Celebrate Canada Day through events at these July 1 events around Metro Vancouver
From Cloverdale to West Vancouver and all points in between, festivities span live music, drumming, kids’ activities, and no shortage of national pride
Canada Together at Canada Place
CANADA IS ABOUT to celebrate its 159th birthday, and Metro Vancouver has no shortage of ways to join in. From waterfront concerts and Indigenous performances to multicultural dance and community festivals, July 1 offers plenty of opportunities to get out and celebrate.
The Strumbellas. Photo by Stephanie Montani
Canada Together
At Canada Place from 11 am to 6 pm
Live music, Indigenous storytelling, local artisans, and a little Expo 86 nostalgia come together at Canada Place’s annual celebration, now in its 40th year.
Under the theme "Weaving together the fabric of a nation", the event highlights the many cultures and communities that shape Canada today. Live music takes over the main stage throughout the day, with local artists including Rebecca Sichon, Serengeti, and the Matinee performing before indie-folk favourites The Strumbellas close out the evening.
The Indigenous Marketplace features artists and artisans from the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, while storytelling sessions and family programming run throughout the day. An Expo 86 exhibit celebrating Canada Place's 40th birthday adds a nostalgic touch to the festivities.
Surrey Canada Day
Surrey Canada Day
At Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre from 10 am to 10:30 pm
One of the region's largest celebrations, Surrey Canada Day returns to Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre with a day-long program that spans multiple stages and genres.
Country star Josh Ross headlines the evening concert, joined by Canadian rock icon Lee Aaron and pop artist Tyler Shaw. The main stage also features performances by Dhol Nation Drummers, Empanadas Ilegales, Antonio Larosa, Berk Jodoin, and Brass Camel, along with cultural presentations from the Semiahmoo First Nation and Kwantlen First Nation.
Beyond the headline acts, much of the day's programming highlights community performance traditions. The Siam Stage opens with an Indigenous welcome from the Semiahmoo First Nation and Kwel Eng Sen Dancers and the KPU Community Stage shows everything from Métis jigging and Polynesian dance to capoeira, Scottish music, line dancing, and dance battles. The entire day wraps up with a fireworks finale at 10:15 pm.
Canada Day Drumming
Canada Day Drumming
At Lansdowne Centre at 10:30 am
Ten years ago, Canada Day Drumming started as a small local event. This year, more than 40 communities across the country are taking part in the celebration, creating a nationwide moment of simultaneous drumming.
The Richmond flagship event begins with an Indigenous welcome and drumming ceremony before moving into a program of multicultural performances, dragon and lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, and cultural presentations. More than 2,000 commemorative rattle drums will be handed out, encouraging people to join in rather than watch from the sidelines.
At 11:30 am, drummers across six Canadian time zones will join together for six minutes, creating a shared celebration that stretches from coast to coast.
Granville Island
Canada Day on Granville Island
Various times and locations across Granville Island
Colours, boats, water. Granville Island starts Canada Day early with one of Vancouver's most unusual traditions: the annual False Creek Ferries water ballet. The vibrant fleet takes to the water in synchronized formations before the rest of the day's festivities get underway.
At noon, visitors can gather for the official Canada Day ceremony hosted by Khelsilem Tl’aḵwasiḵ̓an Sxwchálten and Zara Durrani before exploring programming spread across the island.
Throughout the day, visitors can catch free Vancouver International Jazz Festival performances, browse live artisan demonstrations, and explore programming spread throughout the island. With its mix of music, public art, and waterfront life, Granville Island offers one of the city's most distinctly Vancouver Canada Day experiences.
Canada Day fireworks in Burnaby
Canada Day in Burnaby
Various times and locations across Burnaby
Burnaby offers three different locations to choose from or make a whole schedule to hit all three. It all begins with daytime celebrations at Edmonds Plaza and Burnaby Village Museum before culminating in an evening festival at Central Park.
Later in the day, Burnaby Village Museum offers a multicultural entertainment program, which includes family performances, demonstrations, and opportunities to learn about the city's diverse communities. Edmonds Plaza also hosts live entertainment and community activities designed to bring residents together throughout the afternoon.
The evening StreetFest on Central features a concert lineup that includes Jordel, Logan Staats, Alicia Creti, and Canadian electro-pop group Dragonette. Live music runs throughout the evening before a fireworks finale lights up Central Park at 10:15 pm.
Kids’ bike parade at Steveston Salmon Festival
Steveston Salmon Festival
Various times throughout Steveston Village
A parade, multiple stages, roaming performers, and nearly eight decades of history: the Steveston Salmon Festival remains one of the Lower Mainland's most beloved Canada Day traditions.
The festivities begin with the always-popular parade at 10 am, featuring floats, community groups, and classic vehicles travelling from Garry Point Park through Steveston Village before ending at Railway Avenue. Kids even get the chance to cycle through the parade route and show off their decorated bikes to the crowds.
From then on the festival fills with music and performers. The lineup includes Barney Bentall and the Legendary Hearts, Vancouver Okinawa Taiko, Brazilian percussion group Bloco Energia, and roaming performers throughout the festival grounds. Tribute acts celebrating the Tragically Hip, the Beatles, and Tina Turner are also part of the event.
Owen Riegling
Canada Day in Port Coquitlam
At Castle Park from 1 pm to dusk; additional morning activities at various locations
Port Coquitlam's Canada Day festivities begin early with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Lions Club and a fishing derby at Lions Park before the main celebration gets underway at Castle Park.
The afternoon and evening program features live music, market vendors, and a beverage garden. Performers include Daniel Wesley, Whiskey Blind, classic-rock veterans April Wine, and rising country artist Owen Riegling, who closes out the concert lineup before the fireworks finale at 10:15 pm.
Tiller’s Folly
Canada Day at the Shipyards
At the Shipyards from 11 am to 5 pm
The Rotary Club of Lions Gate's Canada Day celebration returns to The Shipyards in North Vancouver with a full day of free music, art, and family-friendly activities.
The event features performances across two stages, including the JP Fell Pipe Band, folk group Tiller's Folly, Melanie Dekker, T'Sha & Soundwave, Hayley Wallis, Molly & Taylor, and the youth musical theatre troupe ShowStoppers Vancouver. The lineup also includes performances by the Children of Takaya, while local artists, artisans, and community organizations will be on-site throughout the day.
Dr. Strangelove
Canada Day in West Vancouver
At John Lawson Park from 4 pm to 9 pm
West Vancouver's Canada Day celebration takes place at John Lawson Park, combining live music with the waterfront views.
The afternoon begins with children's activities and official remarks before a performance by the West Vancouver Youth Band. The evening concludes with a headlining set from Dr. Strangelove, while sweet treats and friendly games run throughout the event. 
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