Canada Day, observed annually on July 1, serves as a major focal point for community gatherings across Metro Vancouver. In 2025, the region is hosting a variety of free events, ranging from large-scale festivals with live music and fireworks to smaller community gatherings and culinary promotions. These celebrations provide residents and visitors with complimentary access to entertainment, food, and cultural activities. This article details the free offerings available at key locations including Canada Place, Granville Island, Surrey, North Vancouver, and other municipalities within the Lower Mainland.
Major Festivals and Live Entertainment
The most prominent Canada Day celebration in the region is Canada Together, held at Canada Place in downtown Vancouver. This event is described as the largest Canada Day celebration outside of Ottawa. The 2025 festivities, running from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., feature a theme of “weaving together the fabric of a nation.” The event is free to attend and includes live music across multiple stages. Entertainment headliners include Dear Rouge with guest Alex Wells, alongside local artists such as Ramen Fog, John Welsh & Los Valientes, Blue Rivera, and Hotel Mira.
In addition to musical performances, Canada Together offers a Kids’ Zone featuring DJ Ira Pettle and The School of Rock Vancouver. A significant new addition for 2025 is an Indigenous Marketplace, where artisan booths will sell jewelry, art, and home decor. The event also includes Indigenous weaving and carving displays, a citizenship ceremony, and food trucks offering diverse culinary options. All stages begin with an Indigenous welcome and blessing, reflecting the event’s collaboration with the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
Another major hub for free entertainment is the Shipyards in North Vancouver. The celebrations here run from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and feature family-friendly activities and live entertainment. The 2025 lineup includes performances by the JP Fell Pipe Band, Melanie Dekker, Mostly Marley, Amir Raad, Dino & The Sounds of Soul, and ShowStoppers Vancouver.
Surrey hosts what is noted as the largest Canada Day festivities in the Lower Mainland at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre. The event, which runs from 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., is free and distinguishes itself with amusement rides, midway games, and food vendors. Live music concerts occur throughout the day, concluding with a fireworks display at approximately 10:15 p.m.
Burnaby’s StreetFest on Central offers evening entertainment from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Civic Square, Central Boulevard, and Central Park. The event features a headline performance by the band MAGIC! at 9:10 p.m., followed by fireworks. Other scheduled acts include Asad Khan (formerly Khanvict), Kaeley Jade, and Haleluya Hailu.
Coquitlam’s Canada Day celebration takes place at Town Centre Park from 12:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The event features a funk performance by Dr.
Granville Island and Community Gatherings
Granville Island hosts a "O Canada Day!" celebration in the new Chain & Forge outdoor space. The festivities include live music, dance classes, and kids' activities, anchored by an official Canada Day Ceremony featuring the national anthem and free cake for all attendees. A unique tradition on Granville Island is the annual water ballet performance by the False Creek Ferries fleet, which takes place early in the morning at 7:20 a.m.
In West Vancouver, John Lawson Park transforms into a community hub from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The schedule includes a kids' zone starting at 4:00 p.m., an official ceremony at 4:30 p.m., a performance by the West Vancouver Youth Band at 4:45 p.m., and a performance by the band Trilojay from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Township of Langley hosts a pet-friendly Canada Day celebration at McLeod Athletic Park (2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.) and at 5687 216th St. The event features live music by bands such as Orchard Sky, live circus acts, and an evening drone show. A Kids Zone offers free bouncy castles, games, face painting, and crafts. Local breweries and food trucks are also on-site.
Culinary Promotions and Special Offers
Beyond standard festival fare, several Vancouver establishments are offering Canada Day-themed food and beverage specials. These promotions focus on red-and-white color schemes, maple flavors, and multicultural interpretations.
Botanist is offering a "spirited" brunch menu featuring Canadian cocktails. Highlights include the Nanaimo Bar Milk Punch, made with Canadian whisky, coconut, clarified chocolate custard, and graham cracker, and the BC Sweetheart, a blend of BC cherries, lemon juice, and Copperpenny Gin.
Desi Lounge presents a fusion concept with its Canada Day Tea, blending traditional high tea with Indian flavors. The menu includes Cajun Chicken Tikka Sandwiches, Maple Walnut Scones, Tandoori Prawn Salad, and Mango Cake. Beverages include Indian Masala Chai or Madras Filter Coffee.
Cultural Events and Activities
A notable cultural event is the Steveston Village Salmon Festival in Richmond. This event attracts up to 70,000 people and runs from 8:00 a.m. until late evening. It features a pancake breakfast, a parade, a Japanese cultural fair, a craft fair, music concerts, and a famous salmon BBQ. The festival offers a mix of free activities and food for purchase.
Additionally, the Vancouver International Jazz Fest overlaps with Canada Day. While the festival generally includes both free and pay-what-you-can shows, all performances at Ocean Artworks on Granville Island are free to enjoy on July 1.
Conclusion
Canada Day 2025 in Metro Vancouver offers a wide array of free activities and entertainment. The region’s celebrations are anchored by large-scale events such as Canada Together at Canada Place and Surrey’s festival, which provide free admission, live music, and fireworks. Complementary celebrations in North Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, and Langley offer additional options for families and individuals. For those seeking culinary experiences, local restaurants are offering specialized menus celebrating Canadian flavors. Most events are free of charge, though food and beverages are typically available for purchase.