25 Things to do in Edmonton on Canada Day 2016

Canada Day is right around the corner. In case you’re wondering what to do in Edmonton, I’ve created this list to share a few ideas about occupying the kids and having fun at-home, checking out what’s available in the city for Canada day or even an option to get out of town and head to one of our favorite beaches in Alberta. Here’s what to do on Canada Day in Edmonton:

1. Get Free Admission to the Art Gallery of Alberta
The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last admission at 4:30 p.m. It’s free to get in, and a great time to explore some of the current exhibits. Plus, it’s a fun way to cool off and try something new.

2. Canada Day Night Market
Check out Edmonton’s original night market. You can join us Fridays in our outdoor cafe style public market, where you can take in food trucks, enjoy entertainment and more. It’s a great way to spend the evening before you watch the fireworks.

3. Explore Sand on Whyte
Sand on Whyte is a must-do on the summer bucket list, and it’s a great way to get access to fantastic sand sculptures without having to hit the beach. Admission is by donation, making it a family-friendly, affordable activity.

4. Party at Castledowns Spray Park 
Free activities and events between noon and four at Castledowns Spray Park. Fun things to do include Jumpy Tents, Glitter Tattoo Artists, Balloon Artists, Music, Dance Troups, Popcorn, Cotton Candy, Photo Booth and more.

5. Catch the Fireworks Downtown
Celebrate Canada’s 149^th birthday in Edmonton by joining in on some of the many fun family events taking place around the city. End the day by watching the spectacular Canada Day fireworks finale in the river valley. The best places to watch are: Legislature grounds, Victoria Park, Government House and the Ballpark. 

6. Enjoy a Pancake Breakfast
The annual Canada Day Pancake Breakfast is enjoyed in the parking lot of the Royal Canadian Legion. The annual tradition is served by Fort Saskatchewan Firefighters. All proceeds are donated to Muscular Dystrophy Canada, by donation. 

7. See a Parade in Sherwood Park
The Sherwood Park & District Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the Canada Day Parade on Friday, July 1, 2016 starting at 10 a.m. Thousands of smiling faces will line the 2 km parade route through the heart of Sherwood Park.

8. Broadmoor Lake Canada Day Celebrations
Join the fun at Broadmoor Lake Park to celebrate Canada’s birthday at Strathcona County’s largest festival. Family activities, performances and fun for everyone! The biggest festival, it’s one that has things going on through the entire day, up until the fireworks that end the celebration. Most activities are free, some require tickets.

9. Get Free Entry to Elk Island Park
There’s free admission to Elk Island Park on Canada Day, making it the perfect time to explore. Explore, bounce in bouncy castles and see the Command Sisters perform in this entertaining day of fun.

10. Skip the Crowds and Head Out of Town 
That’s what we’re doing. We’re undecided of what we’re going to do for the day, or overnight the night before, but the best bet so far is Devonshire Beach, since it’s the best day trip length at just over a couple of hours each way.

11. Host a late-night Glow Party
There are so many activities that you can do with glow sticks, and when it comes to Canada Day, you’re going to need those activities. Keeping the kids entertained (and awake) before the Fireworks start is easy when you’re doing fun things like Hide in the Seek with glow sticks, tag, or even bowling or ring toss. Easy fun for a couple of dollars.

12. Canada Day in St. Albert
Spend the day enjoying family-friendly activities at Rotary Park. Inflatables, face painting, kids zone, adventure zone, family zone, food vendors, watermelon handout, games and much more through the day. Later on in the evening, there’s entertainment in the evening, followed up with fireworks.

13. Spend the Long Weekend Camping
Spend the weekend camping with friends. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the end of school, beginning of summer, and Canada Day. Whether you want to stay close to the city, or head out into the mountains, you can get out of town and spend the weekend at the campground.

14. Leduc Canada Day Parade
With a parade starting at noon, wagon rides for the family, barbeque, photo booth, inflatables and more going on through the county of Leduc. With a full schedule of activities, at various locations, there are plenty to choose from. Finish up the day with Fireworks, and a free concert for the family.

15. Fireworks from the Baseball Field 
The Edmonton ballpark (formerly Telus Field) will be the place to be for baseball fans this Canada Day. With the Fort McMurray Giants playing in town, ball fans are in for a double-header. The Giants will face Melville at 2 p.m. The Edmonton Prospects face Regina at 7 p.m.

16. Watermelon Eating Contest in Devon
Why do I feel like my kid could dominate at this contest? That’s not all that’s going on in Devon for Canada Day. There’s free hot dogs and cake, pinkberry will be selling frozen yogurt and catch a Transflowmation circus performance.

17. Spend it at the Zoo
Find red and white cupcakes, and special programming this Canada Day. Festivities are being held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to celebrate the Zoo’s birthday in addition to Canada Day. Regular admission rates apply.

18. Cool off at Fred Broadstock Pool 
Fred Broadstock pool is one of our favorite in the city. There’s lots of space for the kids to play, the kids area is great and there are always a ton of other kids there to play with. Pools open at 11 am and it’s $7 for adult admission, and $4.50 for kids.

19. Wading + the Works
The Works Art and Design festival is taking place downtown, meaning that you can take part in the celebrations at Sir Winston Churchill Square and wade in city hall fountain. The Works festival always has fun things to look at, and the area will have a variety of fun things for kids to do downtown. You’re going to want to check out the incredible sculptures this year.

20. The Night Market in Chinatown
Are you looking for something to do in the evening? During the day, we usually head to the beach and wait for the fireworks, but this year we’re thinking about trying something new. We’re going to the Night Market in Chinatown. There are performances, food trucks and a craft sale.

21. Run Through the Newest Edmonton Fountains
The brand new fountains are slated to open on Canada Day. The new fountains look like a lot of fun to run through, and are located at the Legislature grounds, making it easy to take in the activities in the area and cool off when you’re finished.

22. Family Fun and Fireworks at Mill Woods Park 
There are children’s activities 1pm-6pm. Main stage entertainment begins at 3pm. Free family activities such as hay rides, petting zoo, carnival games, live music and more continue throughout the day at Mill Woods Park.

23. Host a S’more Buffet
Marshmallows and graham crackers are the basic, but what if you mixed it up a little? Different types of chocolate, candy and a party at a friend’s house who has a view of the fireworks makes for a great way to spend the evening after you’ve checked out the Canada day events in Edmonton.

24. Catch a Light Show on the Bridge
Right before the Fireworks, you are going to be able to see a great light show taking place on the High Level Bridge. Show starts at 11 pm, and you can catch great views from Telus Park.

26. Canada Day at the Legislature Grounds
The annual open house and tour will be open. Families can walk onto the chambers floor and take part in the free family entertainment, all day long. Fun Zone, games for children and performances, 10-4 – events all day long for families, and end the celebration with the fireworks.

CANADA DAY is a very important day for us. On this day, we can do many activities to celebrate this day. When participating in the above activities, what else can we do to make the festive atmosphere more intense? We can pin our own custom lapel pins on the clothes, and you can add any patterns you want on them. This works both as a decoration and as a keepsake for the kids. Customize Now!