Start your summer with a bang! Fireworks, to be exact—or check out one of the many Canada Day celebrations across the province. Here are some ways to revel in all things Canadian on July 1.
CANADA DAY FUN IN CANMORE
After a two-year hiatus, one of the biggest parades in the Canadian Rockies is back. Canmore’s Canada Day Parade kicks off a long list of events to celebrate our country’s 155th birthday. Go to the pancake breakfast before the march starts at noon, then dance to the music at Centennial Park’s Stan Rogers Stage after the parade. You can also take part in the fun run-and-walk at the same park at 9 a.m. Three, five, and 10-km runs raise money for the Canmore Nordic Ski Club.
BE A RIVER RAT
Rock out at Athabasca’s Magnificent River Rats Festival, where chart-topping band Finger Eleven headlines this concert located on the banks of the Athabasca River. This is the 25th year for the festival and there’s something for everyone, including a children’s puppet show, battle of the bands and an antique car show. Also, there’s a massive fireworks display that will light up the skies after Finger Eleven’s closing song.
GO BACK IN TIME
Grab your boots and spurs and ride into the past at the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site near Longview. Visitors can giddy up at the park for free on Canada Day. You can also hitch a ride on a wagon, experience a tipi encampment of the Stoney Nakoda peoples, or sip some strong “cowboy coffee” around a campfire at Pekisko Creek.
EXPERIENCE ALBERTA’S CAPITAL
Learn about Alberta’s democracy on Canada Day at the Alberta Legislature grounds in Edmonton. Visitors can walk on the Chamber floor inside the legislature and learn how our provincial government works. In addition, there will be musical performances, magicians, dances, marching bands, and art exhibits.
CELEBRATE A MOUNTAIN ICON
Hear stories about the Waterton Lakes’ legendary forest ranger Kootenai Brown at Pincher Creek’s Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village & Country Store on Canada Day. Be sure to check out the grounds and the gardens during this admission-free day. Also, if you’re going to celebrate our country’s birthday at the village, dress up in your best “roaring 1920s” costumes for a fun contest. If you plan on staying in Pincher Creek overnight, cap off your Canada Day in the town’s Agriculture Grounds for an exciting fireworks show.
MORE TO READ
How to celebrate Canada Day around the world.