The Ultimate Canada Day Celebration Itinerary

Want to make this year's Canada Day the best ever? Here is the ultimate itinerary to have you celebrating from morning 'til night.

Begin your day with breakfast at the Thunder Bay Country Market. Open Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings throughout the summer, the market is definitely also open on Canada Day! Be sure to grab some locally-produced snacks for the afternoon while you’re here.

Once your bellies are full head out to Fort William Historical Park for their famous Canada Day celebrations. Ooh and ahh at the daytime fireworks and smoke show, paddle a birch bark canoe, fire a musket, participate in games and crafts, jump in bouncy castles, participate in science stations, farm activities and a scavenger hunt, and enjoy live music and entertainment as you explore one of Canada’s top attractions.

Head back to town and swing through Westfort to the West Thunder Community Centre. Here you and the family can enjoy more bouncy castles, an RC jet show, Zorba ball races, horse and pony rides, an antique car show, vendors, facepainting and entertainment from Daylin James and others.

Swing by Beerfest (noon-7 pm) at Sleeping Giant Brewing Company. It may be built on beer but this event is definitely family-friendly. Food is available from Localmotion and Barbecupid and the $20 VIP admission includes two beer tokens and a limited-edition tshirt (general admission is $5)

Now, make your way to the Waterfront District,

If you arrive before 2 pm, you will be in time to see the start of The Great Canadian Roller Ski Race. The race is scheduled to run from 2 pm to 4 pm, and will start and end at the corner of Court and Van Norman.

As the clock strikes 3 pm, quite possibly the most “Thunder Bay” event ever will take place for the second year in a row – the Red Lion Smokehouse Persian Eating Contest. The restaurant will be open at noon for lunch, so come hungry.

As day turns to evening, walk over to Prince Arthur’s Landing to take in the city’s official #Canada150 celebration – Canada Day at the Waterfront. The festival area in the park will be filled with families enjoying the entertainment and activities throughout the evening. As always, the massive celebration ends with fireworks over the water.

With this much fun in one day, it’s seems crazy to think you might still be looking more after but if you are…. The restaurants and bars in the Waterfront District are open until 1 am – Have fun and stay safe!

Happy Birthday Canada!

About Stephanie Reid

Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Stephanie is a content creator and media specialist and has a true appreciation for Northern Ontario and all of its many offerings and attractions.

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