
With the huge variety of parades, fireworks displays, festivals, concerts, comedy shows, museums and art exhibitions happening in Metro Vancouver on Canada Day, the only way you’ll be bored is if you aren’t looking.
Vancouver
Canada Day at Canada Place
If you’re looking for the biggest Canada Day celebration in Vancouver, look no further than Canada Place.
The family-friendly event will have something for everyone, including three stages with musical performers like Watasun, Hairfarmers and Hanna Georgas, food trucks, street hockey and live Canadian Citizenship Ceremonies. Check out their website for the complete list of events and performers.
Time: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Location: 999 Canada Place
Granville Island
There will be tons of festival food, activities and performers for families and attendees to take part in. Keep your eyes open for the multitude of things happening all over Granville Island.
Time: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Granville Island
Tea Zen
Tea Zen is an exhibit which showcases documentarian Lam Wong’s work investigating the most popular drink in the world. Interviewing tea farmers, enthusiasts, artists, tea masters and a Zen monk, his photographs of tea fields in China, a hand-made 100-piece tea set and the exquisite calligraphy scrolls written by master calligrapher, Don Wong, Lam Wong presents a picture of thousands of years of tea history.
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: 578 Carrall St, Vancouver
cesna?em, the city before the city
Put on by the Musqueam First Nation, the Museum of Anthropology, and the Museum of Vancouver, cesna?em, the city before the city is a series of three interconnected exhibitions that overlays Vancouver with c̓əsnaʔəm – the ancient village and burial site that was located in what is now Vancouver. The exhibition includes soundscapes, original videography and family-friendly interactive displays.
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Museum of Anthropology (6393 NW Marine Dr), Musqueam Cultural Education Resource Centre (6735 Salish Drive), Museum of Vancouver (1100 Chestnut Street)
Heaven, Hell & Somewhere In Between
UBC’s Museum of Anthropology MOA presents the largest collection of Portuguese art in North America. The collection includes graffiti and mural paintings, puppets, figurines, carnival maskse. The purpouse of the exhibit is to reflect the national identity, history, and creativity of Portugal from the generation of artisans, illustrators, and painters, as well as that of young urban graffiti artists working today.
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Museum of Anthropology, 6393 NW Marine Drive, Vancouver
World’s Best Food Truck Tour
Take a walking tour of some of the best food trucks in the country, presented by Vancouver Foodie Tours. Covering over a full mile, guests will get tastings of all the amazing food trucks that operate in Vancouver, including the legendary Japadog. Space is limited for each tour, so book in advance.
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: 855 Burrard Street, next to the Japadog food cart
MELA!
The MELA! Festival will get take over the eastern side of Granville Island all day, will a variety of South Asian cultural displays, food, fashions, and fun.
Time: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: East of Emily Carr University, Granville Island
FIFA Women’s World Cup Fan Zone
Show your support for the player’s fighting tooth and nail to get their country to the top of pile. The Fan Zone is the best place to show your pride, enjoy some music, and get some great food with soccer fans from around the world.
Time: noon to 8 p.m.
Location: Larwill Park at Georgia Street and Cambie Street
Vancouver International Jazz Festival
On top of being Canada Day, July 1 marks the end of the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, and Granville Island is reaping the benefits. A full day of music start at noon and goes until 9:30 p.m., featuring four free stages with internationally renowned musicians like the Kate Hammett-Vaughn Quintet, Company B Jazz Band and Tambura Rasa.
Check out the Coastal Jazz website for a full list of the day’s performers.
Time: noon to 9:30 p.m.
Locations: The Public Market, The Railspur District, Performance Works
Canada Day Jamboree
If you’re looking to inject a little action into your Canada Day, come down the Strathcona Park for the Canada Day Jamboree. There will be DJ sets from over 20 of Vancouver’s best DJs, a 1-on-1 basketball tournament, tons of great food and drink, and an after party at Fortune Sound Club.
Time: noon to dusk
Location: Strathcona Park, 857 Malkin Avenue, Vancouver
Granville Island Canada Day Parade
Follow a cavalcade of cacophonous Canadian carousing across Granville Island all the way to Ron Basford Park. A trail of whimsical community and arts related floats will lead celebrants from one merrymaking event to the other, all the way to the official Canada Day Ceremony.
Time: 1:30 to 2 p.m.
Location: Beginning at Ocean Construction, ending at Ron Basford Park on Granville Island
Main Street Market
Located under the Main Street Skytrain Station, this bustling market features local merchants, farmers, and artisans, in one of the highest traffic areas in the city. Pick up some handmade goods, local produce, and a bit of Vancouver’s community culture.
