July 1: Everyone’s invited to Canada’s birthday party

After two summers of COVID-19 lockdowns, Canada is pulling out all the stops to celebrate Canada’s 155th birthday — and the party’s on in Ottawa and cities, towns, and villages across the country.

Canada Day is the anniversary of Confederation when the British North America Act was approved on July 1, 1867.

But today there’s so much more to applaud. “Canada Day gives us an opportunity to celebrate what it means to be Canadians — our diversity, shared values, languages and cultures that make our country strong and free,” said Pablo Rodriguez, minister of Canadian heritage, in a statement about festivities. “It is also an opportunity for us to reflect on our past and continue to walk along the pathway to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.”

National Indigenous Peoples Day, which is held on June 21, started heritage celebrations this summer. The annual event celebrates and recognizes First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultures.

Next up is Canada Day … and here are eight fun ways to make it a great party.

Wave the flag! No Canada Day celebration is complete without the iconic red and white Canadian flag! Hang one from a window or the front porch, wave it from your baby’s carriage or knapsack, or paint a Canadian flag or a red maple leaf on your face or body!

Visit the Nation’s Capital. LeBreton Flats Park and Place des Festivals Zibi are the hubs for Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa-Gatineau — and everyone’s invited. The daytime ceremony begins at 11:30 a.m. (ET) and the evening show hosted by Isabelle Racicot and Ali Hassan starts at 8 p.m. (ET). Both bring together artists from across Canada. In between the shows, there’s so much going on, including BMX demonstrations, an urban artwork show, a giant games area and an interactive ground painting of a giant mandala. Listen for the beat of the merry troupe Kumpa’Nia at LeBreton Flats Park. Here’s a guide to all the activities.

Attend the party virtually: The shows in Ottawa-Gatineau will be on national news networks. Daytime from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (ET), tune into Canadian Heritage’s YouTube channel, CBC News Network, ICI RDI and other national news networks. The evening show will be broadcast on Radio-Canada (in French only) and CBC platforms.

Watch a Canada Day parade with friends and family: Local Canada Day parades will feature marching bands, Canada Day themed floats, antique cars, local businesses, clowns and more. Check the start time with your municipality. While in most cases, parades follow the main street, in Port Dover, there’s a Canada Day Boat Parade and Celebration at the Premier Yacht Club. Stay local: There’s lots going on at the local level. For example, in Grand Bend, Canada Day celebrations take place on the Main Beach with live bands all day. In Port Credit, visitors are invited to “Paint the Town Red” festivities at Memorial Park with a daylong Kids Zone as well as a Singer Spotlight Karaoke in the afternoon. In Bath, there’s a Bean Bag Toss, Giant Jenga and Inflatable Hockey rink in the Kid Zone; also, check out participating homes in the Canada Day-themed Decorate Your Doorway/Property Contest. In Parry Sound, Canada Day features a delicious Ribfest along with live performances and other fun activities. Here is a list of Canada Day events across the country.

Enjoy Canada Day food: Anyone hosting a backyard barbecue or venturing out to a local event should put traditional Canadian foods on the menu; examples include poutine, butter tarts, Nanaimo bars, maple taffy and beaver tails. Choose a red and white theme for dessert … such as strawberry shortcake with whipped cream, rhubarbraspberry cheesecake, and cupcakes with red and white frosting.

Do a Canada Day activity: Whether your family is celebrating at home, at a cottage or in a tent at a campground, check out the Canada Day activity kit and do a craft together. Make an Origami Canada Day lantern. Play a game to spot classic Canadian symbols like maples leaves, beavers and the RCMP. Make a 3D paper model of the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa. Colour your own Canadian flag.

Take in Fireworks: The fireworks in the Nation’s Capital start at 10 p.m. (ET) … but fireworks are planned for most local events too. Watch Canada Day fireworks at Canada’s Wonderland (for the price of park admission). Enjoy the City of Burlington’s fireworks show over Burlington Bay with a rooftop view from Joseph Brant Museum! Or give everyone a sparkler and have a blast in your own backyard. Check with your municipality.