calgary! Our city is positioned perfectly between the badlands, prairies, foothills, and the Rockies, which leaves a ton of options for a quick day trip that is no more than a two-hour drive away. Check out some ideal spots here!

East Village Junction Pop-Up Retail Park 

What: In only one year, this colourful container lot has turned into a popular Calgary mainstay. Located behind the King Edward Hotel, this is a unique destination that features local retail shops, workshops, music, art, and, of course, YYC Food Trucks. You won’t want to miss out on the fun summer festivities that they have planned at this hip community gathering space this summer.

When: May 18 to September 3

Where: 430 8th Avenue SE

Admission: FREE

Bow River Paddling Race

What: Looking for a little healthy competition this Canada Day? Join Fort Calgary for their annual race on the Bow!

When: Sunday, July 1

Time: 10 am

Where: Fort Calgary – 750 9 Avenue SW

Admission: Online, Price varies for participants, but free for spectators

Canada Day at Heritage Park

July 1

Heritage Park Historical Village (Bernard Spragg. NZ/Flickr)

What: Head back in time when July 1 was better known as ‘Dominion Day.’ Cheer on the antique vehicles, wagons, townsfolk, and more in the parade down Main Street and then grab a seat at the rodeo grounds for the Fast Dash. All day long the park will be busy with crafts, games, live music, a mouth-watering BBQ, and so many more family-friendly activities.

When: Sunday, July 1

Time: 10 am to 5 pm

Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW

Admission: Regular admission to the park

Canada Day at Eau Claire

What: Come out to enjoy all the family friends festivities, including FREE ice cream, live entertainment, an artisan market, crafts, and a petting zoo, to name only a few. Get ready to celebrate Canada’s birthday in style!

When: Sunday, July 1

Time: 11 am to 9 pm

Where: Eau Claire Market – 200 Barclay Parade

Admission: FREE

Sunday brunch

What: Enjoy your benny surrounded by history at the Officers Mess at Fort Calgary, just as they did back in the day. Brunch includes complimentary access to the museum, so you can make a whole day of it!

When: Every Sunday

Time:  10 am to 1 pm

Where: Fort Calgary – 750 9th Avenue SW

Tickets: Phone 403-290-1875 for reservations, $30 per person

Mountain Top Yoga

What: Join a Lululemon ambassador for a one-hour Ashtanga yoga session at the top of the new Banff Gondola Summit. Talk about yoga with a view!

When: every Sunday until September 2

Time: 9 to 10 am

Where: Citizenship Pavilion, level 4 of the new Banff Gondola summit

Cost: $62 (Gondola Admission)

Canada Day Block Party

July 1

Calgary fireworks/Shutterstock

What: There is no better way to celebrate our country’s birthday than with a huge outdoor block party! Join MarketSpot YYC and the BassBus for this all ages event featuring live music, beer gardens, kids activities, food trucks, and a makers’ market. Don’t miss the fireworks!

When: Sunday, July 1

Time: 2 to 11 pm

Where: Max Bell Centre – 1001 Barlow Trail SE

Admission: FREE

Hang out with the pandas

What: The long wait is finally over! The Calgary Zoo has officially welcomed four pandas, two adults and two cubs, into their newly built habitat, The Panda Passage. These furry black and white friends are charming and have a ton to teach us in the five years that they will be with us before returning to China.

Where: The Calgary Zoo — 210 St. Georges Drive NE

Admission: Regular admission to the zoo

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