Time: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: The corner of Main Street and Terminal Avenue
Artsclub Theatre Company features Godspell
The pop musical from Stephen Schwartz’s tells the story of Jesus and his apostles, and has been lauded as one of the most enduring shows of all time. The Tony Award–nominated score includes hits like “Day by Day,” “Learn Your Lessons Well,” and “Turn Back, O Man.”
Time: Show at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Location: 1585 Johnston Street (next to the Public Market)
Canada Day Parade presented by Port Metro Vancouver
The annual Canada Day Parade will make its way through throngs of viewers, just the same as it has every year. Dozens of floats are taking part, and this event draws thousands of visitors every year. Make sure to get your spot early.
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Starts at Broughton and West Gerogia, ends at West Hasting and Burrard

Image: Canada Day Parade / Shutterstock
FlyOver Canada
Join FlyOver Canada for Canada Day festivities at their annual fireworks party at Canada Place. Both adults and families are invites to the celebration – which sells out each year – to take in the fireworks from a private viewing zone. During the day, FlyOver Canada will be open with rides happening every 15 minutes. Only FastLane bookings will be accepted.
Time: Rides from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., fireworks party at 8 p.m.
Location: 201-999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Broadway Across Canada presents The Lion King
Returning for the first time since its sold out run in 2010, Broadway Across Canada brings the magic, music, and majesty of The Lion King to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. The New York Times says, “There is simply nothing else like it.”
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 650 Hamilton Street at Georgia
The Slackers at the Biltmore Cabaret
Presented by the Victoria BC Ska Society, The Slackers come to the Biltmore Cabaret this Canada Day with guests The Ballantynes, and DJs Jonny Was & Young Royal. Get your ska fill and dance the night away.
Time: Doors at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m.
Location: The Biltmore Cabaret, 2755 Prince Edward Street
Improv Test Kitchen
The Vancouver Theatre Sports League presents a weekly outlet for some of the most experimental and innovative techniques in improvisation at the Improv Test Kitchen. Join some of Vancouver’s top improvisors for a peak behind the curtain of live, unscripted performance.
Time: 9:15 p.m.
Location: 1502 Duranleau Street
Coast Capital Savings Canada Day Fireworks
Presented by Coast Capital Savings, two barges full of fireworks, one in Coal Harbour and the other in Dundarave in West Vancouver, will be lighting up the night sky simultaneously. Since things will be popping off over the Burrard Inlet, here are a few suggested viewing spots:
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Harbour Green Park
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Coal Harbour
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Stanley Park (9 o’clock gun)
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Crab Park
Keeping in mind the fireworks can’t be seen from English Bay or Kitsilano, and the view is limited from Jack Poole Plaza.
Time: 10:30 p.m.
North Shore
The Boat Show
A combination of handmade boats, sculpture, art installations, and demonstrations, The Boat Show highlights to relationship the people of the West Coast have with boats, the ocean, and seafaring.
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: CityScape Community Art Space, 335 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver
North Vancouver Canada Day Parade
Hosted by the Celebrate North Shore society, the North Shore Canada Day Parade features floats from all around the North Shore community, as well as the Royal Canadian Legion and Cadet Branches. The parade is only in its second year, so go out and support what is quickly becoming an institution of the community.
A full list of floats is still in the works, and will route info will be posted on the North Shore Canada Day Parade website.
Time: 10 a.m.
Hive Tours at Grouse Mountain
Learn about the role bees play in our ecosystem, and the work apiarists are doing to keep their hives healthy, happy, and thriving. Hive Tours provides a hands-on experience, exploring an active honey bee hive, while learning about the remarkable creatures.
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Bee Interpretive Centre, the top of Grouse Moutain
Canada Day at Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park’s Maintage will feature eight acts throughout the day, as well as traditional blessing from representatives of the Squamish First Nations and the national anthem sung by the MoTones Quartet.
The event will also feature an Artisans Craft Market where you can pick up handmade items from local artisans, a food court featuring some of the best food trucks in Vancouver, and games and activities for kids and adults alike.
Time: noon to 4 p.m.
Location: 325 Esplanade Avenue
Canada Day Red & White Picnic
Join the people of West Vancouver in John Lawson Park for fun, food, family, and friends. Bring a packed lunch for the whole family or hit up some of the food vendors that will be on location.
At 10:30 p.m enjoy the two simultaneous fireworks displays taking place over the Burrard Inlet.
Time: 4:30 p.m to 10:30 p.m.
Location: John Lawson Park, 17th Street and Bellevue Avenue
Richmond
Steveston Salmon Festival
This beloved annual event draws thousands of attendees each year, and features a parade, great food, activities and events for the whole family.
