Our in-person and online tutors at Teachers on Call span the entire country and take great pride in our Canadian heritage. We are passionate about promoting everything Canadian year-round, from our Doors Open community events coverage to our Hooked on Books interviews with Canadian authors and illustrators. Our love for all things Canadian is evident, so it’s no surprise that we are eagerly anticipating the celebration of our nation's birthday. The Canada Day long weekend is an ideal occasion for children (and the adults who care for them) to delve into our country's rich history, culture, and identity. Plus, from coast to coast, there are numerous educational and free events for the entire family to enjoy. Read on for some Canada Day inspiration!
Are you looking for family-friendly activities to paint the town red and white this Canada Day long weekend? Whether or not your child is enrolled in summer school, the learning can continue. Teachers on Call’s in-person and online tutoring service believe that holidays offer fantastic chances to reinforce teachable moments. What better summer learning opportunity is there than the biggest birthday party in our country. It’s a great time for families, communities, and neighbours to enjoy a variety of activities that celebrate Canadian culture and heritage together. This blog will explore 10 family-friendly ideas to consider for Canada Day 2024. Check it out!
Here are 10 fun and engaging activities for families to try throughout the Canada Day long weekend:
1) Enjoy Live Canadian Music
Canadian musicians will be performing at concerts nationwide throughout the long weekend up to Canada Day itself. Be sure to explore the concerts in your area showcasing local talent. These events often feature live performances, food vendors, and activities for all ages.
Here are a few examples of Canada Day 2024 concerts taking place in Ontario:
Sonshine and Broccoli Family Concert at Horseshoe Resort (1101 Horseshoe Valley Rd W, Barrie, ON L4M 4Y8)
Date/Time: Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 9:00pm
Come out to the Après Lawn at Horseshoe Resort for a weekend concert. Families will not want to miss this dynamic Canadian children's music duo, from Toronto, Ontario, consisting of Lisa Sonshine and Brock Burford.
Canada Day Weekend at Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2G8)
Date/Time: Sunday, June 30, 2024 at 8:00pm
Arrive early to secure your seat at downtown Toronto’s outdoor theater for Canada Day entertainment including a free concert from the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
National Arts Centre Orchestra (Southam Hall, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON, K1P 5W1)
Date/Time: Monday July 1, 2024 at 2:30pm
NAC Orchestra will host a free concert in downtown Ottawa showcasing pieces that represent over a century of Canadian music history.
2) Dance the Canada Day Long Weekend Away
While enjoying the live music, take the opportunity to kick up your heels and dance during the Canada Day long weekend. It's the perfect way to create lasting memories with family and friends.
Here are dancing opportunities for the Canada Day long weekend:
The Sound Waterfront Festival and Canada Day Celebration (Kelso Beach at Nawash Park, 2nd Avenue West, Owen Sound, ON N4K 2H4)
Date/Time: Friday, June 28, 2024 - Monday, July 1, 2024
This four-day, free cultural festival is a great opportunity for residents and visitors to Owen Sound (located in Grey County, 2.5 hours from the Greater Toronto Area). On Saturday, June 29, it’s Youth Day at Kelso Beach at Nawash Park from 12pm - 9pm and will include a variety of activities including juggling, dog shows, pony rides, family-friendly yoga, and ending with a youth dance party to close the night.
Canada Day Long Weekend Dance Party at The Old Mill (9 Old Mill Road Toronto, ON M8X 1G5)
Date/Time: Saturday, Jun 29, 2024 from 7:30pm - 11:30pm
While this event is geared to adults, it looks like a fabulous dance party to enjoy great tunes from the past and present. The Old Mill is a beloved Etobicoke venue located north and west of the intersection of Bloor Street and Jane Street. If you are in the west end of the city, check it out. Cost is $20/adult.
Dance in the Park with the City of Aurora at Aurora Town Park (49 Wells Street, Aurora, ON L4G 1H1)
Date/Time: Sunday, June 30, 2024 from 7:00pm to 11:00pm
Head over to Aurora Town Park to dance the night away and kick off the Canada Day celebrations with Dance in the Park! Enjoy amazing live bands, and delicious food.
3) Attend Local Canada Day Parades
Many towns and cities throughout Canada host parades featuring local bands, floats, and performers. It’s a great opportunity to show your community spirit and come decked out in red and white. Many parades even start with a pancake breakfast or end with treats, yum yum! Check your local listings for events near you.
Here are a few communities hosting Canada Day parades:
Cambridge Celebrates Canada Day Parade (starts at King Street, recommended between Bishop St & Eagle St in Cambridge, ON)
Date/Time: Monday, July 1, 2024 at 11:00am start
The City of Cambridge has a whole series of events to connect with the community and kicks off with their Canada Day parade.
