Latest News

36th annual July 1 event at Canada Place focuses on a new direction

Canada Together – Weaving together the fabric of a nation

Vancouver, B.C.: The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority today announced its plans for a return to an in-person event for July 1 at Canada Place, including a lineup of entertainment and activities with some significant changes designed to reimagine celebrations in the spirit of reconciliation.

2022 marks the 36th annual event at Canada Place at the Port of Vancouver, which has historically been the largest Canada Day celebration outside Ottawa. It also marks the beginning of a new direction for the event. Now named Canada Together, the event has been planned collaboratively with representatives from the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. From programming to the name and theme itself, the details of the day were carefully considered to create a welcoming experience for all people who live in this country.

The theme this year is “Weaving together the fabric of a nation,” chosen to honour Canada’s diversity and set an intention for the day to gather, celebrate, learn, and share. Weaving is a common activity across many cultures and is a metaphor for the way the beauty, strength, and wisdom from the past can combine through multiple perspectives to create something meaningful for today and tomorrow.

“We are pleased to see the event taking a new direction, and to be collaborating with the port authority to help guide the direction and future of this gathering,” said Chief Wayne Sparrow, Musqueam Indian Band. “We are proud to build on the inclusion of the culture and history of the three nations on whose traditional territory the event takes place.”

“After a long hiatus, the Squamish Nation is excited to help plan out this in-person event again for Canada Day” said Sxwíxwtn (Wilson Williams), Councillor and spokesperson for Squamish Nation. “Attendees will learn about the importance of advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples across this country, learn about different Indigenous languages and cultures and enjoy spectacular performances by Coast Salish drummers and singers. We hope to see you there on July 1.”

“Canada Day and what it means to be Canadian has taken on a new meaning in the last year,” says Tsleil-Waututh Nation Chief Jen Thomas. “Working alongside our relatives at Musqueam and Squamish, as well as the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, we look forward to working together on creating an inclusive event that showcases Tsleil-Waututh and Coast Salish history, culture, and values. We look forward to celebrating and sharing a piece of our community with the general public on July 1st, 2022.”

“Canada Together renews our July 1 event at Canada Place to reflect who we are in Canada in 2022 and moving forward, and celebrate our diverse cultures and histories,” said Tom Corsie, president of Canada Place Corporation and vice president, real estate at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. “We look forward to welcoming Lower Mainlanders back—in person again, at last—for our 36th annual July 1 celebration at Canada Place.”

The gathering will feature a full day of festivities, great food, family fun, and performances. At 11:00 a.m., all zones and exhibits, including the Main Stage, will open with great entertainment and activities for guests of all ages. The iconic waterfront venue covers five city blocks and will include the outdoor spaces at Canada Place, Jack Poole Plaza and surrounding city streets. No programming will take place indoors this year.

Event highlights will include:

• Performances: Incredible performances from acts including headliner Johnny Reid, The Boom Booms, Omega Mighty, Bitterly Divine, Tsatsu Stalqyu (Coastal Wolf Pack), Spakwus Slolem (Eagle Song Dancers) with the West Vancouver Youth Orchestra, and Carsen Grey.
• Special message from Chief Dr. Robert Joseph on behalf of Reconciliation Canada.
• World Zone (North Point of Canada Place): A gathering of performances, exhibits, and demonstrations from different cultures around the world. Featuring performances from Aché Brasil and Lazy Syrup Orchestra featuring Ashleigh Ball.
• Kids’ Zone (Jack Poole Plaza): Family friendly kids’ entertainers and activities, including the Rock N’ Beau Dance Party, the annual mascot dance-off, and performances from Mom Bop, Will’s Jams, and more.
• Canadian Forces Zone (Harbour Green Park): Interactive displays and exhibits that recognize Canada’s Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Food trucks: Experience the multi-cultural tastes of Canada with a variety of food trucks along Canada Place Way.

Fireworks cancellation

After careful consideration, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has made the decision not to bring back the evening fireworks display for July 1 at Canada Place, due to rising costs for safety and security, and across the events industry. Instead, resources are being redirected into the daytime event.

Get Involved

Every year, more than 200 volunteers help welcome over 200,000 guests who take part in the free event activities organized around Canada Place on July 1. Volunteering is a great way to build experience, get involved in your community, meet new people and show your community spirit. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old.

Volunteer positions are needed for the following areas:

• Information Kiosks
• Site Maintenance
• Line Monitors / Ushers
• Stagehands and Runners
• Talent / Volunteer Assistants
• Greeters

For more information on these participation opportunities, please visit www.canadaplace.ca/canadatogether.

This will be the 36th annual July 1 event at Canada Place, and is presented by Port of Vancouver. The event is made possible thanks to the generous support of partners including: The Department of Canadian Heritage and the Government of Canada, Canadian Forces, Vancouver Convention Centre, BMO, in collaboration with Visa, Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association (DVBIA), City of Vancouver, Helijet, Indigenous Tourism BC, and Indigo Park Canada Inc. Media partners include Global BC, The Vancouver Sun, The Province, CFOX, ROCK 101, CKNW, OMNI, and Daily Hive.

More information on the event is available at https://www.canadaplace.ca/canadatogether/

About Canada Place
Canada Place at the Port of Vancouver is an internationally-recognized landmark and venue for world-class events and inspirationally Canadian experiences. For more than 30 years Canada Place has served as a hub for national celebrations, including Canada Day at Canada Place and Christmas at Canada Place at the Port of Vancouver. The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is a shared steward of the lands and waters that make up the Port of Vancouver, and is the owner and operator of Canada Place. Canada Place houses Vancouver Convention Centre East, Pan Pacific Hotel, FlyOver Canada, World Trade Centre and Indigo Park Canada Inc. It serves as the largest cruise ship terminal in Canada and has been the homeport to the Vancouver-Alaska cruises for more than 30 years.

Media contact for Canada Together:
Greg Descantes
604-417-1379
[email protected]

Share this story: