The Port of Vancouver has announced the line up of entertainment and activities for its second annual Canada Together – one of the largest July 1 celebrations outside of Ottawa – bringing Metro Vancouver residents and visitors together at Canada Place on July 1 (11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) with a diverse lineup of entertainment and activities and the return of the annual citizenship ceremony welcoming new Canadians.
Planned with representatives from the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, Canada Together will feature a busy roster of daytime festivities, great food, family fun, and performances across multiple outdoor stages. At 11:00 a.m., all zones and exhibits, including the main stage, will open with fun entertainment and activities for guests of all ages. The landmark waterfront venue covers five city blocks, including outdoor spaces at Canada Place, Jack Poole Plaza and surrounding city streets.
The day begins at 9:30am with a citizenship ceremony at the North Point of Canada Place. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada will host a citizenship ceremony where 30 new citizens will be welcomed into the Canadian family.
Indigenous blessings and welcomes will kick off the entertainment at each stage which includes;
• Performances: including headliners Tegan and Sara, The Fugitives, Pat Chessell, and Murray Porter.
• Kids’ Zone presented by CN, @ Jack Poole Plaza: Family-friendly kids’ entertainers and activities, including the Rock N’ Beau Dance Party, the annual mascot dance-off, and performances from Mom Bop, Vancouver Performing Stars, and more.
• North Point Stage @ the North Point of Canada Place: performances by local emerging artists including Missy D, Tayos, Michaela Slinger, and 24 Strings
• Indigenous displays: Admire traditional weaving and carving displays by local artists from the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh nations;
• Food trucks: Experience the tastes of Canada with a variety of food trucks along Canada Place between Howe and Thurlow
The theme of the event will be “Weaving together the fabric of a nation,” which honours Canada’s diversity and marks the day as one for gathering, celebrating, learning and sharing. Weaving is a common activity across many cultures and is a metaphor for the way the beauty, strength, and wisdom from the past can combine through multiple perspectives to create something meaningful for today and tomorrow.
“We are thrilled to welcome everyone back to Canada Place this July 1—our reimagined event was incredibly well received last year, and we’ve worked to make it even better this year,” said Gillian Behnke, manager, community relations and events at the port authority. “Canada Together is an exciting opportunity for all Canadians to come together and celebrate our country’s rich and diverse cultures and histories.”
Organizers remind visitors that all programming takes place outdoors and to be prepared for the elements. Attendees are also encouraged to take public transportation to the event which is located in downtown Vancouver near several bus routes and the Waterfront and Burrard SkyTrain stations.
Canada Together runs 11am to 6pm Saturday July 1, 2023 with entertainment and activities free to attend. Visit canadaplace.ca/events/canada-together for the day’s full schedule and artist information.
Take note that the event does not include an evening fireworks performance.