Time: 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 4111 Moncton Street, Richmond
Cannery Canada Day Carnival
Take advantage of the free admission to the museum, and learn about the rich history of fishing and canning in the Gulf of Georgia. There will be carnival games, music, and fair food for the whole family to enjoy.
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 12138 Fourth Avenue, Richmond
Ships to Shore Steveston
Over 20 working and historical ships will be on display at the Steveston waterfront, including Canadian naval vessels, the Coast Guard’s hovercraft Siyay, and historic ships Spike Africa, and Adventuress. This free event is a great opportunity to learn about modern seafaring, and the maritime culture of the West Coast.
Time: Noon to 7 p.m.
Location: Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, 5180 Westwater Drive, Richmond
Burnaby
Canada Day at Edmonds Park
Face-painting, music, arts & crafts, food – there will be something for everyone at Edmonds Park. The day of festivities will end with a free performance by iconic children’s musician Charlotte Diamond.
Time: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location: 7435 Edmonds Street, Burnaby
Canada Day at the Burnaby Village Museum
Couched in the trappings of 1920s Burnaby, the Burnaby Village Museum will be taking attendees through a variety of historic and educational events, including heritage games, a vintage carousel, a parade, and red velvet cupcakes visitors. Admittance is free, but carousel rides are $2.55.
Time: 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Canada Day at Swangard Stadium with 54-40
Featuring performances from Canadian rock legends 54-40, Jon & Roy and Bob Marley Tribute band Mostly Marley, this free event is open to the first 4,200 visitors. The evening will end with Burnaby’s Canada Day fireworks display.
Time: 5 to 10:30 p.m.
Location: 3883 Imperial Street, Burnaby
New Westminster
Canada Day at Queen’s Park
New Westminster’s Canada Day celebrations will be kicking off bright and early at the Queen’s Park band shell. The shell will host a variety of local musical acts, while attendees can take part in cultural exhibits, interactive display booths, and the city’s much-loved Pick-A-Box auction.
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: First Street at Third Avenue, New Westminster
Fireworks at Westminster Quay
Once the sun sets, head down to Westminster Quay for a fireworks display from the City. There will be lots of local restaurants along the Riverside Market opening their doors for Canada Day celebrants, so make sure to get something to eat before the show starts.
More information on the event can be found at www.tourismnewwest.com
Time: Dusk
Location: 810 Quayside Drive, New Westminster
Surrey
Canada Day at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre
The Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre will have a cavalcade of Canada Day activities, including food, music, sports demonstrations and activities at the Sports Zone, activities for the little ones at Kids World, the chance to win a Honda Civic and carnival rides from Shooting Star Amusements.
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: 17728 64 Ave, Surrey
Seniors Strawberry Tea
2015 marks another year of this beloved event, where the Mayor of Surrey and the City Council serve tea and strawberry cake to the Seniors of Surrey, drawing over 500 attendees each year. The event begins with speeches at 12:05 p.m. and will feature live music and prize draws.
Time: 12:05 p.m.
Location: 6188-176th Street, Surrey
Canada Day Fireworks
Bringing in Canada’s 148th year with a bang, the City of Surrey’s fireworks spectacular starts at 10:15 p.m.
For those hoping to get a good view, the City recommends grabbing a spot in the field at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre, since the fireworks will be over the Chevron Mainstage.
Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam
Canada Day at Lions Park
Start your day with a hot stack of pancakes at the Lions Club Pancake Breakfast. Admittance to the tasty event is $5 for adults and $3 for kids under 10-years-old.
After breakfast, kids 10 and under can take part in the 14th Annual Fishing Derby, casting a line in the Coquitlam River for fun and prizes. Admittance to the event is free.
Time: 8 to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Shaughnessy Street at Lions Park, Port Coquitlam
Castle Park Celebrations
This event features an Opening Ceremony and Cake Cutting at noon, a Community Showcase, Children’s Activities like hamster balls, face painting, bouncy castles and more will be on hand for the younger attendees, an International Bazaar and the Firefighter’s Salmon BBQ at 2 p.m., for $10 a person.
Grab a blanket and top the day off with the Grande Finale Fireworks at approximately 10:15 p.m.
Time: noon to 10:45 p.m.
Location: Castle Crescent at Citadel Drive, Port Coquitlam
Canada Day at Town Centre Park
The park will be buzzing with Canadian pride, with music, food, an artisan market, games, a Living Flag at 1:45 p.m., a variety of village plazas, including the Arts Village, where you can pick up pieces from local creators, the Cultural Village, featuring displays on the various cultures represented in Canada, and the Green Village, which will educate visitors on environmental practices, technological innovations, and initiatives happening around the world. The night ends with Canada Day Fireworks, taking place at 10 p.m. over Lafarge Lake
For more information on the day’s events, including a full list of performers and activities, visit www.coquitlam.ca.
