Where to celebrate Canada Day in northwestern Ontario
Communities across the region have events planned
Looking for something to do on Canada Day? Good news. There's a lot going on not just in Thunder Bay, but across northwestern Ontario on Tuesday, July 1.
Thunder Bay
The City of Thunder Bay's official Canada Day celebration runs from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Marina Park.
And while the free event does not feature any fireworks this year, it will include food vendors, cultural dance groups, outdoor games, an artisan market and exhibits and activities.
The main stage will see performances by Luke Warm and the Cold Ones, the Sensational Hot Rods and Urban Hip.
The day will also feature a visit by the historic St. Lawrence II tall ship, which will be docked at Pier 3 and offering deck tours from 3-6 p.m.
Shuttles to the Marina will run from the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium starting at 2:30 p.m.
A sunrise ceremony will also take place at the marina's Taiji Park on Tuesday at 6 a.m.
For more information, visit the Canada Day on the Waterfront web page.
And if you'd prefer to spend Canada Day by the pool or on the beach, that's an option, too: all of Thunder Bay's outdoor pools and beaches are now open for the season.
The city isn't the only one hosting a Canada Day celebration in Thunder Bay, however.
Fort William Historical Park will be running its own Canada Day celebration from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The day will include tours of the park, chances to paddle canoes, throw axes, and fire muskets. There will also be artisan demonstrations and live performances. Admission is free.
Elsewhere, Thunder Bay Metre Eaters will be holding a Canada Day trail run at Trowbridge starting at 10:15 a.m.
The Thunder Bay Border Cats will be in action at Port Arthur Stadium, hosting the Waterloo Bucks at 1:35 p.m.
In addition to the ball game, the afternoon will also include a pre-game concert featuring the Sensational Hot Rods, and a jersey auction in support of Special Olympics.
Just outside the city, the Oliver Agricultural Society is hosting the Canada Day Show and Shine at the Murillo Fairgrounds. The free event starts at 3 p.m., and will feature a display of cars, trucks, transport trucks, and motorcycles.
Celebrations at Neebing's Outdoor Pavilion on Blake Hall Road get going at 11:30 a.m., with live music, face painting, family games and a BBQ lunch.
Kenora
Kenora's Canada Day celebrations are scheduled to take place at the Kenora Harbourfront.
A free family fun zone runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will include bouncy castles, face painting, a kids craft table, photo booth, live music, and a community dunk tank fundraiser.
At noon, the official Canada Day ceremonies will take place, and fireworks will light up the sky at 10:45 p.m.
Red Lake
Red Lake will be starting its Canada Day festival at 11 a.m. The free event includes vendors and activities, and is taking place at Phillip Thomas Vinet Centennial Park.
Fort Frances
A number of events are scheduled for Canada Day in Fort Frances, including a parade, bathtub races and fireworks. A full list is available on on the town's website.
Red Rock
Red Rock's Canada Day events include a brunch at the Red Rock Legion, a parade, waterfront scavenger hunt, chipping contest, best cake competition, campfire sing along, fun run and fireworks. More information can be found on the Township of Red Rock's Facebook page.
Marathon
A full day of Canada Day activities is planned for Marathon's Penn Lake Park. The holiday celebrations will kick off on June 30 with a performance by Whiskey Sin and a fireworks display.
Canada Day itself will include food vendors, bouncy castles, and other activities, running from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Greenstone
Nakina is running a number of events around Canada Day this year.
Leading up to the holiday, there's a house decorating contest, community bingo, a performance by Mike Lynch at the Nakina Legion on June 29, and a corn hole tournament and Kids Rocks N Rings Bonspiel on June 30.
On Canada Day itself, Nakina will host a parade, a chili cook off, and a watermelon eating contest, and various other activities.
Details can be found on the Nakina Canada Day page on Facebook.
Geraldton, meanwhile, is also holding a Canada Day parade, followed by family activities at the Geraldton Arena (those include bouncy castles, a dunk tank, and face painting).
Canada Day on the lake
And if you'd prefer to spend Canada Day away from the crowds, perhaps with a rod and reel on the lake, there is good news: the province is offering Canadian residents the chance to fish for free from June 28 to July 6.
While people are still required to carry identification showing their name and birthdate, no fishing licence is required during the free fishing period.
Anglers must adhere to all conservation catch and size limits, and other fishing regulations.