How to Do Canada Day in Vancouver

Our hearts aren't the only thing glowing with patriot pride this Canada Day—Vancouver is ablaze with ways to honour our nation. Here are our picks for the best places to wave a flag (or paint one on your child's face) this Canada Day.

Go back in time at the Burnaby Village Museum. Besides blacksmith demonstrations, there will be live entertainment and RCMP officers in full regalia roaming around the 1920's village from 11 am until 4:30 pm.

Nothing says Canada like a day at Granville Island. Take in the parade before gorging on truly Canadian pancakes, and listen to live jazz in between. Good to know: pack swimsuits. If it's a hot one your kids can cool off in the squirt park. Good for: ages 3–12

For the City of Surrey, it's go red or go home. On July 1 they host Western Canada's biggest party, with free live music all day long at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre. Kids performers The Rockin' Robin Show and Jessie Farrell are sure to be hits, but don't miss Blue Rodeo, the last performance of the evening before the fireworks start at 10:15 pm. Good for: ages 5–12

It's a no-brainer that Canada Place is the place to be on Canada Day. Your kids will love the parade and full roster of live music. If you go, wear red and white and don't miss the Circus Show. Good to know: Download Port Metro Vancouver's free mobile app for event specifics. Good for: ages 2–12

Canada Place is also prime viewing for the Coast Capital Savings Canada Day Fireworks Show, a two-barge simultaneous display set to our favourite Canadian music. Buy a ticket for the bleachers at Canada Place, or head to another (free) spot to take in the action. One barge is positioned in Coal Harbour, the other is in Dundarave, so we recommend you try either the Stanley Park seawall (between the Vancouver Rowing Club and the 9 o'clock gun), the seawall in West Vancouver between Ambleside and Dundarave or watch from Lower Lonsdale in North Vancouver.

Because the city is hopping on Canada Day, you need to allow extra travel time. The Stanley Park seawall will be busy, so pack a picnic and arrive an hour early for a prime viewing spot. The West Vancouver seawall and Lower Lonsdale viewing spots are perfect for North Shore residents who don't want to brave the Lions Gate Bridge traffic. Good to know: tune your radio to Classic Rock 101 to hear the simulcast.