Canada Day is Canada’s birthday! Canada was established as a self governing country in 1867 making Canada 143 years old next week on July 1st 2010.

There will be lots going on across the country – here is what will be happening in Banff (hosted by Parks Canada):

- 9:00am – 10:30am. Pancake breakfast at the Parks Administration Building, 101 Mountain Avenue.

- 12:00 – 5:00pm. The celebrations including live entertainment will continue at Central Park.

- 5:00pm Canada Day Parade

- 6:30pm – 11:00pm. More live entertainment and fun to be had at Central Park. Fireworks finale at 11:00pm.

With Banff National Park also celebrating it’s 125th anniversary, this Canada Day in Banff is set to be a really awesome day for all.

- Entry into Banff National Park is free on July 1st!

- Banff weather forecast is predicting sunny skies and temperatures close to 30°C (86°F).

- More information can be found on Parks Canada’s website: www.parkscanada.gc.ca

9 – 11 a.m.
Parks Canada Pancake Breakfast
Parks Canada Admin Grounds
$3 per person

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sidewalk Art
Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Community Art Committee Sidewalk Art
Banff Town Hall

Noon
Central Park Activities Commence

5 – 6:15 p.m.
Banff Canada Day Parade
Banff Avenue

6:30 – 11 p.m.
Central Park Entertainment

11 p.m.
Banff Canada Day Fireworks
View from Central Park or Bow Avenue

Central Park Activities

• 12 noon Opening Ceremonies
• 12:30 p.m. The Hunt Family – Stoney First Nations Dance
• 1 p.m. Mountain Raks Belly Dancers
• 1:30 p.m. Alberta Zirka Ukrainian Performers
• 2 p.m. Steve Harmer’s Motivational Magic
• 2:30 p.m. Banff’s Stupid Pet Tricks
• 3 p.m. Parks Canada Mountain Wit Theatre
• 3:30 p.m. Banff Springs Hotel Filipino Dancers

• 6:30 p.m. Calgary Fiddlers
• 7:15 p.m. Keith Hitchner & Highwood – Country
• 8 p.m. Suds – Country/Rock
• 9 p.m. Suzie Q – High Energy Hits
• 10 p.m. Boneyard – Banff’s Local Rockers
• 11 p.m. Fireworks Finale

What to Bring:

• lawn chair(s) or blanket(s)
• sunscreen and hat
• an umbrella! – this event is “rain or shine”
• cash – no debit or credit cards will be accepted on site
• Share the spirit! Bring flags or wear shirts or hats sporting the maple leaf!

Banff’s ever-popular Canada Day Parade returns to the newly refreshed downtown area in 2008. It’s a highlight of a grand day of celebrations that includes an all-day festival and party in Central Park, and a thrilling fireworks display.

Canada Day in Banff begins at 9 a.m. with the annual Parks Canada Pancake Breakfast, in the tranquil surroundings of the Parks Administration grounds and gardens. At noon, the scene shifts to Central Park, where there will be live entertainment all day long: from Siksika First Nations Dance, to Parks Canada Mountain Wit Theatre, to the sounds of local legends performing on the Louis Trono Gazebo and Stampede stages.

And of course there will be food, t-shirts, sidewalk art, fun and games for the kids.

At 5 p.m., the Canada Day Parade takes over Banff Avenue, with colourful floats, marching bands, baton corps, and equestrian riders, winding up once again at Central Park. The party comes to a close at 11 p.m. with the traditional fireworks show.

It’s a great day for a visit to Banff. And remember: entry into Banff National Park is free on Canada Day… no admission fee at the Park gates!

Source: Town of Banff