Skip to content

Area ready for Canada Day

Local communities plan events to celebrate Canada Day.
68202porthardyC-canada-day-tanguay-jr-26
Taylor Tanguay of Port McNeill shows her spirit during last year's Canada Day celebration at Port McNeill Airport.

The North Island will be in full swing with Canada Day activities Monday in all local communities, with events for participants of all ages. From the long-running, like the air show at Port McNeill Airport and the parade and kids races in Port Alice, to newer developments, like Sointula's boat regatta and the move of Port Hardy's festivities from Storey's Beach to Carrot Park, the North Island offers a range of fun, food and flag-waving to celebrate the country's formation.

 

 

 

Port Alice

A full day (and night!) of activities kicks off at 9:30 a.m. with a pancake breakfast by donation. The parade marshals at 11:30 a.m across from Ozzieland and begins at noon for the trek along Marine Drive to the Community Centre. Cake and coffee follows in the centre's boardroom. At 2 p.m., kids' activities take centre stage at Lions Park; the barbecue dinner is served at 4:30, and at dusk it's time for fireworks at Lions Park.

 

 

 

Sointula

The second annual Canada Day Regatta takes place at the boat harbour, along with a host of activities as the community seeks to build on the success of last year's event. Traditional Canada Day cake-cutting, other food and vendors, entertainment and a pub kickoff along with the sailing and predicted log races. Children's boat-building and racing event also in the works. All proceeds to benefit FINN (Friends in Need Now). For info, call Jim at 250-973-6975.

 

 

 

Port McNeill

The town celebration features two parts — the day begins with the long-running event hosted by the Port McNeill Flying Club at the airport just south of town, kicked off by an 11 a.m. flag-raising featuring a colour guard of RCMP, 101 Squadron, Canadian Rangers and Junior Rangers. Then comes cake-cutting, Lioness burger grill, flight demos and golf-ball drop by West Coast Helicopters and a fly-by from Pacific Coastal Airlines, all capped by free kids' plane rides by members of the local flying club and the Civil Air Rescue.

Afterward, take the kids to Gate House Community Theatre beginning at 4 p.m. for a bison burger barbecue, cookie decorating, colouring contest and scavenger hunt. At 6:30 p.m. the theatre offers a free showing of the campy family film Dudley Do-Right.

 

 

 

Port Hardy

The annual celebration makes its move this year from Storey's Beach to the downtown waterfront at Carrot Park. New location, but same fun activities, kicking off with a parade down Market Street at noon before the raising of the flag. Then comes karaoke, kids' races, scavenger hunt, balloon darts, karate demo, live music, food and more. Volunteers welcome, contact Tracey at 250-949-6085.

 

 

 

Coal Harbour

The community is dedicating this year’s celebration to all local firefighters, pas and present.

Festivities begin at the Old School at 4:30 p.m. and include music, games for the kids and the traditional pig roast. Dinner is served at 6 p.m., and participants are asked to provide a side dish.

For info, call Jeanne at 250-949-0575.