I guess no-one has spent Canada Day in Canada then???

I shall try and find out for you.

luci

Thank you luci, that's great

Here is the reply I got from my friend in Canada

Canada Day used to be called Dominion Day [when we were in the old British Empire]. Yes, it's a holiday with all the trimmings, parades, etc. Traffic is heavy on the roads with people travelling [kids just got out of school at the end of June & many people start hols]. Most stores are open, so it's just like a regular day that way. Fireworks shows.

They must be going for the Calgary Stampede & that's a week long occasion -- world famous. They'll find lots to do there -- nice city. Handy to a Dinosaur Park in Drumheller, horse shows at Spruce Meadows, close to Banff & the Ice Fields & north to Jasper & of course, up the hwy. to Edmonton [capital city]. They'll probably find that they'll want to come back to see more. Can be hot there in summer but they can check that out on the weather channel closer to their time. Hope this helps.

HTH

luci

Hi Luci thanks that's VERY helpful!! We are not going for the Stampede we are returning home the next day after 21 days visiting Vancouver and the Rockies, with 2 nights in Calgary, the day in between being Canada Day. Someone did mention it was around the time of the Stampede but that will have to be kept for another visit. It looks like there will be lots going on that day so really looking forward to a good end to our holiday. Thanks again and please thank your friend also

Glad it was of some help to you. I shall pass on your thanks to my friend.

luci

Well done Luci. You're a star.

Thanks pebbles. I was just glad I knew where to get the info.

luci

Only just seen this - not been on here much for a while. Both our trips to Canada incuded being there on Canada Day - once in Banff the other in Whistler. There were parades, fireworks etc and lots of Canadians seemed to go on picnics - and when they do picnics, they take the kitchen sink!! We had no problems but were warned to ensure our accommodation was booked well in advance, as like a bank holiday over here, things can get booked up and traffic can be busier. Have a wonderful time, Canada is fantastic!

Thanks for that Maria

I haven't been to Canada during Canada Day, but I have been to Calgary and my girlfriend's uncle lives in Calgary and helps out with the Stampede (I think he is part of the organizing committee but I forget his exact role). I know the Stampede is a really big deal in Calgary and they get a lot of tourists and such for it. Apparently the numbers have dwindled a bit in recent years but they still get a large turnout. I've heard it's a lot of fun and well worth attending.

I'm sitting at Calgary airport waiting for our plane which is delayed slightly. We spent Canada Day here yesterday, it was very quiet in the morning but started to liven up as the day progressed with street performers and stalls. We stayed downtown, visiting the tower but there were events going on in various locations. We spent the evening at the Olympic Plaza with 3 bands playing, thousands of people, from youngsters and families to older people. It was all very sociable and good humoured, no drinking or smoking allowed at the plaza. There was a fabulous firework display and the old Olympic torch at the top of the Calgary Tower was lit. This only happens for very special occasions like Canada Day (or VIP's like us visiting ) A great end to a fantastic holiday

Glad to hear you had a good Canada Day!

luci