It’s time to enjoy another looooong weekend and to celebrate Canada’s 147th birthday. Do you have plans for the weekend? Summers are short in Canada so picking somewhere to enjoy the weekend as well and the warm July weather goes hand in hand. There are celebrations going on all over the country but many Canadians are choosing to stay home to maximize on their time and minimize their costs.
If a trip abroad doesn’t fit your budget and you’re not the kind of person that can endure the 3 hour car ride to a cottage or cabin in the country, you may just want to see what’s going on in your local community. A home-made picnic and a quiet book near a local beach or park never looked so good right? You’ve heard it before you don’t have to spend big bucks to have a great time.
Canada boasts the most beautiful landscapes in and around its cities. Cities can offer exciting attractions, festivals, live music and more to any family on any budget. Catch the free Canada Day fireworks going on in most city centres. If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, take the family to Downsview Park for a free fireworks display on July 1st. Enjoy family activities at Colborne Lodge, Fort York, Mackenzie House, Scarborough Museum, Spadina Museum or Todmorden Mills. If you’d like to get out of the city, you won’t need to travel far to enjoy the sprawling countryside dotted with charming towns, farm markets and local flare. Approximately 40 minutes northwest of Toronto, the Albion Hills Conservation Area offers family-friendly entertainment on July 1st beginning at 4pm with free admission. Enjoy magic, hay rides, a petting zoo, pedal boat and canoe rentals and more, with fireworks at dusk.
If you live near Ottawa don’t miss the patriotic party on the lawns of Parliament Hill, Major’s Hill Park, Jacques Cartier Park and on the closed streets of downtown.
For the folks in Edmonton, there is something for everyone at the city of Edmonton’s Canada Day activities. From civilized afternoon tea, to the opportunity to rock out to local music, there is an event to meet almost every taste. You won’t want to miss the official lighting of the High Level Bridge with more than 55,000 twinkling lights to the sound of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, as the bulbs go on for the first time.
Whistler in beautiful British Columbia celebrates Canada Day and Independence Day with street entertainment, special events and free concerts.
In Fredericton, New Brunswick you can enjoy a day and evening of free entertainment in Officer’s Square. The Historic Garrison District offers free cultural entertainment every day in July and August.
Wherever you call home, if you are planning to stay home this Canada Day long weekend, be creative with your party planning. Talk to you neighbours about hosting a neighbourhood street party. Make it a pot luck affair and pool your funds to buy fireworks or fun outdoor games for the kids. Go online to see what free activities are happening around your area. There a lot so get online now.
Get in the spirit of things and plan for everything so you won’t have any surprises that can cost you. You can park your credit card for the weekend by the right kind of planning and budgeting. Don’t forget to proudly wear your red and white!
Happy Canada fellow Canadians!.
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