Happy Birthday, Canada! You sure look good for 146 years old!
Come and join the fun on July 1st, 2013 as Banff National Park and the Town of Banff, Alberta, put on their party pants and celebrate Canada’s Birthday!
There’s certainly plenty to do around the town and throughout the Part, and while many hotels and activities are planning their own specials events, here’s what we’ve researched and suggest as the Top Five for you to experience.
1. Pancake Breakfast. Pancake breakfasts are most often associated with the Calgary Stampede, but you ought not miss out on this special Banff version. This is a great way to get your Canada Day party started from 8 to 10am. Presented by Melissa’s Restaurant and the Banff Park Lodge.
2. Ride a Kicking Horse! Well, not actually a real one…that may be a bit extreme for most…but, Wild Water Adventures, offering white water rafting near Banff and Lake Louise, Alberta on the famous Kicking Horse River is partying it up off river for their rafting guests that day with contests, gifts and giveaways for the most patriotically dressed or those daring enough of offer up their best and boldest version of “O Canada”, the countries National Anthem. Rafting trips for all ages and adventure levels. Check out the party details at https://wildwater.com/uncategorized/celebrate-canada-day-rafting-on-the-kicking-horse-river/
3. Everybody loves a Parade! From 5:00pm to 6:30pm the streets of Banff will be closed as local businesses, charities, not-for-profits and community services all join in the fanfare down Banff Avenue.
4. Music for everyone. Music is in the air throughout the day. At 1pm and 3pm in Banff Avenue Square, enjoy the Spanish guitar stylings of Andrew Ibanez. Local favorites “Swanee and Friends” entertain at 3:30 in Central Park. The “Dino Martinis” will get a party started wherever they play, so make plans to listen and dance along at 7pm, 8:30pm, and 10pm at the Stampede Stage in Central Park. And “Boneyard” takes the over the stage at the Gazebo in Central Park at 8pm and 9:30pm. So much music for just one day!!
5. Tasty Cake at the historic Chateau Lake Louise. Drop by this iconic hotel to view the magnificence of Lake Louise and also partake in the traditional cutting of the cake and savor your own tasty piece with your favorite beverages in one of the most beautiful locations Canada has to offer.
And, finally, what’s a party without a big finish, right? At 11pm you’ll see the Canadian Rocky Mountain skies lit up with a fantastic fireworks display. Enjoy the best views from Central Park. The fireworks show makes a great ending to a great day. Happy Birthday, Canada…you sure look good for 146 years young!
For more details on Canada Day events in Banff National Park, go to the Town of Banff website, http://banff.ca/index.aspx?NID=823
