Best Canada Day Parades in Western Canada

Canada Day marks the anniversary of the country’s independence in 1867, and is celebrated nationwide with outdoor activities, barbecues, live shows, fireworks and parades. This July 1st, Canada turns 150 years old, and in celebration, cities around the country are planning to go above and beyond the usual festivities.
Canada Day parades are not to be missed, and are an amazing family-friendly opportunity for visitors and locals to congregate and show their appreciation for local businesses, members of the RCMP, and other entertainers and organizations. The following parades and celebrations showcase some of Canada’s most vibrant traditions and people, and are set against stunning mountain backdrops that are bound to take your breath away.
 

Harrison, BC

Harrison Country Club Photo

Canada’s 150th Birthday will be hosted in The Village of Harrison Hot Springs, BC, and is free for anyone to attend. The town attracts visitors from all over the world for its famous hot springs, and Canada Day celebrations bring everyone together. The day’s schedule includes something for the whole family, and features a pancake breakfast, official ceremony, fireworks, and pet parade (perfect for adorable photo ops) in addition to the interactive community parade. Taking place at Esplanade Avenue, the day begins at 8:30am and lasts late into the night.
 

Whistler, BC

Tourism Whistler Photo

Canada Day in Whistler, BC is the main celebration among the many events available to the public throughout the week. Located atop Whistler Mountain only a short distance from Vancouver, visitors can take a break from hiking and mountain biking to soak in the sun and mingle with residents. Grab your red plaid shirts and Canadian flags and join the crowds on the mountain to enjoy free concerts, craft booths, street entertainment, Canada Day cake and a lively parade through Whistler Village.
 

Osoyoos, BC

Osoyoos Times Photo

Osoyoos, BC is proud to host the nation’s second largest fireworks display every July 1st. This year, the town’s activities and events are supercharged during the annual Cherry Fiesta on Canada’s 150th Birthday. Residents and visitors to the Okanagan are welcome to a pancake breakfast, water fight, beer garden, food vendors and live entertainment. In addition to the celebrated parade, the Cherry Fiesta is also famous for their hilarious cherry pie eating contest.
 

Parksville, BC

Parksville Qualicum Beach News Photo

Parksville, BC is located on Vancouver Island, and is just a short drive away from the sunny southern town of Nanaimo. While the town is best known for its beaches and sandcastle building competitions, Parksville is also home to one of the largest Canada Day celebrations on the island. Festivities include a pancake breakfast, official ceremony, entertainment, fireworks, and parade. The addition of food trucks, children’s rides and artisan booths make the event a popular spot for anyone looking for an action-packed day.
 

Jasper, AB

T. Nichols Photo

Jasper, AB, located in the Canadian Rockies north of Banff, is well known for its ski resorts, gorgeous surrounding lakes, and route along the Icefields Parkway. A quintessential Canadian getaway, visitors to Jasper can fully experience the country’s charm on Canada Day. The parade, beginning at 1:00pm at the Jasper Activity Centre, is one of the event’s main attractions, and follows a traditional pancake breakfast at Centennial Park. For late risers, the town also features live music, fireworks, and a beer garden throughout the evening.
 

Canmore, AB

Canoe Photo

Canmore, AB provides spectacular mountain views and stunning greenery for all visitors. In the summer, those attracted to the town’s wildlife, hiking, mountain biking and paved trails, can also enjoy a fun-filled Canada Day celebration during the July 1st weekend. For this year’s 150th birthday, there are plenty of opportunities to engage with the community, including a pancake breakfast, party in the park, Mountain Made Market, fun run, fireworks and parade. Spend the day celebrating Canada while surrounded by Alberta’s Rockies and thousands of friendly faces.
 

Banff, AB

Orange Girl Photo

After a morning of adventure on the mountain, break out the red and white, gather family and friends, and head out to the Banff Canada Day celebration. Taking place in Banff, AB, this Canada Day 150 Birthday features interactive children’s games, a magic show, and showcases dance performances. In addition to their Banff Artisan and Farmers Market and live bands, Banff’s famous parade begins 11:30am and runs along Banff Avenue downtown. End the day with a breathtaking fireworks display framed by a nighttime view of the Bow river and Tunnel Mountain.