Like the rest of Calgary, University District is gearing up for Canada Day. The sun is shining, the long-weekend is coming and we want you and your family to make the most of the 3 day weekend. We had some fun pulling our top 10 Canada Day ideas list together and hope there are a few on the list for you to check out. With ideas for family fun, getting active or at home celebrations U/D has you covered!
Family Friendly Celebration Ideas
1. Celebrate Canadian Music at Studio Bell
If you haven’t visited Studio Bell, let Canada Day serve as the perfect excuse to learn about Canadian music and culture. With free admission all day long, the trip down to East Village is well worth it. Learn about innovations in music technology, influential artists and bands and much more in their multi-story exhibition. Studio Bell is also highly interactive, making it the perfect destination for families looking to take a break from the hot July sun.
2. Enjoy the City of Calgary Canada Day Fireworks
With the pandemic putting the kibosh on fireworks the last two years, we are pretty eager to see what kind of display the city has planned for July 1st. With large crowds expected across the city, we recommend finding a spot early in the afternoon. Places such as Prince’s Island Park or Tom Campbell Hill offer great views. For all of the latest on The City’s Canada Day festivities visit their website.
3. Take a step back in time at Heritage Park
Celebrate Canada Day by taking a step back in time at Heritage Park. Learn about what Canada used to be like with dozens of interactive displays and exhibits. The family-friendly museum is also offering an exclusive Canada Day high tea complete with finger sandwiches, scones and petite pastries.
Stop by the Lady of Assumption school fields on July 1st for the ultimate celebration of Canadian culture. This festival will include over 30 musical and cultural performers, a food truck pavilion, a local vendor market with over 50 local vendors, a free community BBQ between 12 and 2 PM, along with free family activities, contests, prizes and more!
Active Celebrations Ideas
There is nothing quite like a float down Calgary’s famous bow river on a hot summer day. Bring your own gear or rent from the U of C Outdoor Centre for an afternoon of fun in the sun. We recommend lathering the sunscreen, bringing plenty of water and a waterproof speaker for some Canada Day tunes. You may also want to freshen up on some of the city’s safety laws around river floats. Make sure to always check the latest info on the status of waterways before heading out to ensure it is safe for a float.
Did you know that 90 per cent of Canadians live within a 10 minute walk to a park or green space? We are so lucky to live in a country with so much of the great outdoors to explore and Canada Day long weekend is the perfect time to take advantage. Check out our latest blog for NW Calgary’s most popular parks and some of the activities you can do in them. Including a few right here in U/D.
3. Tour U/D on an Electric Scooter
With Bird electric scooters back in full force, the long-weekend is the perfect time to take advantage of this unique transportation experience making waves across the city. With U/D’s extensive pathways and burgeoning retail main street, you will need the speed of a Bird to see it all in one day!
Some of the highlights we recommend scooting by are Monogram Coffee (hello iced coffee!), Northwest Commons Park and Urban Dog Park. Bird scooters also give you the freedom to check out other corners of the city such as the Bow River walkway, Edworthy Park and Calgary’s Beltline.
4. Check out U/D’s Newest Hotspot – The Banquet
What is Canada Day without a Canadian favourite poutine?? One of U/D’s newest retail partners, The Banquet, will be serving up cold brews, poutine and all of your other favourite bar foods on Canada Day. They will also have their infamous trash can nachos and draft beer on special all day long.
If you have a crowd, you may want to book a lane at their duckpin bowling alley, smash some ping pong balls or check out their spin to win wheel. All ages are welcome until 8 pm, so bring the gang and have some fun!
At-home Celebration Ideas
2. Support local farmers at the U/D YYC Growers Stand
If there is one thing Canadians know how to do, it is supporting local businesses and hardworking farmers. A must-do to kick off the weekend is visiting the YYC Growers + Distributors stand right in U/D every Friday until Oct. 7th. You can stock-up on your BBQ favourites from local growers.
Village Ice Cream will also be at the U/D Discovery Centre giving out complimentary little villagers while quantities last. Donations are welcomed and will support I Can for Kids a local charity that helps feed children and youth impacted by hunger all year long. Stop by on July 1st from 2-5 PM. Don’t forget to check out the newest Village Ice Cream location just down the street on University Avenue. Our favourite flavour? A Canadian classic – maple pecan! What better way to kick off the long weekend.
2. Keep it Lowkey at Home with Canadian Wines from Market Wines
You don’t need to go out to make the most of your Canada Day long-weekend. If you are more of a home-body, consider having an at-home Canadian wine tasting. Market Wines is home to hundreds of curated wines from around the world. Their team can walk you through an entire wall of Canadian based sips sure to make your weekend one to remember.
Are you ready to take your grape knowledge to the next level? Market Wines is hosting an intro course to Wines of the Okanagan on Saturday July 2nd. Register for this and of other events happening this summer on their website.
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