Happy Canada Day! Celebrating Canada Day is taking on a very different format in this COVID era of physical distancing and group gathering restrictions.
Most of the annual celebrations have moved online for the health and safety of citizens. Here’s a look at a few of the local celebrations that you can tune into for a bit of flag waving.
But first, stand, remove your hat and sing along to Surrey City Orchestra’s virtual rendition of O Canada.
PNE Canada Day: Drive Thru for a Taste of the PNE to sample a line-up of your favourite fair foods, then take part in a reverse vehicle parade through the Pacific Coliseum and the PNE Grounds.
Canada Day House Party: Supporting Canadian Mental Health Association, the musical event features Sam Roberts Band, Gord Sinclair of The Tragically Hip, Dear Rouge, Dean Brody, The Trews, Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine and more online from 3-9pm.
Canada Day At Canada Place: The 33rd annual event has been cancelled but the West will be represented by Sarah McLachlan during the national celebrations. Tune in to the evening show at 5:00 p.m. PST on the Canadian Heritage Facebook and YouTube pages. Check out the Canada Day Virtual Celebration Kit to get into the spirit.
Surrey Canada Day: Usually one of Metro Vancouver’s largest celebrations, the virtual Surrey Canada Day will feature a Family Hour from 10:30 to 11:30am then the main show from 6:00 to 9:00pm featuring Colin James, Alex Cuba, Daniel Wesley, Bif Naked and more.
Canada Day at Home in Richmond: Opening the day with the Mayor’s address, and a Musqueum welcome, then a virtual Home Parade for residents to show off their spirit, before joining the national celebrations, and wrapping up with a Richmond 7pm O Canada sing along.
North Shore Virtual Canada Day: An online musical celebration featuring Melanie Dekker, Adam Woodall, The Benders, and more from 1pm to 2:30pm on Facebook Live.
There are many more online celebrations taking place online all across the country, so wherever you tune in you’re sure to find Canada Day entertainment, then tune in for the Virtual Fireworks at the day’s end.