Canada Day

What is Canada Day all about? Well, Canada Day is an official holiday where Canadians of all different backgrounds and cultures celebrate with carnivals, parades and concerts. The most important part of the day is celebrating what it means to be a Canadian. Folks from across the country connect with family and friends to enjoy everything that Canada has to offer. Whether you’re painting your face with the colours of the Canadian flag, dressing up in red and white, honouring Indigenous culture, admiring the stunning natural beauty around you, enjoying the festivities, eating cake, or even just sitting back and sipping on a Canadian beer or wine, you're bound to have a wonderful Canadian day.

HAPPY CANADA DAY EH!

The History of Canada Day

On July 1st, 1867, the British North American Act (now known as the Constitution Act) united Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the Province of Canada into a single county. This union gave Canada a lot of independence and was a crucial stepping stone for Canada to achieve full independence from the United Kingdom. The year 1965 marked the substitution of the Union Jack with Canada's present flag - the red, white and maple leaf. Canada Day became an official holiday in 1982 when Pierre Trudeau repatriated the Canadian Constitution.

2023 Canada day

More information on 2023 Canada Day celebrations in our region coming soon...

2022 Canada Day

Nelson

To commemorate Canada Day on July 1st, the Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce has organized a free family friendly fun day in Nelson.

There will be activities held over the course of the day at the Rotary Lakeside Park. Beginning at 10:30am, the Opening Ceremonies with local dignitaries will celebrate our diversity, culture, inclusiveness, and working together for reconciliation.

BRING ALONG YOUR DRUMS!

Indigenous Elder, Donna Wright, will lead a community drum circle where all are invited to join. This will be held on July 1st from 11:30 – 11:50am at Lakeside Park. All ages and drums are welcome. If you don't have a drum, you can still participate. This experience will be closed with a performance by members of Lalin Vocal Ensemble directed by Allison Girvan. The music will be thematically tied to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Don't miss out on the giant Canada Day birthday cake that will be served and shared at 11am by Chamber Directors and local dignitaries. The entertainment will follow until 9:45pm.

Click the button below for a detailed view of the July 1st schedule.

Schedule

East Shore

If you're heading to the East Shore for July 1st, make sure to visit Crawford Bay Park at 11am. Everyone will be gathering to sing 'O CANADA' by the flags in the park.

There will be tasty food (burgers, fries, pop, ice-cream and popcorn), a Parachute Brigade and live music. Many Bays Band and the Creston Band will be playing for two hours at the Fraser Pavilion.

Find out more about the event here.