Posted on June 27, 2011
Oh Canada!
I’m crossing my fingers that sunshine will splash itself across Vancouver Island on Friday, July 1st because this year’s Canada Day is guaranteed to be a great one! Whether you’re up Island or in the capital city, here’s a run-down of 2011’s events…
Campbell River
- This year’s celebrations include a fishing derby for “small fry”, a skateboard competition at Willow Park, incredible live entertainment, a pancake breakfast with local volunteer firefighters, a parade and spectacular fireworks. Ostler Park will be buzzing with activity! [more information]
Photo: SnapShow on Flickr
Mount Washington Alpine Resort
- Get your red and ride on! That’s the theme for Canada Day at Mount Washington Alpine Resort. For the first time ever, they will be running the lifts and welcoming patriotic skiers and snowboarders on the hill from July 1-3. Grab a lift ticket for $25 and make sure to stop in at the Thrifty Foods-sponsored free family festivities! [more information]
Comox Valley
- Like most years, the Comox Valley is where yours truly will be celebrating our country’s birthday! The fun starts the night before with a free concert of rockin’ ’50s tunes at Simms Park. Canada Day itself kicks off with the 5th Street parade before family fun at Lewis Park, the annual Ducky 500 race and free swimming at the outdoor pool. Don’t miss cultural highlights at the 2011 Aboriginal Festival across the street in Simms Park. [more information]
Photo: Jeff Summers on Flickr. (Carman was one of Jordy’s fellow rescue “siblings” from Furever After Small Dog Rescue! She’s now a certified therapy dog with St. John’s Ambulance.)
Parksville Qualicum Oceanside Region
- Staying true to itself, Parksville Qualicum offers something for everyone on Canada Day. In what the region hopes will be a celebration that’s “bigger and better than ever,” the day will be jam-packed! Highlights include the Shriner’s pancake breakfast, an entertaining parade and festivities at Community Park. Don’t miss the Thrifty Foods Fireworks Spectacular after the sun goes down! [more information]
Photo: Alanna@VanIsle on Flickr
Nanaimo
- There aren’t enough hours in the day to enjoy all the celebrations in the Harbour City! Nanaimo’s events include an incredible parade, play areas for kids, entertainment and food at Maffeo-Sutton Park along with cultural displays and demonstrations. [more information]
Duncan
- One of the City of Totems’ most famed attractions is hosting a Canada Day party to pay homage to one of our country’s founding industries. For just $2 per person (kids 4 and under are free), the BC Forest Discovery Centre is presenting live music, a flag ceremony, face painting, a bouncy castle, delicious BBQ, and Canadian birthday cake! [more information]
Victoria
- What would Canada Day be in Victoria if not spectacular? Super-sized celebrations in BC’s capital city include international cuisine samplings, the creation of a community mural at the Legislature Lawns, loads of live music – Fred Penner is slated to perform for the kids! – and a breathtaking fireworks display. [more information]
Photo: Thiago Sanna F. Silva on Flickr
If your Island community has special Canada Day celebrations lined up, let us know down below!
Where will you be celebrating on Canada Day?
We will actually be in Victoria for Canada this year. Looking forward to it too! Reminds me, I have to make a ferry reservation!
lol
Since I moved to Campbell River 11 years ago, I have missed Canada Day here only once (went to Kelowna and was TOTALLY disappointed by what they did). I have watched Canada Day here grown from a parade downtown to a week long celebration that is second to NONE! If you want to have an amazing Canada Day long weekend, come to Campbell River! You will NOT be disappointed!