Canada Day

What is Canada Day all about? Well, Canada Day is an official holiday where Canadians of all different backgrounds and cultures celebrate with carnivals, parades and concerts. The most important part of the day is celebrating what it means to be a Canadian. Folks from across the country connect with family and friends to enjoy everything that Canada has to offer. Whether you’re painting your face with the colours of the Canadian flag, dressing up in red and white, honouring Indigenous culture, admiring the stunning natural beauty around you, enjoying the festivities, eating cake, or even just sitting back and sipping on a Canadian beer or wine, you're bound to have a wonderful Canadian day.

HAPPY CANADA DAY EH!

The History of Canada Day

On July 1st, 1867, the British North American Act (now known as the Constitution Act) united Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the Province of Canada into a single county. This union gave Canada a lot of independence and was a crucial stepping stone for Canada to achieve full independence from the United Kingdom. The year 1965 marked the substitution of the Union Jack with Canada's present flag - the red, white and maple leaf. Canada Day became an official holiday in 1982 when Pierre Trudeau repatriated the Canadian Constitution.

2023 Canada day

Nelson BC

On July 1st, the Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce has organized a free family friendly fun day to commemorate Canada Day in Nelson BC.

There will be activities and Canada Day Indigenous events held over the course of the day at the Rotary Lakeside Park. Beginning at 10:30am, the Opening Ceremonies with local dignitaries will celebrate our diversity, culture, inclusiveness, and working together for reconciliation.

BRING ALONG YOUR DRUMS!

Cree Metis Elder, Donna Wright, will lead a community drum circle where all are invited to join. This will be held on July 1st at 10:45am at Lakeside Park. All ages and drums are welcome. If you don't have a drum, you can still participate.

Don't miss out on the giant Canada Day birthday cake that will be served and shared at 11am by Chamber Directors and local dignitaries. The entertainment will follow until 9:45pm.

Click the button below for a detailed view of the July 1st schedule.

Schedule

If you're looking for something to do on Canada Day in Nelson BC, in between events, then download the Kootenay Lake Road Trip App and experience the Nelson Mural Tour. Our fun and informative self-guided audio tour will guide you through 50 of the best murals in Nelson. These incredible artworks have been crafted for Nelson Mural Festival and many have been painted by indigenous artists.

East Shore

Another opportunity to celebrate Canada Day in BC is by heading to the East Shore of Kootenay Lake for July 1st, make sure to visit Crawford Bay Park at 11am. Everyone will be gathering to sing 'O CANADA' by the flags in the park. There will be fun games, prizes and tasty food! Make sure you check the Kootenay Lake Ferry Schedule before heading to the ferry terminal.

Find out more about the event here.