30 June, 2018

Coming soon - Canada Day - Happy Birthday Canada

Almost upon us is Canada Day, the national day of Canada, and it's more than just another holiday day!  It is a day of celebrations and events that mark the anniversary of the 1st July 1867 Constitution Act, 1867 (Although, back then it was called the British North America Act, 1867) which united three separate colonies of Canada into a single Dominion within the British Empire called simply  Canada. Having originally been called Dominion Day, the name was changed in 1982, the year the Canada Act was passed, and so the 1st July is Canada day - only this year as 1st of July is a Sunday, the holiday day is actually Monday 2nd - so a double excuse to celebrate! 

There are always things going on Canada Day across the country and all over the world, whilst I may not be Canadian, I do recall celebrating Canada Day one year on Bondi Beach just outside Sydney, Australia with a group of Canadian exchange students. It sounded like a good idea at the time, but I guess everyone forgot that July is winter time Downunder and probably the coldest month of the year, not the best time for sunbathing and swimming, still we had pancakes bathed in pure Canadian maple syrup and Molson Canadian Lager and a good time was had by all.

Here are just a few suggestions 


Some events taking place this year in Manitoba include -

The Forks, Winnipeg – Winnipeg’s oldest of meeting places is known for its celebrations. Head to The Forks with the family, or with your friends for a full day of activities and performances, culminating in a spectacular fireworks show at 11 p.m. 
FortWhyte Alive, Winnipeg – Take a walk through Canada’s history with sod house pioneers, enjoy giant lawn games, and sweep-netting adventures. Spend quality time outdoors with a bike ride, or canoe ride along the lake, or go on foot exploring FortWhyte’s 7 km of trails and lakes. 
Assiniboine Park, Winnipeg – While fireworks at Assiniboine Park may not be a go this year, the park is making up for this with a full afternoon of family-friendly fun. There will be entertainment at the Lyric Theatre, and a pop-up patio at The Pavilion, and much more.
Transcona Museum, Transcona – The Transcona Museum is hosting its Amazing Race Transcona 2.0 edition this Canada Day. Take up this interactive challenge with a group of two to four and cover the community of Transcona as you hunt for clues.
Mennonite Heritage Village, Steinbach – Have a slice of cake at the Mennonite Heritage Village for its Canada Day opening ceremony. There will be tours, entertainment, rides, and lunch at the Livery Barn Restaurant.
Selkirk Waterfront, Selkirk – So maybe you’re looking for fireworks from a different view? The City of Selkirk’s waterfront will be a hub of activity along the banks of the Red River. There will also be other events, including live entertainment, face painting for the kids, food and craft vendors, and geocaching.
Winnipeg Beach – Winnipeg Beach welcomes all looking for a fun family day in celebration of Canada’s birthday. There will be horse-drawn wagon rides, inflatable jumpers, face painting and a family relay obstacle course. There will also be live entertainment and fireworks to end the evening’s festivities.
Oak Hammock Marsh, Stonewall – Celebrate Canada’s birthday at the Marsh with the family. The Marsh will be serving birthday cake and hosting horse-drawn wagon rides and a guided canoe adventure. Storyteller Allan Webb will also regale with his narratives.
Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site of Canada, St. Andrews – For a low-key but fun-filled day, make your way to the Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site. There will be lots of games, activities and tasty treats. No tours are available on this day.
Lake Minnewasta, Morden – Lake Minnewasta is having its annual beach day blast in Morden. There will be activities and entertainment throughout the day, including live music and fireworks.
King’s Park, Carman – Swim, have a slice of cake, and munch on hot dogs in Carman this Canada Day. There will also be a bouncy castle on site for the kids and much more.
Riding Mountain National Park, Wasagaming – Celebrate Canada Day in Riding Mountain National Park. There will be a full day of fun activities for the entire family and multicultural events.
For a lot more detail on these events and a whole lot more please visit Travel Manitoba.  

Toronto always puts on a show for Canada Day, last year was no exception, although it was also Canda 150, but, I'm assured that this year, its 151st birthday will be no exception with plenty going on. During the day there are loads of fates and fairs and celebrations going on. East York Canada Day Festival is a popular one, in its 61st year and fun for all the family. Downsview Park, Thomson Memorial Park, Scarborough Museum,  Mackenzie House, Queen’s Park, Centennial Park, Amesbury Park, Finchwood Village, Shopping Centre, Fort York, Trillium Park, Harbourfront Centre,  all have events planned for Canada Day, so you'll be spoilt for choice, plus loads of chances to see some great fireworks from around 10pm.  The city really comes alive after dark, with celebrations going on into the wee small hours!  For more info, head to toronto.ca

Photo credit: Julius Reque | Flickr
Whilst over in Vancouver,  some of the best celebrations are to be had at Vancouver’s biggest celebration of Canada Day on the waterfront by Canada Place. It is an award-winning event, presented by the Port of Vancouver, is the largest Canada Day celebration outside our nation’s capital. For 2018, Canada Day at Canada Place will feature musical performances, a picnic plaza, food trucks, a Citizenship Ceremony welcoming 60 new Canadians, an innovation zone, and a fireworks show to cap it all off.  During the day a stroll down Robson Street is also a must, loads to see, do and perhaps more importantly - taste! Another popular destination for Canada Day is Steveston Village in Richmond, it's billed as “Canada’s biggest little birthday party” as the historic villages holds its salmon festival and up to 70,000 people enjoy the party!  TouristVancouver has all the info on all that's going on. 

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