Kingston’s Canada Day Parade of People (starts near Kingston Metro, 310 Barrie St, Kingston, ON K7L 5L4)
Date/Time: Monday, July 1, 2024 at 11:00am start
This tradition returns to Kingston (last Canada Day parade was in 2019) and is hosted by the Kingston BIA. This one-hour parade leaves from the Kingston Metro (a popular grocery store for Queen’s University students), travels across Princess Street and ends with free cake at Kingston City Hall (216 Ontario St, Kingston, ON K7L 2Z3).
Windsor Canada Day Parade (starts at Ouellette Avenue in Windsor, Ontario)
Date/Time: Monday, July 1, 2024 at 11:00am start
The Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association (DWBIA) and the Windsor Parade Corporation are bringing back this beloved parade that travels through Ouellette Avenue from Wyandotte Street to Riverside Drive before heading west to Caron Avenue. To make the event even sweeter, Canada Day cupcakes will be served throughout the morning.
4) Experience Canada Day with Neighbours at a Park Near You
Many cities, community organizations and Members of Parliament host wide scale events at popular parks. A great opportunity to meet others, celebrate and engage in free activities.
For a few examples of free events hosted in popular parks:
Canada Day at Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park (2340 Ontario Street, Oakville, ON L6L 6P7)
Date/Time: Monday, July 1, 2024 starting at 4:00pm
Hosted by the Town of Oakville, this evening is filled with family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and delicious food trucks. The Welcome Ceremony will begin at 8:00pm with a special appearance by the Oakville Choir for Children and Youth singing the national anthem. The evening will end with a fireworks display around 10:00pm (weather permitting).
Canada Day at Spencer Smith Park (1400 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, ON L7S 1Y2)
Date/Time: Monday, July 1, 2024 from 9:00am - 10:00pm
Celebrate Canada Day at this popular park in downtown Burlington. This year, there will be a brand-new family zone packed with morning yoga, fun activities, delicious food, lively vendors, and entertainment throughout the day. The night will conclude with a firework and drone show!
5) Join a Community Pancake Breakfast
Join a community pancake breakfast, paired with Canadian maple syrup, of course! Many communities and festivals host these events with proceeds often going to local charities. Check to see if there is a Canada Day parade following your scrumptious breakfast!
Here is a sample of some popular pancake breakfast events:
Collingwood Festival for Canada Celebrity Pancake Breakfast (Town Square Park)
Join a cherished Collingwood Canada Day tradition at the Celebrity Pancake Breakfast. Gather with family and friends to enjoy delicious pancakes made by skilled Celebrity Chefs. Cost for adults $5, and kids $3.
Airdrie City Hall Canada Day Pancake Breakfast (400 Main St S, Airdrie, AB T4B 3C3)
Date/Time: Monday, July 1, 2024 from 8:00am - 10:00am
For residents north of Calgary, enjoy a free pancake breakfast in Airdrie, prior to the start of the annual parade at 10:00am at the Airdrie City Hall.
If you're planning to make your own pancakes at home, consider checking out Easy Peasy for healthy and delicious pancakes from a Canadian small business. You can even use cookie cutters to create Canadian-themed shapes to add a festive touch to your Canada Day breakfast!
6) Dine Outdoors at Food Trucks, Picnics and BBQs
After your pancake breakfast, there will be plenty of opportunities to indulge in more eating throughout the day. Enjoying good food outdoors with family, friends and neighbours is a perfect way to celebrate Canada Day. Whether it's firing up the grill, indulging in treats from food trucks, or sharing homemade dishes, the festive atmosphere brings everyone together in the spirit of camaraderie and national pride.
Here is a gourmet food truck idea to consider for Canada Day 2024:
Parksville Canada Day Food Truck Festival (193 Island Hwy E, Parksville, BC V9P 2H5, Parksville is on East Coast of Vancouver Island, 150 km north of Victoria and 40 km north of Nanaimo).
Date/Time: Monday, July 1, 2024 starting at 11:00am
Foodies you are in luck, the Parksville Canada Day Food Truck Festival features some of the region's most popular food trucks. The food trucks will be open from until early evening near the sports fields in Parksville Community Park. Delicious options include The Pepper Pot, Van Isle Poutinerie, Catalina Chocolate Company, JP’Eats Firehouse Kitchen & Grill Ltd., Ala Cart Hotdogs, and many more.
7) Check out Local Festivals
Local festivals are a fantastic way to celebrate Canada Day because they offer accessible, community-driven events that are often free, and bring people together to enjoy the diverse culture and heritage of Canada. These festivals provide a wide range of activities, entertainment, and educational opportunities, making them enjoyable for all ages.
