While Canada Day celebrations will still take place across the country on July 1, most of them will happen from home.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, large gatherings will not be permitted for the big day. However, a number of popular events have moved to an online format.
Back in April, the Port of Vancouver announced that it was cancelling the 2020 Canada Day at Canada Place celebration due to COVID-19.
Organizers stated that they decided it was in the best interests of the community to cancel the annual event. This year would have marked the 33rd Canada Day at Canada Place event at the Port of Vancouver, which is the largest Canada Day celebration outside of the nation’s capital.
Have a look at some ways to celebrate virtually this Canada Day.
Canada Day Daytime Show
"Celebrate our country's cultural diversity, sporting excellence, Indigenous culture and languages, and the resilience of front-line workers."
The daytime show, Canada Day Across the Country, offers you a virtual tour of the celebrations. With hosts Serena Ryder and Pierre-Yves Lord, discover talented artists from Sudbury, Montréal, Québec, Moncton, Winnipeg, Yellowknife and Calgary.
Organizers say that the celebrations will also include a nod to the 40th anniversary of the national anthem "O Canada" and that, "many surprises await you."
When: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. local time
Where: CBC and Online
Cost: Free
Canada Day Evening Show
The evening show, Canada Day Together, is a virtual and creative edition of Canada’s annual iconic celebration.
Hosted by Serena Ryder and Pierre-Yves Lord, the show features original artistic collaborations between performers from coast to coast to coast, including stops in Halifax, Toronto and Vancouver.
The night winds up with a montage of the best Canada Day fireworks from past years.
When: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. local time
Where: CBC and Online
Cost: Free
Canada Day Drumming Virtual Celebration
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Legacy 150 Celebrations Society is moving its nationwide celebration online July 1.
For the past three years, the event has been in 15 cities across 5 time zones with a 6-minute simultaneous drumming at 11:00 a.m. (PDT). This year, organizers reached out to more cities and are targeting 1000+ participants, first-come-first-served. Visit the event details page for participating cities.
When: July 1 at 11 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Hudson's Bay x Team Canada Present: The Canada Day Games
With the Tokyo Olympic Games postponed, Hudson’s Bay says it has teamed up with Team Canada athletes to celebrate our Canadian pride and the best of summer with the Canada Day Games. On July 1, Canadians are encouraged to wear their Team Canada Collection gear and participate in eight fun, lighthearted (but still competitive) outdoor events: Speed Sunscreening, the Burger Flip, Pairs Ice Cream Eating, Sprinkler Jump, Freestyle Strutting, Pool Noodle Javelin, Synchronized Celebrating, and Artistic Sparkler Dancing.Of the Team Canada athletes participating are:
- Antoine Valois-Fortier (Judo/Burger Flip)
- Christabel Nettey (Athletics/Sprinkler Jump)
- Heather Bansley (Beach Volleyball/Speed Sunscreening)
- Jennifer Abel (Diving/Artistic Sparkler Dancing)
- Justine Dufour-Lapointe (Freestyle Skiing/Pairs Ice Cream Eating)
- Khamica Bingham (Athletics/Freestyle Strutting)
- Sean McColl (Sport Climbing/Pool Noodle Javelin)
- Skylar Park (Taekwondo/Synchronized Celebrating)
When: July 1
Where: In your backyard
Cost: Free
Canada, let's get together!
Jump into the online activities and join us as we explore different facets of Canada with popular Canadian personalities such as Chef Ricardo, former football player Étienne Boulay and travel vlogger Gunnarolla.
There are also a number of activities you can join from home, such as a culinary challenge, a sporting challenge, and a digital treasure hunt.
When: July 1
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Canada Day House Party
The Canada Day House Party is a virtual concert that Canadians to enjoy from the comfort of their homes on July 1. The concert also raises money for the Canadian Mental Health Association. The lineup includes performances by Bonjay, Caveboy, Garcons, Dear Rouge, and Gord Sinclair of the Tragically Hip.
When: July 1 between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free; VIP package for $34.95
Abbotsford Canada Day Pet Parade
While all pets living in Abbotsford are welcome to join the Virtual Pet Parade, everyone can view the furry best pal show from home. Dogs, cats, snakes, cows, llamas, and any pet is welcome to enter. Participants must submit a 10 second submission of their beloved pet showing its Canadian pride. All submissions will be reviewed by Abbotsford's Parade Judges who will select a Pet Parade Winner and award prizes for Best Canadian Spirit!
When: July 1
Where: Online
Cost: Free
