11 ways to celebrate Canada Day that you don't know about

Canada Day is almost here and chances are you’re still trying to decide how you want to celebrate.

Sure, you can see the usual firework displays on Saturday, July 1 – but maybe you can add some extra things on to shake it up a little. The good news is that with a ton of cool events taking place for Canada’s 150th birthday, this year’s offerings will be bigger and better than ever before.

To help you streamline your selection process, we’ve put together a list of 11 cool Canada Day events that you can attend next month. Awesome, eh?

YVR Food Fest Canada Day Cookout

This brand new event is taking place in Olympic Village and features a massive musical lineup with bands and DJs. There’s also an outdoor barbecue, craft beers and more happening at the YVR Food Fest for Canada Day celebrations on Saturday, July 1.

When: July 1, noon to 8 pm
Where: Olympic Village (215 West 1st Avenue)
Price: $10 – $59 available through Eventbrite

Grandview Park Canada 150 celebrations

Experience Canada Day on Commercial Drive this year at the Canada 150 celebrations hosted at Grandview Park. You can expect to see live aboriginal performances, live bands, and a giant slide. Make sure to get a snap at the photo booth at the Commercial Drive Business Society’s stand for the fun of it.

When: July 1, 12:30 – 3 pm
Where: Grandview Park, Commerical Drive
Price: Free

Canada Day Boat Cruise

LCU nightlife is hosting this exclusive boat party event in celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday on July 1. You’ll set sail early in the day at 3 pm and head out on Vancouver’s waters for four hours of partying to the sounds of multiple live DJs.

When: July 1, board at 2pm
Where: Plaza of Nations – 750 Pacific Boulevard
Price: $35

Our Home and Native Bloom floral display

Get tons of cool Instagram snaps in Richmond this Canada Day at the free ‘Our Home and Native Bloom’ floral installation. More than 4,500 native flowers will be featured in the unique plant display in celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday. It’s free and super pretty.

When: June 7 – July 8
Where: Richmond City Hall – 6911 Road No. 3, Richmond
Price: Free

Good Company Canada Day Block Party

If you’re looking to do something totally new this Canada Day then hit up this brand new block party in the historic venue of the Waldorf Hotel. The day will feature an outdoor stage, $2 barbecue, and even a tiki room and cabaret inside the hotel. A ton of cool bands and DJs will be making noise until 3 am so this is one party that you won’t want to miss.

When: July 1, 12 – 11 pm, DJs 8 pm – 2 am
Where: The Waldorf Hotel – 1489 E Hastings Street
Price: $15 early bird/$20 advance – available through MyShowPass

Have brunch at ‘Dinner in the Sky’

It’s not listed as an official Canada Day event but there’s nothing stopping you from doing something unconventional and having elevated brunch at Vancouver’s ‘Dinner in the Sky’ on July 1. You’ll be lifted up more than 150 feet high by a 200 foot crane so you’ll experience the most extravagant views of the city as your food is prepared by chefs.

When: July 1 – 31
Where: Esplanade Ave, North Vancouver
Price: Starting at $269.31 available online via Sky Dine

Canada Day at Grouse Mountain

Hit up the Peak of Vancouver for Canada Day this year and enjoy an array of unique activities taking place including axe-throwing. Yep – you can actually try this. Later on you can enjoy classic Canadian movies in the theatre in the sky. Oh, there will also be a lumberjack show plus a beer and barbecue garden.

When: July 1
Where: Grouse Mountain – 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver

Yoga at McArthurGlen Outlet

Start your Canada Day off with a zen-filled yoga session at McArthurGlen Outlet. Organized by YYoga and Lolë Outlet Vancouver, it’s the perfect way to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday with live music performances and hundreds of yogis all dressed in white.

When: July 1, 10 – 11 am
Where: McArthurGlen Outlet – 7899 Templeton Station
Price: $19.50 available through Eventbrite

Burnaby Village Museum

Visit Burnaby Village Museum for a Canada Day experience with the backdrop of 1920s village streets. It’s free to attend and throughout the day you’ll get to see entertainers, musicians, and demonstrations. Oh, and you can take a ride on a super fun carousel too.

When: July 1, 11:15 am – 4:30 pm
Where: Burnaby Village Museum – 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Price: Free admission – Carousel rides $2.65  

Steveston Salmon Festival

This awesome festival hosted in Richmond starts out with a five-hour pancake breakfast so you know it’s going to be good. The event has taken place every year since 1945 to celebrate Canada’s birthday and this year it’s set to be even bigger with a parade, Japanese cultural show, food fair, artisan gallery, and its popular salmon barbecue.

When: July 1, 6:30 am – 4:15 pm
Where: Steveston – Richmond
Price: BBQ salmon $16 per plate

Canada 150 Drumming Celebration

Celebrate history and Canada’s 150th birthday at the all-Canadian world record drumming celebration. Watch Canadians from all walks of life join together to achieve a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title in Vancouver for ‘Most Nationalities’ in a Drum Circle.

When: July 1
Where: Various communities around Vancouver
Price: Free