With its colossal expanses of land, charming wildlife, rich culture and ease of travel to and from, Canada has been a land of intrigue and adoration for many centuries for travelers the world over. On July 1, Canadians are set to celebrate 150 years of independence, and with plenty of activity nationwide for families to enjoy. From Ottawa to Lake Louise, traveling families have a multitude of choices to enjoy in the coming months across the 10 provinces.
Charlottetown served as the birthplace of the confederation and can always be counted on for a massive Canada Day celebration. A concert to showcase all genres from jazz to rock is scheduled for 10 hours of Prince Edward Island’s finest musical talents. Other events include a trans-Atlantic 150th Celebration Regatta at the city harbor, where visitors may hop aboard over 40 different classic seafaring vessels. Alongside a roaring 21 gun salute, a gargantuan birthday cake, and other offbeat sights, Charlottetown showcases Canada Day at its finest. Further information can be found on Charlottetown’s official website. View our Charlottetown big family hotels.
The celebration wouldn’t be proper if it wasn’t present in the capital, and Ottawa has plenty planned for independence day. On Canada Day, a scheduled flyover by the Snowbirds, Canada’s air demonstration squad, is to take place over Parliament Hill, along with a giant block party and many free concerts; much of the free events are to take place at the newly constructed cultural village on York Street. Fireworks, parades and plenty more are to be expected as well, offering plenty in-between to satisfy the whole family. Further details can be found on Ottawa’s official event website. Find a big family Ottawa hotel.
Vancouver is often said to have the largest Canada Day celebration outside of Ottawa, and 2017 is shaping up to be no exception. Regular events are scheduled to happen city-wide ranging from fireworks and parades to street performances, free concerts and even the inductions of new citizens. New to this year is scheduled an 11-day festival for First Nations or the native peoples of Canada. Boasting both traditional and contemporary events, the festival is sure to highlight a lesser-seen side of Canadian culture. Further details on Canada Day and year-round events can be found at Vancouver’s tourism site. Search our listings of big family Vancouver hotels.
For those looking to have a more scenic family getaway, Canada has plenty of choices to offer visitors. In celebration of Canada’s sesquicentennial, Parks Canada is opening the doors on all of its national parks and heritage sites for free across the entirety of the year. From the Fortress of Louisbourg to Gros Morne National Park, all entry is free of charge for travelers far and wide. Between 47 unique parks and 168 different historical sights, possibilities are endless for traveling families to find varied different adventures. More details can be found in both English and French on Parks Canada’s website.
Whether your family is looking for a grand-scale celebration to take part in or a quieter trip up north, plenty is on the plate to help celebrate Canada’s 150th year of independence. Families are encouraged to join in any and all fun to be found nationwide, with plenty to be found in all corners of the country.
