BY: NICOLE DEFOREST
Canada turns 150 years old next month, what are your plans to celebrate? It’s not too late to travel near or far to participate in some of the largest celebrations province-wide.
First off, Parks Canada is inviting visitors and Canadians around the world to help celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday with free admission to all of the national parks, historic parks and marine conservation from coast to coast. Log onto Parks Canada to see how you can receive your free pass.
Ottawa
Canada’s capital city will be flooded with locals and tourists to help celebrate Canada’s birthdate. Parliament Hill and the Museum of Canadian History is throwing free festivities you don’t want to miss out on. Dance the day away to local Canadian artists, while taking part with games, face painting, and local food, and once the clock strikes midnight you’ll be amazed by the captivating fireworks display, fun for the whole family.
Head on down to Major Hill Park if you want to watch a musical performance dance along to a light show, this is one you don’t want to miss.
Edmonton
City Hall downtown will have a 16-hour celebration filled with music, dance, and art exhibitions. If you’re into art you will want to be here. Alberta artists will create five original sculptural works of art on Capital Boulevard. This will create lasting landmarks for Canada’s 150th birthday. The first showcase will be revealed on July 1st and should be quite the site.
Halifax
This is one of the best provinces I’ve visited. Enjoy the best and freshest seafood from the local catch of the day, while taking in views that will take your breath away.
Here you’ll enjoy free parades as a tribute to our present and fallen soldiers, concerts lead by Canadian artists, fairs, races, ribfests and more. The best part is it’s all FREE!
Halifax is in the Atlantic time zone which means they are an hour ahead of us and will be the first to start the celebrations on June 30th. Head on down to Dartmouth to see one of the largest firework displays on the pier and continue to celebrations the next morning with a pancake breakfast.
Toronto
The Redpath Waterfront Festival will be held from July 1-3. Again, they will host local musicians performing live, as well as food provided by our top local chefs and a west coast lumberjack competition. Local artists will also be showcased in the open-air market on the waterfront. The Royal Canadian Navy will also be attending with fun activities. TIFF Lightbox is also hosting a free yearlong program highlighting the Canadian cinema.
New Brunswick
Head on down to Caraquet to see Tall Ships docked, partaking in the Rendezvous 2017 from June 30th to July 2nd. These ships will only be visiting seven countries so you don’t want to miss this. You can tour the vessels and partake in festivals amongst the community with live musical entertainment, food, fireworks and more.
All ships taking part in Rendezvous 2017 will be docked in Caraquet, NB from June 30th to July 2nd . The New Brunswick Youth Orchestra will kick off it’s Canada 150 tour with a world premiere performance of its commissioned Canada 150 song composed by Academy Award-winning composer Howard Shore.
Whether you decide to celebrate in your local community or take a family trip to another city or province know millions will stand strong to remember Canada’s history.
