Canada Day (CHRISD.CA FILE)
Canada Day will be marked with street parties, festivals, entertainment and the usual hoopla as Winnipeggers celebrate the country’s birthday.
Here’s how to keep yourself busy while enjoying balmy temperatures under a weekend full of sunshine…
The Forks
Free events begin at 11 a.m. and run for 12 hours until the fireworks at 11 p.m. Entertainment includes Sons of York, Don Amero, Jodi King, The Lytics, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and more. The Manitoba Children’s Museum will also be running their own events from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. For a full listing of the day’s schedule, visit TheForks.com.
Assiniboine Park
Canad Day Picnic in the Park sponsored by Canad Inns will get underway at 1 p.m. with entertainment on the Lyric Theatre stage throughout the entire day. Shuttle service will be available from the Canadian Mennonite University and Asper Jewish Community Campus. Fireworks are planned for 11 p.m. See the full schedule.
Osborne Village
June 30-July 1 block party from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Four blocks of music, shopping and food to celebrate Canada Day in the greatest neighbourhood in Canada. Performances by soul reggae band RasTamils and heavy metal rockers Krazy Madness at Wild Planet Stage, indie soul/rock band Sons of York and LA-based alternative rock band When Planets Align at Zoo Stage, neo-punkers This Hisses and the soulful Noble Thiefs at Music Trader Stage, JD Edwards and Celtic rockers the Dust Rhinos will perform on the Main Stage.
Royal Canadian Mint
Yee-haw! The Mint will be celebrating with a Calgary Stampede-inspired theme with fun activities and entertainment for all ages. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., visitors to 520 Lagimodiere Boulevard can take themselves on self-guided tours of the facility, enjoy a magic show, clowns and face painting for the kids, and take in a BBQ lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pony rides will be offered from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Get there safely
Wherever you’re going, get there safe. There will be a free Canada Day Winnipeg Transit shuttle linking downtown, The Forks and Osborne Village. The shuttle will operate from 12 p.m. to midnight. The 11 Portage Extra Service operates between The Forks and Assiniboine Park from noon to 11 p.m. Regular transit fares apply.
Post-fireworks departures
Leaving The Forks — buses depart from Main Street at York Avenue
Leaving Assiniboine Park to Downtown — buses will be available at eastbound Portage Avenue at Overdale Street
Leaving Assiniboine Park to St. James-Assiniboia areas — buses available at westbound Portage Avenue at Overdale Street
