Everywhere you look, Canada Day 2020 is playing out very differently than it has in the past. Every year I have always looked forward to having a family- style Canada Day.… packed with kids activities, face painting, food truck food, , local vendor tables, parades and of course fireworks. Just about every municipality is doing an online version of Canada Day. Given the current landscape, I decided to research what a “virtual” Canada Day was actually going to look like locally. The majority of the events are virtual and free but I was pleasantly surprised to find some that were actually still happening and free!
Here is a compilation of Canada Day events happening throughout Vancouver:
NATIONAL – AIRMILES CANADA HOUSE PARTY
Join in on the fun From 3-9pm est with a lineup of various artists including Dean Brody, Dear Rouge, Elijah Woods X Jamie Fine and several others. General Admission: Free
NATIONAL – CANADA SIMULTANEOUS DRUMMING
Join in from anywhere in Canada – no experience necessary! This FREE event starts at 10am. Register by June 28 11;59pm
VANCOUVER
PNE REVERSE PARADE
Gather up the family wear red& white, decorate your car like it’s a parade float and join Canadas only drive-thru parade. Cost is $10 per car plus cost of food from concessions. Starts at 10am.
https://www.ticketleader.ca/events/detail/a-taste-of-the-pne-canada-day-edition
MUSEUM OF VANCOUVER
Offering discounted admission all day long! Open 10am-4pm. Tickets only available online with a max of 10 per 15 min interval. Adults (12 and up) – $10* Children (6 to 11) – $5* Children (5 and under) -Free*
https://www.facebook.com/events/686413575532768/
CANADA DAY ON ROBSON
Mini virtual performances from 8am to noon. Enjoy local dancers, musicians and artists. The artists will be performing a diverse collection of dance and music styles, representing a variety of diverse cultures that call Canada home.
https://www.facebook.com/events/729833524432819/
NORTH VANCOUVER
The North Shore has a variety of virtual entertainment, contests and more planned. Virtual Performances By: Melanie Dekker, Adam Woodall, The Benders, Early Spirit, Andrea Superstein, Jared Suitor, Brockton School, North Shore Celtic Ensemble
https://www.facebook.com/events/601367567394990/
RICHMOND
The city has a variety of virtual events planned from 9am to 10pm. Richmond residents are encouraged to decorate their front lawns and driveways, and dress their family and pets, in red and white to celebrate the day and create a virtual parade, which will be viewable online on the @FunRichmond Instagram account. You can submit your photos and participate in the parade using the hashtag #RichmondBCParade. Virtual fireworks will be displayed on a web-based application.
https://www.facebook.com/events/592067374772044/
COQUITLAM
The city of Coquitlam has lots of online events planned for Canada Day. Featuring a mix of live and pre-recorded segments, the broadcast will go live at noon July 1 and run until 7 p.m. with many of the much-loved aspects of the celebrations traditionally held at Town Centre Park. The recorded stream will remain online until the evening of July 5. Featuring performances and activities by: NZR Productions, Dani Black, Will’s Jams, SAGE Foundation -Socia, Acceptance of Great Excellence, Youth Leadership Society of British Columbia, Ruben’s Shoes Society, TORCA – Tri , Cities Off Road Cycling Association, Freckled Fox, One Thing Message Lockets, Heather Jolley Highland Dancers, Fame Art Group, Coquitlam Public Library, Mackin House Museum, Place des Arts, Silk & Skins by Uzume Taiko and Silk Road Music 丝绸之路音乐团, Vitaly Beckman: An Evening of Wonders, Speed Control, The Heels And more!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1160966207617351/
NEW WESTMINSTER
New Westminster has virtual events planned from 1030am to 1130pm. The virtual celebration features a collection of easily accessible activities including: arts and crafts, games, celebration packs, an O Canada sing-along and a bubble picnic. Plus the evening will end with an exciting virtual fireworks show!
https://www.facebook.com/events/574446930173352/
CANADA DAY FOOD TRUCK DRIVE THRU EXPERIENCE
From 11am to 9pm enjoy a variety of food trucks and help support The Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation. Located in the Braid Sky Train Station parking lot enjoy Mini Donuts, Lemonade, Poutine, Burgers, Fries, Hunky Bills Perogies, Donair, Ice Cream, Hot Dogs and More. No walk-ups. Must drive-thru and must stay in vehicle, No Cash accepted, Debit or Credit Cards Only!
https://www.facebook.com/events/2314506502190165/
For a list of events going on in the Fraser Valley check out: https://www.facebook.com/modernmamafraservalley/
What are you doing for this unprecedented Canada Day?