5 Canada Day Activities in the GTA for Last-Minute Planners
By Penny on Jun 30, 2014
Commitment issues? Us too. With so many exciting events to choose from, it’s hard to pick just one. Here’s a list of great things going on Canada Day, July 1st 2014!
1) Canada Day celebration at Mel Lastman Square
A family-friendly event, Mel Lastman Square will be a great place for patriotic Canadians to enjoy an evening of fun with live music, dance performances, family activities and an impressive firework show that is choreographed to music. Other things to expect are incredible performances by Zero Gravity Circus at 5, 6 and 7 pm, in an Alice and Wonderland inspired show called Circus Wonderland. Other events worth checking out include JUNO award winner and Toronto based alternative singer and songwriter, Justin Rutledge who will be performing music from his new album Daredevil, as well as songs from the Tragically Hip. Between 5 pm and 8 pm there will be face painting available and the main event, the fireworks show by Circus Orange will kick off at 10:15 pm.
2) Queen’s Park
Another family-friendly event, those who plan on going to Queen’s Park will get a chance to meet the princesses from Disney’s movie, Frozen! Busy-bodies can take part in a rocket making workshop, try scaling a rock climbing wall, or simply get their faces painted by park artists. Local, fresh snacks will be available at a farmer’s market, which will be providing free sampling for some of Ontario’s best grown foods. Admission is free between 10 am and 5 pm, get there early to experience the 21-gun salute that starts at noon!
3) Food and Beverage events
What could be a better way to celebrate another Canadian birthday other than enjoying the delicious tastes of local restaurants? We’re not the only foodie’s who think it’s important, check out this long, impressive list of places that are encouraging you to celebrate Canada with them:
Canada Day Lunch Cruise
Mariposa Cruises’ Showboat is hosting a buffet-style lunch and a relaxing sail around the beautiful Toronto Harbour and Islands. Complete with a licensed cash bar, spend the day catching some rays, checking out Toronto's growing skyline, eating fresh food and toasting to Canada. Accommodating groups of 15 to 575, the boat will be docked along the Queens Quay Terminal until 11:30 am.
Steam Whistle Brewing Lobster Boil
Partnering with Rodney’s Oyster House, Steam Whistle is welcoming Canada Day celebrators to a wonderful East Coast style lobster boil and beer dinner. Musical performances will resonate the theme with East Coast talent Poor Angus. Seating times start at 3pm and again at 6pm, with tickets priced at $25 for a full lobster and two-side dinner.
Ribfest
Launching the 15th annual Toronto Ribfest, Rotary Etobicoke will be hosting the very first stop for this beloved festival. This year’s event is accommodating for all World Cup soccer fans as well, with a Soccer Central area that has two stages detailing all of the action going on in Brazil.
The Mandarin
Being offered at all of it’s locations across the GTA, the Mandarin is offering a FREE buffet to all Canadian Citizens. Choose your favourite location and bring your appetite (and passport)!
4) Electric Island
Taking place at Toronto’s Centre Island, this event is for concert and picnic lovers. Contributors include event aficionados like Platform, Embrace and Coda who are bringing talent from all around the world, including: DIXON, Innervisions Germany, Henrik Schwarz, the Martinez Brothers and so on. The event officially starts at 1:30 pm and ends at 10:30 pm, don’t forget to get your tickets in advance!
5) Contests and fun stuff
The Maple Leaf Forever
Join fellow participants in a project to create a human flag outside the main entrance of Harbourfront Centre! All you have to do is wear red or white, bring your best Canadian spirit and show up at 1 pm.
#SkittlesSelfie
Celebrating Canada’s birthday, Skittles has taken on a challenge to try and break the most amount of selfies taken in one hour record around the world! Hosted by Degrassi’s Melinda Shankar, the event will take place at 235 Queens Quay West from 12:25 pm - 7:30 pm, asking patriotic Canadians to join for an opportunity to win prizes and candy and (hopefully) break the Guinness World Record!
My Waterfront Photo Contest
Starting July 1st, all amateur photographers (that means you, iphone user!) are encouraged to submit original photos of Toronto’s Waterfront. The 4th annual contest, sponsored by the WaterfrontBIA (WBIA), includes prizes from the Centreville Amusement Park & Far Enough Farm, Couture Vision, Watermark Irish Pub & Restaurant or Yankee Lady Yacht Charters. Submit your photos online until midnight on Monday July 28, 2014 for a chance to win!
Trivia Time: How old is Canada turning?
Have a great Canada Day everyone!
Feature image via ctvnews.ca