For a few Canada Day festivities, see below:
Collingwood Festival for Canada (located in downtown Collingwood, ON)
Date/Time: Friday June 28, 2024 - Monday, July 1, 2024
The Collingwood Festival for Canada offers four days of festivities and fun from June 28 to July 1, 2024. There are so many options, but certainly the Canada Day Music Stomp, Lego creative club kids zone, citizenship reaffirmation ceremony & gigantic Canada Day birthday cake (courtesy of Loblaw) and annual rubber duck race caught our attention!
Celebrate Canada Day - Kelowna (multiple locations across lakefront and Cultural District in Kelowna, BC)
Date/Time: Monday, July 1, 2024 from 11:00am - 10:30pm
This free festival is taking place in downtown Kelowna’s waterfront parks, as well as at Prospera Place Arena (1223 Water St, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9V1) to celebrate our country’s birthday. The Canada Day celebrations bring over 60,000 people to downtown Kelowna annually with more than 50 family-friendly activities and performances taking place throughout the day.
8) Celebrate Canada Day with Sports Fans
Inaugural Canada Day at Princess Auto Stadium (315 Chancellor Matheson Rd, Winnipeg, MB R3T 1Z2
Date/Time: Monday, July 1, 2024 from 12:00pm - 7:00pm
Fans of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers football team won’t want to miss their first free Canada Day party. The Winnipeg Football Club is partnering with Princess Auto to host a Canada Day celebration. Attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for Manitoba Harvest. There will be live music from local bands, food trucks, Indigenous market, and inflatables for the family.
O’Canada Blue Jays Game (1 Blue Jays Way, Toronto, ON M5V 1J1)
Date/Time: Monday, July 1, 2024 at 3:07pm
Celebrate Canada Day at the Rogers Centre cheering on the Blue Jays who will be sporting red uniforms. This year's festivities honour the centennial of the Royal Canadian Air Force with 225 members of the Air Force presenting the iconic Canadian flag on the field. Baseball fans are encouraged to arrive early to take part in our pregame with different games and activities. The first 15,000 fans will receive a Blue Jays Canadian Tuxedo Hat giveaway, and everyone can enjoy pre and in-game performances from the Air Force band, activities, and Canadian-inspired food.
9) Volunteer at a Community Event
Many (if not most) Canada Day community events are urgently seeking volunteers to help make their festivities a success. Teens looking to build their volunteer hours and resumes this summer will find these events to be fun and rewarding, and a great opportunity to meet interesting people.
10) Enjoy Spectacular Fireworks Displays
A quintessential way to celebrate Canada Day is with fireworks. Enjoy spectacular fireworks shows that light up the night sky. Many communities organize fireworks which is a great opportunity for students to learn about the art, science and math behind pyrotechnics.
While there are no shortage of fireworks events from coast to coast, here are a few exciting events taking place:
Niagara Falls Summer Fireworks Series (Niagara Falls, Ontario)
Date/Time: Friday, May 17 – Monday, October 14, 2024 at 10:00pm each night, 5 minutes duration. Extended holiday displays are scheduled for July 1 and 4, 2024
This is a free opportunity taking place throughout the summer, but will certainly be a special treat on Canada Day. The fireworks displays can be viewed from multiple locations across the city of Niagara Falls (close to the city of St. Catherines). These include outdoor spaces in Niagara Parks, high above landmarks such as the Skylon Tower (5200 Robinson St, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 2A2) and Niagara SkyWheel (4960 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3N4), aboard the Falls Fireworks Cruise with Niagara City Cruises, and indoors at the many hotels and restaurants with views of the Falls.
Canada Day Fireworks in Calgary’s Stampede Park (650 25 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 4K8)
Date/Time: Monday, July 1, 2024 at 11:00pm
Take part in the longstanding tradition of Canada Day fireworks as they are launched from Stampede Park!
Halifax KANA’TA: Canada Day (across the Halifax, NS waterfront)
Date/Time: Monday, July 1, 2024
Mawio'mi on the Halifax Waterfront from 11:30am - 11:00pm
Canada Day Fireworks start at 10:30pm
This event is in close collaboration with Indigenous communities. KANA’TA: Canada Day 2024 honours the traditions of the Mi’kmaw Nation and celebrates pan-Indigenous communities that call the municipality home. KANA’TA: Canada Day 2024 programming will include the Mawio’mi on the Halifax Waterfront and a multi-stage experience on the Halifax Waterfront featuring multiple genres of music and fireworks show.
We would be remiss not to mention that fans of fireworks near Vancouver should keep an eye out for the Honda Celebration of Light fireworks competition later in July.
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We hope that our educational suggestions will contribute to a memorable Canada Day enriched with cultural activities and community camaraderie. Whether you decide to enjoy Canadian concerts featuring local artists, engage in lively festivals celebrating Canadian heritage, kick off the day with festive pancake breakfasts, join parades, or proudly wear red and white, there are many options for everyone to celebrate. As always, if your family needs support with in-person or online summer tutoring to help meet your child’s academic goals, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
