Canada Day 2010 On Vancouver Island

You wouldn’t know it by looking out the window, but July is right around the corner and Canada Day is notoriously hot and sunny across British Columbia. Being the optimist that I am, I’m packing my swimsuit, sunblock and summer dresses and heading to Vancouver Island on Wednesday after work for a bit of solitude.

Many of you will be extending Canada Day into an extra long weekend, so here’s a quick round-up of events across Vancouver Island to help you celebrate Canada’s 143rd birthday.

Port Hardy

Join the day-long party at Storey’s Beach, kicking off with a parade at 11:00 a.m. and finishing with explosive fireworks. Crafts, games and a Duck Race from the Rotary Club will keep you busy during the afternoon. [event info]

Port McNeill

A pancake breakfast, fishing derby for the kids at Port McNeill Harbour and a special airshow at the Port McNeill airport are just some of the family-friendly activities being offered. The events kick off around 8:00 a.m. and runs all afternoon. [event info]

Campbell River

Campbell River promises to be the Canada Day party destination for the North Island, starting with live music the night before at Ostler Park. Canada Day itself is packed full with a children’s festival, even more live music, a parade and the Salmon Festival before a fireworks display brought to you by Quality Foods. Also, get around to the events with free bus rides on public transit between 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.! [event info]

Mount Washington Alpine Resort

The Island’s only alpine destination celebrates Canada Day with the Thrifty Foods Family Fun Day, running from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. A kids’ relay race, cookie decorating contest, bouncy castle and even birthday cake are part of the celebration. Don’t forget to take a mile-high chair ride while you’re up there! [event info]

Comox Valley

Canada Day is always an action-packed day in the Comox Valley! The 5th Street parade in downtown Courtenay, Ducky 500 race, car displays and BBQing at Lewis Park, dancing, concerts and so much more will ensure non-stop fun. This is most definitely where I’ll be spending my Canada Day. [event info]

Port Alberni

A long-standing tradition is returning to Port Alberni once again this Canada Day, starting with a free pancake breakfast prior to the 10th Avenue parade. The fun’s not done then, as all-afternoon festivities keep rocking at Glenwood Centre. [event info]

Qualicum Beach/Parksville Oceanside Region

The Rotary Club of Parksville spearheads the festivities in the Island’s premier Oceanside region, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Starting the day with a Canada Day parade, this day of fun is highlighted with a concert from Canadian rock legends Trooper at Community Park in Parksville! The day-long celebration wraps up with fireworks brought to you by Thrifty Foods. [event info]

Photo: tempest_kat on Flickr [used with permission]

Tofino

Tofino comes alive on July 1 at Village Green, headlined by the Tuff City Skate Competition. The Tofino public market will also be in full swing, as well as interactive displays, live music, a beverage garden, face painting and birthday cake. The day wraps up with fireworks over Tofino’s harbour. [event info]

Ucluelet

Uclulet hasn’t been left out of the party as they play host to the Colour Guard parade, as well as children’s crafts and activities, a family BBQ and live music. [event info]

Nanaimo

Canadian pride is strong in Nanaimo with an action-packed afternoon at Maffeo Sutton Park. Live entertainment, a flag parade and multicultural food are just a few of the festivities worth checking out. [event info]

Ladysmith

Transfer Beach in Ladysmith is the place to be to partake in a little fun in the sun. This family-friendly event is a free-for-all with events getting underway at 10:00 a.m. [event info]

Cowichan Valley

Canada Day celebrations are largely centered around cultural celebrations in the Cowichan Valley at festivities in and around Cowichan Lake. Story-telling, dancing, face-painting, multicultural music, arts & crafts, foods and a fireworks display are just a few things to look forward to. [event info]

Duncan

There’s no better place to be in Duncan than the BC Forest Museum. When you’re not riding the the steam train for free, nosh on hot dogs, jump in the bouncy castle or take in a little live entertainment. [event info]

Sidney

There’s no place more quaint to celebrate Canada’s birthday than than by the sea in Sidney. The day begins with a pancake breakfast and gets into full swing with a parade on Beacon Avenue, a family fun fair and street market before winding down the day with fireworks on the Sidney Waterfront. [event info]

Sooke

Sooke plays host to a very unique Canada Day celebration, bursting with tradition. Between logging sports competition, canine agility demos, a pie-eating contest and live music prior to the fireworks, there’s bound to be something to grab your interest! [event info]

Victoria

Our Province’s capital is no doubt home to the largest Canada Day celebration on Vancouver Island. Starting at 10:00 a.m., downtown Victoria comes alive with an open house of the coastal defence vessel HMCS Nanaimo at Ship Point in the Inner Harbour, jazz music, free historic walking tours, chalk drawing for the kids, a live ballet show and a vibrant fireworks display after dusk. [event info]

If there’s a Canada Day event happening in your Island community that isn’t listed here, feel free to leave information in the comments. For a complete listing of celebrations across the Lower Mainland, click over to Miss604.

Enjoy your Canada Day, have fun, celebrate and practice safe sun! To my American friends and readers, I wish you a fantastic Independence Day on Sunday! In the immortal words of Wang Chi and Jack Burton, “here’s to America’s colors, the colors that never run. May the wings of liberty never lose a feather.”

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