Canada Day

Courtenay’s Canada Day celebrations on June 30 and July 1 bring our community together with free, family-friendly events in Downtown Courtenay and Lewis Park. The celebration features live music, activities, food vendors, community booths, a parade and more.

This event has been made possible thanks to the support of the Government of Canada.

Parade, vendor and information booth applications

Applications are now closed.

Children's bike draw donations

The much-loved children’s bike draw is returning for kids aged 5 to 12. The City is seeking sponsors to donate new bikes and helmets to support this long-standing tradition. If you’d like to contribute, please email Ryan Coltura, Assistant Manager of Recreation Facility Operations.

Media releases

Canada Day celebrations bring the community together [PDF - 117 KB]
Jeff Plankenhorn and the Big Easy Funk Ensemble headline Canada Day celebrations [PDF - 117 KB]

Questions?

Contact the Lewis Centre at 250-338-5371 or Filberg Centre at 250-338-1000.

Canada Day celebration schedule

Monday, June 30: Night Before concert

Lewis Park Stage, 4:15 to 10 p.m.

Enjoy an evening of entertainment, vendors, food trucks and the 40 Knots Beverage Garden in the park.

  • 4:15 to 6:30 p.m. – Indigenous and multicultural performances
  • 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. – The English Brothers, a high-energy duo known for their mix of folk, country and classic rock. 
  • 8 to 9:45 p.m. – Jeff Plankenhorn, an acclaimed singer-songwriter and slide guitar player whose Americana style and roots rock has earned international recognition.

Tuesday, July 1: Canada Day celebrations

Downtown Courtenay, 9 to 11 a.m.

  • 10 a.m. – Canada Day parade down 5th Street. Enjoy this high-energy, fun, community parade!

Lewis Park, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Come and enjoy entertainment, vendors, food trucks, information booths, activity booths and the 40 Knots Beverage Garden in the park. The MC is local entertainment legend Kenny Shaw.

  • 11 a.m. – Kids' zone opens: Three-story inflatable slide, bouncers, face painting, bubbles and wacky activities.
  • 11 to 11:45 a.m. – Nathan Senner, local singer-songwriter known for his acoustic style and heartfelt lyrics.
  • Noon – Welcoming ceremony and singing of O Canada.
  • 12:30 p.m. – Canada Day birthday cake provided by Costco.
  • 1 to 2:30 p.m. – The Big Easy Funk Ensemble brings high-energy New Orleans-style funk, jazz and soul to the stage.
  • 3 p.m. – Kids' bike draw – Lewis Park Stage. Get tickets for the bike draw at the special events tent beside the Lewis Park Stage. For kids aged 5-12.

 More great free events on July 1

  • Courtenay and District Museum open house, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    • Live music by Alan Jossul
    • Kids' crafts, prizes and a one-day book sale (50 per cent off Step into the Wilderness – limit three per person).
  • Courtenay Outdoor Pool in Lewis Park, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
    • Free public swims on Canada Day and all summer long
    • Family swim: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
    • Open swim: 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Note: Children under 7 must be within arm's reach of a responsible guardian (16+) at all times. One guardian can supervise up to three children.

  • Evergreen Tea Dance, 2 to 4 p.m. at the Native Sons Hall
    • Live music by the Georgia Strait Big Bad
    • Drop-in event with music, refreshments and cake

Note: Schedule subject to change