Here's how B.C. communities are celebrating Canada Day in 2025
Events will be held across the province on Tuesday, the 158th anniversary of Canada’s founding
Communities across B.C. are planning a host of events to mark the 158th anniversary of Canada's founding on Tuesday, July 1.
Here is a quick roundup of some free celebrations happening throughout the province on Canada Day in 2025.
Metro Vancouver
Vancouver's celebration at Canada Place bills itself as the largest event on the day outside Ottawa, and the city says it is planned collaboratively with the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations.
The celebrations will be at the waterfront from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, with a number of other events throughout the city such as on Granville Island.
While there won't be fireworks within the City of Vancouver itself, people in Metro Vancouver can head to Surrey's Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre, Coquitlam's Town Centre Park and Burnaby's street festival on Central Boulevard at night to get their fireworks fix.
Another popular family event in the region is the Steveston Salmon Festival, celebrating its 78th anniversary this year in Richmond.
Vancouver Island
Victoria's annual Canada Day celebration, featuring a number of musical acts starting at 11 a.m., will conclude with fireworks over the Inner Harbour near the B.C. Legislature at 10:20 p.m.
Celebrations are also being held at Nanaimo's Maffeo Sutton Park, Langford's Starlight Stadium, and a large fireworks display is also being held in Campbell River at Robert Oster Park.
B.C. Interior
Kelowna is one of the cities that'll be celebrating Canada Day with a fireworks display, which is scheduled for 10 p.m. PT at Waterfront Park.
A number of activities are centred around the city's waterfront from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., with extended bus service after the fireworks end.
Kamloops is also ending Tuesday with a fireworks display, which residents are encouraged to watch from the Rivers Trail in Riverside Park around 10 p.m.
However, the City of Vernon's celebrations at Polson Park won't include fireworks or the drone show that took its place last year — though the event promises a number of performers starting at 11 a.m.
Northern B.C.
The City of Prince George is offering free shuttle service to its Canada Day event at Lheidli T'enneh Memorial Park between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Tuesday.
Around 20,000 people are expected to attend, according to the city, which says there will be a series of live performances, food stands celebrating different cultures, and a vendors' market and kids' zone.
Fort St. John's Canada Day festivities are headlined by a parade at 11 a.m. local time down 100 Street, as well as events in Centennial Park.
Free transit being offered
B.C. Transit says there will be free transit on local routes or shuttles in Campbell River, Kamloops, Penticton, Powell River, Nanaimo, Squamish and Whistler.
Regular fares will remain in Kelowna, Prince George, Salt Spring Island, the Sunshine Coast and Victoria.
Meanwhile, in Metro Vancouver, TransLink says holiday fares will be in effect, and trains and buses will run on a modified schedule.
Those needing to use B.C. Ferries this weekend are advised to book ahead when possible and choose non-peak times, with the ferry authority providing a graphic of peak travel periods for the long weekend based on past years.
The graphic shows that travel to Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast from Metro Vancouver is busy from Thursday to Saturday, while travel in the opposite direction is busiest on Monday and Tuesday.
