Canada Day Family Fun

Canada turns 150 this year and communities all over the province are going all out. We found some of the more interesting things to check out over the weekend and celebrate Canada’s big day!

Canada 150 at The Forks

5 Stages with over 50 acts and fire works. “Visitors can expect tons of free, family-friendly programming happening all day long on five stages across The Forks site. A pow wow and Indigenous storytelling will take place at the Oodena Celebration Circle, the fast-flowing Assiniboine River will be the backdrop to the Port stage, and the Festival Stage show begins at 5PM with 11 performers including headliner Whitehorse, local up-and-comer Faouzia, and our beloved Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. A stunning fireworks spectacle by award-winning Archangel Fireworks will cap off the day of celebrations at 11PM.”

Canada Day at FortWhyte Alive

Catch a glimpse of one of Canada’s greatest animals, the bison, on a guided bison hike, or go on a ride in the voyageur canoe. Regular admission applies, free entry if biking or walking to FortWhyte Alive.

Canada Day at Oak Hamock Marsh

“Bring the whole family for an exciting day of all things Canada. Special Birthday Cake will be served at 2 p.m. for our guests as we sing our national anthem.

Horse-drawn wagon rides through the marsh with storyteller Allan Webb from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. available for $3 for members and $5 for non-members.

Watch a selection of classic Canadian films in our theatre throughout the day.

Participate in a guided canoe adventure ($3 for members and $5 for non-members) or rent your own canoe ($15 for 1 hour).

Have the Canadian flag or your favourite marsh critter painted on your cheek during face painting.”

Dragon Boat Festival, Portage la Prairie

“Cheer your heart on from the dock as a 500-metre race featuring 11-person dragon boats take off in Portage la Prairie. The event raises money for the Canadian Cancer Society.”

Lac du Bonnet Canada Day Celebrations

If Lac du Bonnet is known for anything, it’s their Canada Day Celebrations.

  • “Wonder Shows – Friday, June 30 to Sunday, July 2, 2017, noon to closing
  • Fireworks – Saturday, July 1 at dusk, Town Dock (rain date Sunday, July 2)
  • Pickerel Fry – Saturday, July 1, from 4 – 6 pm at the Community Centre
  • Pancake Breakfast – Saturday & Sunday, July 1 & 2, from 9 – 11 am at Pioneer Club
  • Chainsaw Carving Demonstration by Jim Niedermayer at the Community Centre from 10 am to 5 pm
  • Car Show’n Shine – Sunday, July 2 on Second Street, overflow at Community Centre Parking Lot
  • Mixed Slo-Pitch Tournament – Saturday & Sunday, July 1 & 2
  • Talent Show – Sunday, July 2 at the Community Centre, 2 pm
  • Parade – Sunday, July 2, 12:30 pm
  • Vendor Market Square in the Lakeview Parking Lot – Friday, June 30, 4 pm – 8 pm; Saturday, July 1, Noon – 8 pm, Sunday, July 2, Noon – 4 pm
  • Lions Oasis (Canteen – hamburgers, hot dogs, and beverages) – Saturday, July 1 & Sunday, July 2 at the Community Centre
  • Family Fun Zone (Kids Activities) – Saturday, July 1st at the Community Centre
  • Children’s Events – Sunday, July 2, 1 – 4 pm, petting zoo, barrel train rides, facing paint “ALL FREE”
  • Helicopter Rides (set up near Wonder Shows) – Friday, June 30th, 5 pm – 8:30 pm; Saturday, July 1st, Noon – 8:30 pm; Sunday, July 2nd, After the Parade – 8:30 pm. $40 per person, minimum of 3 to ride. Weather permitting.
  • Daily Beer Gardens & Entertainment at the Arena – Friday to Sunday, June 30 to July 2. Snake Oil with Special Guest Black Dog: June 30th 9 pm; Marc Labossiere: July 1st after the Fireworks; and Ray St. Germain with special guest Clint Dutiaume: July 2nd 3 pm. Please note: entry into the beer gardens is free on Saturday from noon to 7 pm and Sunday from 5 pm until closing. All concerts have an entry fee – $20.00 each or $50.00 for a weekend pass”

Dauphin Countryfest

“Dauphin’s Countryfest is one of those occasions. Country-lovers from across the province and the country flock to Canada’s longest running country music festival. The festival gets 14,000 attendees per day and boasts over 4000 campsites. This year’s music lineup features headliners Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, Johnny Reid and Doc Walker. Don’t forget your cowboy hat.”