This year, Canada is celebrating its 152^nd birthday! What better way to celebrate our wonderful country than to gather with friends and family and witness a spectacular show of fireworks in the evening sky! On July 1^st, cities across the country will celebrate Canada Day by hosting spectacular events, parades, fairs, picnics, parties, and shows. Of course, of the many thrilling celebrations, Calgary is proud to have one of our own!

On the first of July, Calgary will be filled with a buzz of excitement and will be home to fun parties, unique events, as well as a magnificent firework show! Wondering how you can get the most out of this patriotic day? Here is everything you need to know from where to watch the fireworks to what activities are best during the day. Here is your ultimate guide to celebrating Canada Day in Calgary!

Where to Watch the Canada Day Fireworks

Each year ENMAX hosts a spectacular show of fireworks along the Bow River corridor to celebrate Canada's birthday! For those looking to see the colours cascade across the sky, there are a number of locations across the city for optimal viewing. According to the City of Calgary website, as long as you can see the sky above the Centre Street Bridge you will have a wonderful view of the firework show. This being said, there are a number of locations that will give you breathtaking views, chances for photo opportunities, and areas that are considered the prime viewing spots. These include:

• Downtown Calgary (along Bow River, pathways near the Centre Street Bridge, Riverfront Avenue, etc.)
• Prince's Island Park
• 1^st Avenue
• Nose Hill
• Fort Calgary
• McHugh Bluff
• Tom Campbell Park
• Crescent Heights Park
• Max Bell Centre

Note: Road closures may apply and may restrict access to certain locations. Plan ahead by finding available places to park, or plan your route there via city transit, biking, or walking. For a complete list of road closures on Canada day, visit the City of Calgary Canada Day website.

Canada Day Events

Parties, picnics, live music, and more! There is so much to do on this day of red and white! The city of Calgary is overflowing with events happening across the city - some of the most anticipated Canada Day events are:

Tim Hortons Canada Day Stage

Come and celebrate Canada Day at the Tim Hortons Stage with an amazing line-up of artists and bands before enjoying the fireworks from one of the best spots in the city. The entertainment will begin at 7PM and will include guests such as Ghostkeeper, Post Script, Captain Tractor, and Steven Page from the Barenaked Ladies. The event is free for all ages!

Canada Day at Fort Calgary

Food trucks, kids' zone, beer gardens and more! This Canada Day, head over to Fort Calgary to learn more about the local culture while spending time together with the community. This event will have plenty of activities and will run from 11AM until 4PM. The event is free, but it is requested that you please RSVP on the ticket website.

Garden Party on the King Eddy Rooftop

Grab your closest friends and head over to the King Eddy rooftop for their extravagant Garden Party! The day will feature great music from DJs, a variety of cool brewed beverages, as well as a gorgeous garden and downtown view. The doors open for the Garden Party at 2PM and there is no cover.

River Café Picnic Baskets

What better way to spend Canada Day than exploring Prince's Island park with a delicious picnic basket already prepared for you! River Café is offering the chance to dine in the park with their freshly filled picnic baskets. For $35 per person, you will have the choice of gourmet salad or sandwich as well as seasonal fruit, hummus, cheese and crackers, cookies, and fudge! Call ahead to reserve a picnic basket for your day in the sun!

Panorama Hills Canada Day BBQ

Hosted by the Panorama Community Centre, the Panorama Hills Canada Day BBQ is one not to be missed. From 12PM until 4PM, dive into some free burgers while enjoying yourself with the games and entertainment provided. Guests can expect music from the DJ all day long, a Splash Park, as well as the opportunity for prizes!

Canada Day Block Party

Located at the Bell Studio Centre, Calgarians can check out the free Canada Day Block Party hosted by MarketSpot YYC. This event will include a vendor market, beer garden, kids' zone, indigenous village, food trucks, music, entertainment, performers, and more! The event is guaranteed fun for the whole family and is also pet friendly. Although the event is free, there is the opportunity for VIP passes which are $50 or "Skip the Line" passes which are $25.

Canada Day Activity Ideas

Want to do something different during the day before the firework show? Aside from the numerous events going on in the city, Calgary and the surrounding area is teeming with distinctive activities and things to do! The following activities are perfect to get you out of the house and seeing/doing something completely new on Canada Day!

• Calgary Zoo
• Telus Spark
• Climb the Calgary Tower
• Calaway Park
• Biking
• Local patios
• National on 8^th
• River Café
• Rooftop Bar at Simmons
• WURST
• Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey
• and more!
• Skyline Luge
• Heritage Park
• WinSport
• Rafting Tours
• Hiking
• Glenbow Museum
• Studio Bell
• Visit Banff or Canmore
• Visit Drumheller (Royal Tyrell Museum)

Have fun with the whole family and explore the wonderful things that Calgary and the surrounding area has to offer!

Put on your red and white, grab your flag, plan with your friends and family, and have fun celebrating our countries 152^nd birthday! Happy Canada Day!

For more information regarding the City of Calgary road closures, parking locations, maps, directions, and other news, head to the Canada Day webpage.