Time: noon to 10:30 p.m.
Location: Pipeline Road, Coquitlam
Maple Ridge
Canada Day at Spirit Square
There’s a lot going on at Spirit Square on Canada Day, including a pancake breakfast from the Lions Club, a variety of musical acts, a 3-on-3 hockey tournament, food fair, watermelon eating contest, and more. Better yet, admittance is free.
Time: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge
Athletes in Kind Charity Run
The annual Canada Day run is hosted by the Athletes in Kind organization, which donates all proceeds from the registration fees and merchandise sales to the BC Childhood Cancer Parents Association.
Registration is open until June 29 and can be done at www.athletesinkind.com.
Time: 1 km and 2 km run at 8:30 a.m. / 8 km at 9 a.m.
Location: Beginning at Spirit Square, Maple Ridge
Langley
Canada Day at Fort Langley
Take advantage of the free admission to the Fort and check out the Cake Cutting at noon, as well as the live cultural music and free family activities. The Langley Centennial Museum and the BC Farm Machinery and Agricultural Museum will also have free admission, so come and check out a piece of Fort Langley history.
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 9135 King St, Fort Langley
Chaberton Annual BBQ Fundraiser
Chaberton Winery will be hosting their annual Barbeque Fundraiser at the Langley Memorial Hospital July 1. Local band Heist will be putting on a performance for attendees while the people at Chaberton roast sausages and smokies.
Time: noon to 4 p.m.
Location: Langley Memorial Hospital, Langley
Bard in the Valley presents Love’s Labour’s Lost
Bard in the Valley will be putting on a free performance of Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost for Canada Day celebrants on the lawn in front of Langley’s Community Hall. Following the Canada Day performance there will be two more performances on July 2 and July 3 at 7 p.m.
Time: 3 p.m.
Location: In front of Fort Langley’s Historic Community Hall
Canada Day JRBQ
Hosted by the Langley Events Centre, the Township of Langley, and 93.7 JRfm, the Canada Day JRBQ will be an event full of food and music, with performers Rod Black, Washboard Union, Robyn & Ryleigh, and King & Cash. Admission is free and there will be parking on site.
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Willoughby Community Park, Langley
Abbotsford
Canada Day Family Festival
Sponsored by Prospera Credit Union, this extravagant Canada Day Celebration will feature a food fair, play zones for kids, live music, a performance by the Chibi Taiko Japanese Drum Group, and much more.
Later in the evening there will be the hot air balloon rides, performances by musical groups Karren Lee Batten and Piper Down, as well as the Canada Day Ceremony and the Abbotsford Idol Competition.
Fireworks begin at 10 p.m., and can be best seen from the Abbotsford Exhibition Park.
Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: 32470 Haida Drive, Abbotsford
Canada Day Parade
Dozens of floats from local communities and organizations will wind their way down South Fraser Way, with cash prizes for First, Second and Third place.
A full itinerary of the day’s events can be seen here.
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Starting at South Fraser Way / Ware Street, ending at Trethewey Street, Abbotsford
Delta
Delta Museum
With a pancake breakfast, live music, street performers, and Canada Day cake, not to mention free admission to the museum, Canada Day at the Delta Museum stands to be fun and educational.
Time: 9 a.m. to noon
Location: 4858 Delta Street, Ladner
Diefenbaker Park
The Tsawwassen Boundary Bay Lions are putting on a host of activities for Canada Day celebrants, with free hotdogs, face painting, live entertainment, and an official Canada Day Ceremony and cake cutting at 1 p.m.
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: 5579 1 Avenue, Tsawwassen
Kirkland House
Ladner’s own century old Edwardian farm house is hosting a slew of Canada Day activities, and showing off their antique tractors, spinning wheels, and other historical accoutrement. Admission is free, and there will be rides and games for everyone.
Time: noon to 4 p.m.
Location: 4140 Arthur Drive, Ladner
Chalmers Park
The official Delta Canada Day celebration kicks off at Chalmers Park in North Delta, with crafts and games for kids, food vendors, official ceremony at 6 pm, live music performances from local acts like Will Stroet & The Backyard Band and the March Hare Band.
The evening finishes with a Canada Day fireworks display, best viewed from Chalmers Park.
Time: 5:30 to 10:45 p.m.
Location: 11400 76A Avenue, North Delta