Communities across B.C. will be celebrating Canada Day with celebratory events. Here's a roundup of some of the notable ones.
Communities across British Columbia are gearing up for Canada Day 2025, marking the country's 158th anniversary. From live performances and parades to fireworks and cultural showcases, B.C. will be buzzing with energy on Tuesday, July 1. Here's how major regions in the province are planning to celebrate the national holiday.
Canada Day in Vancouver: Waterfront Festivities and More
Vancouver's Canada Day event at Canada Place is once again one of the biggest outside Ottawa. Organized in partnership with the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations, the celebration will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the downtown waterfront.
Festivities will also pop up throughout the city, including on Granville Island. However, fireworks lovers will need to look beyond Vancouver city limits. Head to Surrey’s Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre, Burnaby’s Central Boulevard, or Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park to catch dazzling nighttime displays.
In Richmond, the family-favourite Steveston Salmon Festival celebrates its 78th year with community spirit, entertainment, and activities.
Victoria and Vancouver Island Go Big With Fireworks and Live Music
Over on Vancouver Island, Victoria will kick off its annual Canada Day celebration at 11 a.m. with a lineup of musical acts and cultural programming. The event ends with a fireworks finale at 10:20 p.m. above the Inner Harbour, near the B.C. Legislature.
Nanaimo’s Maffeo Sutton Park and Langford’s Starlight Stadium are hosting daytime celebrations, while Campbell River will light up the sky with fireworks at Robert Oster Park.
The Canada Together festival on Canada Day in Vancouver, seen in 2023, bills itself as the largest celebration of the event outside Ottawa
Kelowna and Kamloops Keep the Canada Day Spirit Alive in the Interior
In the B.C. Interior, Kelowna's Canada Day will be full of fun from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., mainly along the waterfront. The highlight? A fireworks show is scheduled for 10 p.m. at Waterfront Park. The city will also offer extended bus service after the show.
Kamloops is also set for a lively celebration, concluding with fireworks at Riverside Park’s Rivers Trail around 10 p.m.
Vernon, however, is keeping it more low-key. The city’s event at Polson Park won’t feature fireworks or last year’s drone show. Still, attendees can enjoy performances starting at 11 a.m.
Northern B.C. Shows Strong Community Spirit on Canada Day
Prince George's will host its Canada Day festivities at Lheidli T'enneh Memorial Park from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The city expects around 20,000 attendees and will offer free shuttle service for convenience. Visitors can enjoy multicultural food, a kids’ zone, live shows, and a bustling vendor market.
Fort St. John is set to start its celebration with a parade down 100 Street at 11 a.m., followed by activities in Centennial Park.
Free Transit Options Make Celebrating Easier
To help people get around safely, B.C. Transit will offer free local transit or shuttle services in several cities, including Campbell River, Kamloops, Penticton, Powell River, Nanaimo, Squamish, and Whistler.
However, regular fares will still apply in Kelowna, Victoria, Salt Spring Island, Prince George's, and the Sunshine Coast.
Suppose you're planning to travel via B.C. Ferries, booking ahead is recommended. The ferry service has released a helpful guide based on historical trends, warning that the busiest times to leave Metro Vancouver are Thursday through Saturday, with return trips from Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast peaking on Monday and Tuesday.
Celebrate Canada Day 2025 in B.C. With Pride and Community Spirit
Canada Day in B.C. promises diverse, inclusive, and vibrant celebrations across every region. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly festival, live performances, cultural food, or fireworks, there's something happening near you. Join your local community and celebrate Canada’s 158th birthday in true B.C. style!
