Getting across the border for most Americans is fairly easy if you have a passport. The prime stops that are out there to help the natives celebrate their July 1 Independence Day are what you would expect. The cities of Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. There are also some bonus spots such as Ottawa, the nation's capital city and the infamous Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies,
Toronto, Ontario
The Toronto area will have a plethora of activities that will be be ready for you to help ring in the country's Independence Day. The firsts thing that should be of note is the epic fireworks celebration on the shores of Lake Ontario. According to the city of Toronto, the show will begin at approximately 10 p.m. and there are four prime areas for viewing the estimated 15 minute spectacular. Ashbridge's Bay, Centennial Park, Milliken Park and Stan Wadlow Park. As an added bonus, if you plan to spend time at Wonderland, which is Canada's premiere theme park, they will have a fireworks show of their own at 10 p.m. when the park prepares to close.
There will be all day music playing at the Q07 Canada Day Fest starting at Noon and going through the entire evening. The !107 Canada Day Fest will be held at Woodbine Park, which is on the east side of Downtown Toronto on the shores of Lake Ontario. It is highly advisable to take public transportation when going through the area. More all day music festivities will be held at Downsview Park, Ontario Place and at the Harbourfront Centre.
The Royal Ontario Museum will also be allowing free admission to the museum on Canada Day. so if you want to educate yourself on the history and culture of Canada, the Royal Ontario Museum will be a great place to start with admission open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Other events in the city includes the Blue Jays game against the Houston Astros at Rogers Centre with a first pitch time of 3:07 p.m. If you are lucky enough to score a ticket or two, don't forget to get a view in at the CN Tower next door, check out Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, the Hockey Hall of Fame and Roundhouse Park.
Montreal, Quebec
The main attraction in Montreal will center around the Old Port of Montreal where you can watch and participate in a number of events and even grab a bite to eat of the Canada Day cake, enjoy musical performances and fireworks. The fireworks show, much like in Toronto, will begin at 10 p.m. at the Old Port. Festivities and celebrations begin at approximately 1:30 p.m. with a 21 cannon honor salute.
Banff National Park, Alberta
Widely known for its majestic views, Banff National Park like all Canadian National Parks on Canada Day will be free admission to the general public. The city of Banff itself will have a plethora of events throughout the day. Canada Day Market on the walkable and iconic Bear Street will be open from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. The Family Fun one will be held at Banff Community High School from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. and the Canada Day Parade will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Vancouver, British Columbia
The Canada Together event at Canada Place at the Port of Vancouver is in its 38th year and will have events throughout the day running from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. The event is put on together by British Columbia's three major native tribes (Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations). The citizenship ceremony will also take place at 9:30 a.m. in the area. Included in the festivities will be musical acts at the main stage, a kids zone, indigenous displays and an abundance of food trucks along Canada Place Way.
Festivities in the Vancouver suburb of Burnaby will have StreetFest from 6:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. at Central Park with fireworks concluding the event at 10:15 p.m. The town of Surrey will hold their event at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre in Cloverdale with a scheduled start time of 10:45 a.m. lasting until 10:30 p.m.
Ottawa, Ontario
Celebrating Canada Day in Ottawa, which is Canada's national capital is one of the biggest treats any Canadian could experience. The Canada Day Ottawa event will be held at LeBreton Flats on the western side of Ottawa with a start time of 9 a.m. The Royal Canadian air Force starts it off with a drum and pipes performance at Parliament Hill. The fireworks show takes place around the 10 p.m. hour and the city has a full list of events through the area available for you to view.