Start Canada Day with a pancake breakfast and end it with a view of the fireworks to celebrate the country’s 157th year in the Tri-Cities.
The cities of Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam will be firing the pyrotechnics from Town Centre and Castle parks at around 10 p.m. while, in Port Moody, the Golden Spike Days will wrap up the last of its three-day party at Rocky Point Park.
Here’s a guide to what’s going on around the region on Monday, July 1:
Coquitlam
More than 30,000 visitors are expected to descend on Town Centre Park (1299 Pinetree Way) to mark the country’s birthday.
And the free annual gathering will start with a sage lighting and smudging by the Indigenous non-profit society Spirit of the Children, as part of the city’s commitment to reconciliation.
Afterwards, the day is filled with family-friendly activities and performances, as well as food and drinks along Eat Street.
Town Centre Park schedule
- 12 p.m. = opening ceremonies
- Main Stage
- 1:30 p.m. = Emilyn (pop, soul)
- Main Stage
- 2 p.m. = BollyFusion (Bollywood pop)
- Meadow Stage
- 2:30 p.m. = Eagle Ex Machina (alternative rock, fiddling)
- Main Stage
- 3 p.m. = Mike Battie (juggling)
- Meadow Stage
- 3:30 p.m. = Marlin Ramazzini (Latin, jazz)
- Main Stage
- 4 p.m. = Ginalina (acoustic folk)
- Main Stage
- 4:30 p.m. = Non Sweet (Japanese pop, dance)
- Main Stage
- 5:30 p.m. = Kunda Culture (West African drum, dance)
- Meadow Stage
- 6:30 p.m. = The Harpoonist (blue-based rock n roll)
- Main Stage
- 8:30 p.m. = The Boom Booms (reggae, Latin, funk)
- Main Stage
- 10 p.m. = fireworks
- over Lafarge Lake
Food and drink (outside alcohol is not allowed in a city park when a sanctioned event is taking place)
- Camion Cafe
- Cazba
- Dos Amigos
- Green Coast Coffee
- Indish Food Truck
- Just-In Time Smoke BBQ
- Kampong
- Old Country Pierogi
- Reel Mac & Cheese
- Roasted Revolution
- Rocky Point Ice Cream
- Tago Tigre
- Teriyaki Boys
- The Little Snowflake Factory
- Tochi Desserts
- Veg Out
Getting there
Take SkyTrain to the Lafarge Lake–Douglas station and walk 10 minutes to the festival site. For cyclists, a free bike valet service is along Trevor Wingrove Way. Vehicle parking is limited; however, Douglas College will have its lots open.
For details about event accessibility and First Nations resources — and to fill out a feedback survey by July 15 for a chance to win a $100 gift card from Coquitlam Centre — you can visit the .
Port Coquitlam
As in past years, the July 1 event begins at Lions Park (2300 Lions Way) with a free fishing derby for families.
However, this year, the Canada Day breakfast will be served up at Mabbett Hall in the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (2150 Wilson Ave.) from 9:30 to 11 a.m.; the cost is $5 (cash only) for two mini pancakes, two sausages and a drink.
There will also be free drop-in basketball and lacrosse in the facility.
But get your vehicle out by 1 p.m. as the parkade will close at that time.
The Tri-City News is a media sponsor for Port Coquitlam’s Canada Day festivities.
"The city’s event staff have organized an amazing lineup of entertainment and activities for Canada Day," said Coun. Paige Petriw, council’s designate on community experience, celebrations, events and inclusion, in a news release.
"We are excited to celebrate together and can't wait to see everyone come out and enjoy the festivities.”
Castle Park schedule
- 12 p.m. = opening ceremonies
- 12:20 to 7 p.m. = live entertainment
- 12:20 p.m. = Baron Band
- 1:45 p.m. = Michaela Slinger
- 2:45 and 6 p.m. = Whiskey Blind Country
- 4 p.m. = Wild Moccasin Dancers
- 4:45 p.m. = The Way Cool Band
- 12:20 to 8 p.m. = Canada Day market and family activities
- 7 to 10 p.m. = Tim Hicks (8:40 p.m.), Daniel Wesley and fireworks
Food and drink
- 4th PoCo Scouts BBQ
- Andale Mexican
- Kona Ice of Chilliwack
- Momjoy Foods
- Reel Mac & Cheese
- S for Skewer
- Salty’s Lobster Express
- Shameless Buns
- Sweet Tooth Creamery
- Assumption Youth — Popcorn and Cotton Candy
- International Flavours — Popsicles
- Boardwalk Brewing
- Nice Life Co.
- Taylight Brewing
- Tinhouse Brewing
Getting there
Walk, cycle, take transit or hop on the free round-trip shuttle to Castle Park, running every 30 minutes from noon to 11 p.m. from:
- Minnekhada Middle (1390 Laurier St.)
- James Park Elementary (1761 Westminster St.)
- eastern parking area of the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (on Kingsway Avenue)
- Kilmer Elementary (1575 Knappen St.)
- Pitt River Middle (2070 Tyner St.)
For details about event accessibility and road closures, you can visit the .
Port Moody
The 47th annual Golden Spike Days wraps up with a July 1 party at Rocky Point Park (2800-block of Murray Street).
From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the park will be filled with spike driving competitions, can can dancing shows and musical acts; however, there will be no fireworks to conclude the festival.
Visitors can also stop by the pop-up city hall for games, crafts, a chance to win prizes and a free cookie. Kids ages five to 12 can pick up an application form for a chance to be Mayor for a Day.
Gate admission is by donation.
Rocky Point Park schedule
- 11:20 a.m. = Tri-Cities Got Talent finals
- 1 p.m. = opening ceremonies
- 3:20 p.m. = Nearly Neil
- 4:20 p.m. = F45 Fitness
- 4:50 p.m. = Canadian-A
Food and drink (outside beverages and BBQs are not allowed on site)
- Baba’s House
- Coffee After Dark
- Cravings Kettle Corn
- Dos Amigos
- Gordo’s Concessions
- The Original Hurricane Potato
- Japado
- Kona Ice
- LD Foods
- Lemon Heaven
- Mahshiko Foods
- Monster Bagel
- Planted Love
- Rolled West Coast
- Taco Nori
- TNT Wraps
- Yellow Dog Brewing
- Twin Sails Brewing
- Rewind Beer Co.
- Brave Brewing
- Moody Ales & Co.
- Parkside Brewery
- Yellow Dog Spirits
Getting there
Take buses 181 or 182 to Rocky Point Park, or hop off the SkyTrain at Moody Centre station and walk 10 minutes to the park. For cyclists, a bike valet is at the main park entrance near the roundabout.
For visitors arriving by car, park at:
- Moody Elementary (2717 St. Johns St.)
- Moody Middle (130 Buller St.)
- Moody Centre station ($3 a day)
- Coquitlam Central station ($3 a day)
For details about event accessibility and volunteering, you can visit the .
