Canada Day Weekend Celebrations 2019
With the official start of summer coming tomorrow, people are making their plans for all the summer long weekends coming up. The first long weekend is coming up soon – Canada Day Weekend!
1000 Islands Regatta
Canada Day weekend is going to start with a roar – quite literally! The 1000 Islands Regatta will be taking place from June 28-30th at Blockhouse Islands, and will be the host of the hydroplane racing league. These boats are essentially planes without wings, flying down the St.Lawrence at breakneck speeds, reaching over 100 MPH easily! Racing will take place on Saturday and Sunday at 10:30am until 5pm. After the races, there will be live musical performances.
Platinum Blonde will begin the weekend on Friday, June 28th. This Canadian rock band will be performing all their classics throughout the night. Supporting act is Bourne To Rock
Canadian country music star Jason Blaine will perform on Saturday, June 29th. This singer from Pembroke, Ontario will really keep the audience going after a day of racing, so look forward to that. The supporting act is Jordy Jackson.
Closing the festival concert series will be The Northern Pikes. These Canadian legends and Juno nominees will really keep the energy going after the trophy presentations on the main stage at 5pm. Their supporting acts are Dead Root Revival and Reckless 4.
Weekend passes and day passes can be bought at the Brockville Tourism office, or online through Snapd 1000 Islands. People who purchase advance passes will be given priority front of line access to the concert series.
Royal Brock Craft, Vendor and Bake Sale
Royal Brock Retirement Living will also be hosting an event on June 30th. Their Craft, Vendor and Bake Sale will take place from 11am to 3pm. There is no charge for entry, and the event is open to all members of the public. If you are able, you are encouraged to park across the street at the shopping centre, as there is limited parking at the Royal Brock. Make sure you have your cash on hand and come check out their goods!
1000 Islands Tower Open For Sunset
What better way is there to build up to Canada Day than by watching the sun set over the gorgeous 1000 Islands? 1000 Islands Tower will be hosting their sunset views on June 29th and 30th. Bring your camera to the very top level and get some breathtaking photos! Regular admission applies, and more information can be found on their website.
Canada Day Activities
Canada Day 1K/5K
The day of Canada Day will have a selection of events happening. Starting early at Rotary Fieldhouse 429 Laurier Blvd., the Brockville Road Runners will be hosting their annual Canada Day 1K and 5K run on July 1st. There will be two events happening
Kids (Under 13) 1K Run
Starts at 8:45am
Cost: Free
There will be medals for top male and female runners in three age groups – Under 7, Under 10 and Under 13.
Safety: The race is entirely on the trail path, with no road crossings
The 5K Race
Starts at 9am
Cost: $15 for Brockville Road Runner Club members, $20 for non members, and family is $35
There will be trophies for the overall male and female winners and medals for the top three male and female finishers in their category.
City of Brockville Canada Day Activities
Once you’re done at the run, head to Brockville City Hall for Canada Day festivities. At 11:45am, there will be a procession to the Court House Green. Led by the Brockville Pipe and Drum Corp, there will be a march of Scarlet Clad Infantry Re-enactors, representatives from the Brockville Rifles, the Brockville Police Services, those who have served our country during times of war and peace, and local dignitaries.
At noon, everyone will sing “O Canada” on the Court House Green, followed by speeches. Cake will then be served to the public.
MS Society Teddy Bear Festival
A great family fun event will be the 1st Annual MS Society Teddy Bear Festival, held at Hardy Park. They have a great schedule of events happening throughout the day that will be fun for the whole family.
8am-11am – Pancake Breakfast (Adults: $5 Children: $3)
11am-11:15am – Opening Ceremonies
11am-12pm – Best decorated bike contest
11:30am-12pm, 1pm-1:30pm, 3pm-3:30pm – Story time by the Brockville Theatre Guild
12pm-12:45pm – SMA Karate Brockville demonstration
12:45pm – 1:30pm – Subramanya Kids Yoga
1:30pm – Teddy Bear Parade
2pm-2:45pm, 3pm-3:45pm – Royal High Tea Party ($6)
2pm-4pm – Children’s Muster Photo Booth in 1862 Militia Uniforms presented by the Brockville Infantry Co.
For more information, be sure to check out the Facebook Event page.
Fort Wellington Canada Day Celebration
If an afternoon of history is more your style, be sure to check out Fort Wellington’s celebrations in Prescott. Open from 10am to 4pm, the fort will have free admission throughout the day. There will be family activities, historic demonstrations, and refreshments to help make this Canada Day a memorable one.
For more information, check the Fort Wellington website.
Thousand Islands National Park
Looking to go experience something truly Canadian? Head out to Thousand Islands National Park and get to paddle in a voyageur canoe! Tours depart from Mallorytown Landing every hour on Monday July 1st from 10a.m. to 4p.m. and can be booked in advance by calling (613)923-5261 ext 140. You also will get to hear stories and learn more about the Thousand Islands. It is $4.90 per paddler.
Aquatarium
The Aquatarium will be open for those wanting to escape the heat for a few hours on Canada Day from 10am to 5pm. Added bonus – if you show up in patriotic Canadian outfits, you will receive 25% off regular admission rates!
Brockville Ghost Walks
If you’re looking for something to do as the sun is setting, and it’s too early for the fireworks, come join Brockville Tourism’s Ghost Walks! They run every Monday at 7pm, and you’ll be back at downtown Brockville with time to spare to make it to the fireworks.
Tickets can be bought on the EventBrite website or through the Facebook Event listing.
Canada Day Fireworks
In the evening, there will be a fireworks display over the St.Lawrence River between 9:30 and 10pm. Please note, if there are high winds or a chance of lightning, the event will be postponed until the following evening. Any updates will be found on the Brockville City website or their Twitter account.
Canada Day At the Moose
Moose McGuire’s will also be hosting an event. With their location at Tall Ships Landing and their patio, it will be a great place to catch the fireworks or just to relax! For $25 at the door, you will get to enjoy free food, free swag and live music. The Windmill Brewery and Gananoque Brewery will also be on the cafe patio to celebrate everything Canada. 10% of all the ticket sales and alcohol sales will be donated to our local food bank.
For more information, check out the EventBrite page to RSVP (It helps them know how much food to prepare!)
1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises
If you’re in the mood to watch the fireworks from a unique perspective, perhaps check out the 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises Canada Day Fireworks Dinner cruise! This three hour extended version of the regular dinner cruise is a relaxed and casual buffet dinner as you sail along the 1000 Islands at sunset. Then, settling in along Brockville’s waterfront, you’ll be able to enjoy Brockville’s fireworks in style!
For more information or for tickets, please check the 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises’ website.