July 1st is Canada Day, eh!

Do you know what Canada Day is? It’s Canada’s national day and is a federal statutory holiday celebrating the July 1, 1867 enactment of the British North America Act (now called the Constitution Act 1867).  This united two British colonies and a province of the British Empire into a single country called Canada.  In French it’s called Fete du Canada. 

This is  Canada’s birthday and this year we’re 143 years old! Of course there will be lots of celebrations right across Canada.  Here in Vancouver there will be a number of events held around Canada Place Convention Centre  (map) and in other parts of the city. 

Starting at 10 am at Canada Place there will be events held on the main stage right through until 6 pm. Listen for the Canada Place Heritage Horns at noon as they toot out the national anthem along with a mass sing-along by spectators.  To celebrate Canada’s armed forces there will be a fly-past at 1.30 pm.

Starting at 7 pm a Canada Day Parade will make its way from Georgia and Broughton Streets  through the downtown west end area, ending just in time for the big fireworks display in Burrard Inlet at 10.30 pm and the relighting of the 2010 Winter Olympics cauldron.

It’s free for everyone, so come on down and celebrate, eh?

Download the Canada Day Program  here

Canada Place Convention Centre

1055 Canada Place.

More Canada Day Celebrations:

Surrey will hold it’s own Canada Day party at the Cloverdale Amphitheatre(map) with lots of free entertainment on the Chevron Main Stage. In addition there will be midway ride and 30 food vendors providing refreshments.  The night ends with the Fruiticana Fireworks Spectacular at 10.15 pm. Information on Surrey Canada Day program here

Photo W. Ruth Kozak