(Maple leaf image via Milleflore Images / Shutterstock)
Celebrate Canada Day on Wednesday, July 1 at some of these hotspots around Winnipeg:
The Forks
The classic destination for thousands of Winnipeggers every year, The Forks will pack an entire day of celebrations to mark Canada’s birthday. Children’s entertainment begins at noon, with live performances throughout the day leading up to the big fireworks display at 11 p.m.
Artists performing on the main stage include Sc Mira, Slow Leaves, Leanne Pearson, Attica Riots, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, WSO and Attica Riots. Under the canopy, Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra will be performing before Sweet Alibi and the Justin Lacroix Band take the stage. The full lineup is available on The Forks’ website.
Canada Day Living Flag
The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ will attempt to recreate the country’s largest living Canadian flag at Shaw Park. T-shirt distribution will begin at 9 a.m. sharp while quantities last.
Osborne Village
The party will get going in Osborne Village a little earlier than Canada Day. Street closures will begin at 7 p.m. on Tuesday. The annual Osborne Village Street Festival will include twelve extended patios, six live stages, a family zone with pony rides, petting zoo, inflatable bouncers, obstacles and an outdoor arcade. More than 40 vendors will be participating in the outdoor marketplace and organizers will service a giant Canadian flag cake at 1 p.m. See the Osborne Village BIZ Facebook page for more details.
St. Norbert Farmers’ Market
The market will open at 11 a.m. with a community picnic at the St. Norbert Community Centre from noon to 3 p.m. Live entertainment begins at 3 p.m. and will continue into the night featuring Fabulous Fiddling with the Reimer6, the Marco Castillo Brazilian Band, the Metis Infinity Square Dancers, and River City Ruckus. Fireworks by Archangel Fireworks will wrap up celebrations at dusk.
Royal Canadian Mint
Various activities run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., including free tours of the Mint and a public coin exchange. Danny’s Whole Hog Barbeque and Smokehouse will cater a modestly-priced BBQ lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kids will enjoy clowns and face painters, as well as the opportunity to strike their own coin.
Canadian Museum for Human Rights
The CMHR will offer musical performances, participatory activities, a scavenger hunt, as well as tours and programs designed. The Israel Asper Tower of Hope will also glow maple-leaf red on Wednesday night from dusk to dawn in honour of our country’s birthday. Three Canadian flags will fly from dawn July 1 to dawn July 2. Activities run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday.
Assiniboine Park
Canada Day at Assiniboine Park will include live entertainment from 1 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., including local acts Keith and Renée, Jukebox Heroes and the Winnipeg Police Pipe Band. Park your vehicle at the Canadian Mennonite University as of 1 p.m. and the Asper Jewish Community Campus as of 6 p.m. and ride Winnipeg Transit to the Park. Fireworks are set for 10:40 p.m.
SMD Foundation/Easter Seals Manitoba will be operating a “If I Am Lost” booth, where you can make a donation to support programs and services for children, youth and adults with disabilities in the province. Go Canada Go T-shirts are $5 each and reusable T-shirt bags are $2 each or 3 for $5.
Winnipeg Transit Canada Day Service
· A free Canada Day Shuttle service will operate from 12 p.m. noon until 12 a.m. midnight linking downtown, The Forks and Osborne Village.
· Extra Route 11 Portage buses will be operating between The Forks and Assiniboine Park from 12 p.m. until 11 p.m. Regular transit fares apply.
Post-fireworks departures:
· The Forks: buses will be available on Main Street between York and Graham.
· Assiniboine Park to downtown: buses will be available at eastbound Portage Avenue at Overdale Street.
· Assiniboine Park to St. James/Assiniboia areas: buses will be available at westbound Portage Avenue at Overdale Street.
