It’s Canada’s birthday, and The Peg is commemorating the country’s 151st year by throwing a lot of parties. Here’s our top 10 Canada day events happening throughout the city (although, we do suggest you try party hopping and hit them all).
1. Osborne Village Canada Day Street Celebration
In “true patriot love” fashion, this charming neighborhood is celebrating Canada over a huge two-day event. Over 70,000 people are expected to attend the weekend extravaganza, so be prepared to walk through packed crowds of people dancing on the street to Main Stage performances— or better yet, join them. The programming this year is co-produced by Winnipeg’s own Village Idiots, and they’ve created a great lineup with a drag show, fashion show, and artists like Holly Davidson and Disraeli Dreamers. To keep your energy levels up for partying all day, check out the awesome food & drink vendors that will be spread throughout The Village. This festival is a hit every year, and it only gets better with time— just like Canada.
2. Immerse yourself in Nature
Take in some fresh Canadian air as you explore two of the city’s best nature oases.
Sing the anthem, taste some red and white iced cake, and get your face painted to show your Canadian pride at Oak Hammock Marsh. Listen to storyteller Allan Webb as you navigate the marsh on a horse-drawn wagon, and go on a canoe adventure!
Enjoy all that Canada’s environment has to offer by adventuring through FortWhyte Alive. Giant lawn games like Yahtzee, Jenga, and ladder ball will be set up for the whole family to enjoy. There will also be hands-on activities, such as dipnetting, critter bingo and hanging out with sod house pioneers.
3. Canada Day at The Forks
The Forks is a go-to spot year-round, and Canada Day is no exception. There will be family-friendly activities, as well as live performances, food trucks, and entertainment aplenty. This year’s stellar Festival Stage lineup includes Quinton Blair and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, while The Forks Market outdoor stage will showcase local talent, from hip hop artist Malcolm-Jay to the cool, alternative melodies of Sc Mira. Make sure you stick around until 11 pm to view a fireworks display so grand that you can see them from the other end of the city!
4. Canada Day at Assiniboine Park
Assiniboine Park is another classic Canada Day experience for Winnipeggers. Lively performances include Al Simmons, Drum Café (African drumming and dancing), and a Latin Fusion band that’s always incredibly energetic. The Pavilion pop-up patio will be open, offering gorgeous views and dishes that are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. The kids can burn off some Canada Day energy at the bouncy castles, watch a citizenship ceremony, and get their faces painted. Please note that the park will not have a fireworks show this year, but their fun-filled programming definitely makes up for it.
5. Celebrate Canada at St. Norbert Farmers' Market
St. Norbert Farmers' Market will open its canopy for a special Canada Day Market. They have the day planned full of fun performances and activities like hanging out with farm animals, a bouncy house, and blowing bubbles. End your evening under the prairie sky and watch the fireworks display.
6. Prairie Dog Central Canada Day Celebration
Hop aboard Canada's oldest operating steam locomotive and listen to the sweet tunes of the Audayo Brothers as you journey through the prairies. Take a stroll through Heritage Village on your stopover and enjoy a home packed lunch or indulge in the treats made fresh by the vendors. After your trip, have a slice of celebratory cake at Inkster Junction Station!
7. The Mint
The Mint has some pretty mint plans to celebrate our country this year. There will be a free Canada Day-themed hammer strike while supplies last, so make sure you get in early! Children’s activities will be set up, as well as self-guided tours of the building. After you’ve toured The Mint, treat yourself to one of Winnipeg’s favorite sweet eats, ice cream from the BDI food truck (hopefully they’ll have mint flavored ice cream).
8. Canada Day Weekend Casinos of Winnipeg
Try your luck throughout Canada Day weekend at the Casinos of Winnipeg. They’re offering special promotions like double the points, double bingo, and a mysterious giveaway.
9. Transcona Canada Day Family Festival
Start your festivities in the most Canadian way possible- by dousing your pancakes in syrup at the pancake breakfast hosted by Transcona Legion. The family festival also offers a free kids entertainment zone with face painters, magicians, and a caricature artist. Face off against family and friends in jumbo versions of your favorite board games like Connect Four and Jenga. There will also be dance and music performances until 5 pm.
10. A Day at the Museum
Winnipeg's museums are dedicated to celebrating Canadian history- so they’re probably some of the best places to be on a day wholly dedicated to celebrating Canada!
To celebrate Canada’s 151st year of (official) existence, The Manitoba Museum will be revealing a new planetarium show. Plus, if your kids are clad in red and white they’ll get in free. It’s a win-win all around.
The kids are bound to have a blast after playing a few rounds of Canadian “I Spy” and creating Canadianized stickers at the Children's Museum. Meanwhile, all ages can explore the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and all it has to offer, especially the new and awe-inspiring temporary exhibition, Mandela: Struggle for Freedom.
