How to Spend Canada Day 2021
Our home and native land is celebrating the 153rd anniversary of the Constitution Act of 1867 this year, which established Canada as a country. But, inevitably, Canada is many, many years older than that.
While most provinces having outlined their reopening plans, we still may not be able to spend Canada Day the way we normally would. This year’s festivities may still look a little different, but it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the holiday and celebrate at-home with these ideas.
See a Fireworks Show
This one is a no-brainer. There’s nothing quite as magical as a dazzling display of red-and-white fireworks in a clear night sky. Check your local websites to find out what’s available near you, for a safe in-person experience. Or, if you don’t live near a great show or simply want to watch from the comfort of your own home, you can stream one online. You can watch the Tim Hortons Canada Day Virtual Fireworks augmented reality experience at 10pm local time. Just point your smartphone to the sky and a three-minute 3D fireworks show will begin.
Indulge in Authentic Canadian Dishes
Canada Day would not be complete without one (or a couple) of legendary Canadian dishes on the table. If you’re celebrating at home, why not try to make a few? For starters, here are six maple syrup recipes you can recreate. If you’re not much of a chef, support local by ordering from the Canadian restaurants available near you. Poutine is a staple across the country, and you can indulge in some pretty unique variations from these eateries. Better yet, if restaurant patios are open in your region, you can head out to soak up the summer weather with a cold Molson Canadian in hand and an assortment of food options in front of you.
Enjoy a Homegrown Canadian Beer
Tim Hicks, along with many other Canadians, can confidently say we have strong beer. From Saskatoon, SK to Bowmanville, ON to Fredericton, NB, our country has an ever-evolving list of craft breweries in each region, each with its own unique and refreshing taste. If your local craft brewery permits it, head out onto their patio for a glass or two.
If you’re staying in, turn your Canada Day into a beer-tasting session with family and friends. Make a list of craft beers you’ve never tried before, head to your local liquor store and there’s a good chance you’ll stumble upon a new favourite.
More of a wine enthusiast? From Okanagan Valley to the Niagara Escarpment, there are plenty of local wineries you should try out.
Tune into the Lights on Canada Day show
Brought to you by Canadian Heritage, Lights on Canada Day is an evening program that showcases artistic diversity and excellence. The show will be broadcast on CBC Television and Radio-Canada, alongside the Canadian Heritage’s YouTube channel, at 8pm EDT. Hosted by Véronic DiCaire and Jully Black, Lights on Canada Day will feature talented performing artists and entertainers from coast to coast, including Tyler Shaw, Jann Arden and Major Funk.
Have a Canada Day Trivia Night
Who doesn’t love a good ol’ trivia night? Compile some facts about Canada, and challenge your family and friends to a competition. Winner gets a BeaverTail and six pack of Alexander Keith’s. Here are some quick facts to get you started:
- Canada has 20% of the world’s surface freshwater.
- The longest highway in the world is the Trans-Canada Highway, which is over 7,604 km long.
- Per capita, Canada has more doughnut shops than any other country. You could call it the Doughnut Capital of the World.
- The highest mountain in Canada, and second-highest peak in North America, is Mount Logan in Yukon.
- Moose Jaw, SK was once known as Little Chicago, one of the most important smuggling hubs of the Prohibition Era.
Now it’s time to get planning!