2017 Update: What to do on Canada’s 150th Birthday

It’s Canada’s 148th birthday in a few days. Here are three of the biggest parties including the Canada Place shindig with fireworks and the mega salmon bbq in Steveston.

1. Vancouver Parade and Fireworks

Vancouver celebrates with fireworks from two barges located in Dundarave and Coal Harbour.

The day begins with an inspiring citizenship ceremony to welcome the country’s newest citizens, followed by a multitude of multicultural performances.

Great live entertainment featuring the likes of Hannah Georgas, Don Amero, Rumba Calzada and Tim Chaisson will take the main stage. Family friendly activities include performances by the Hairfarmers, Watasun and Bellwoods. Interactive activity zones will feature food carts, street hockey, an armed forces display, Salty’s Fun Zone and a circus show.

The Canada Day Parade will run from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., beginning at Georgia Street and Broughton Street and ends with a fantastic display of fireworks.

In addition to the Canada Place viewing, other viewing areas include Harbour Green Park, Stanley Park, West Vancouver and North Vancouver.

2. 70th Annual Steveston Salmon Festival

The Steveston Community Centre hosts the 70th Annual Salmon Festival this Wednesday, July 1. (Steveston Salmon Festival/Facebook)

The highlight of the day is the annual ultimate salmon barbecue — nearly 550 kilograms of bbq salmon. More than 100 floats, marching bands, celebrities and other personalities will wind their way down Moncton Street beginning at 10 a.m.

Early risers can enjoy the pancake breakfast from 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Other activities running throughout the fair grounds include local performers and a show and shine of vintage cars. For its 70th year, the festival will feature a special retrospective exhibit of images from festivals over the decades, and a special children’s art activity.

Where: 4111 Moncton Street, Richmond
When: Breakfast starts at 6:30 a.m., main event begins at 10 a.m.

3. Surrey Canada Day

Organizers expect more than 100,000 people to turn out to this year’s Canada Day celebrations in Surrey. Expect your usual round up of family fun for all ages – music, face painting, etc. –  and it’s free.

You’ll find midway games and rides, an expanded Kids Play area, over 100 exhibitors, live entertainment with musical headliners Blue Rodeo, and a decent fireworks show for the grand finale. Organizers expect more than 100,000 people to attend.

Where: Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre, 17728 64 Avenue, Surrey
When: 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Last modified: June 28, 2017

4 Responses to " Where to Celebrate Canada Day in Metro Vancouver "

  1. Sheila says:

    Kitsilano Showboat starts at 3pm on Canada Day with a free Yogabuttons class, followed by Max Tell at 4pm, the Royal City Concert Band at 5pm, dedication of the “Bea Leinbach Stage” at 7pm, then Bob Liley and the Sanctuary All Stars.

  2. Mary says:

    I came to this site thinking you’d have some happenings in Kits rather than Steveston, Surrey and downtown…

  3. Brett says:

    Well Mary, the post title did say ‘…Metro Vancouver” so you weren’t misled. That said you’d think that a site called “Kitsilano.ca” might have a strong Kitsilano focus (hyper-local right??) The reality is the bloggers have a need to create content and have to go outside of Kits to have enough material to work with.

  4. Kitsilano.ca staff says:

    Cheers Brett. The best way to assist with the hyper local coverage is to send news and event tips to the site. We are volunteers. Contact details here: https://www.kitsilano.ca/about/