A day to celebrate and reflect on Canada's history, heritage and community with family friendly activities and entertainment at Fernie Aquatic Centre.
Canada Day has always been a popular day for Fernie to gather and celebrate friendship and fun. In recognition of our location within the Ktunaxa Amakis, the day will begin with a flag raising ceremony at Fernie City Hall followed by a Reconciliation Walk to the celebration grounds around the Fernie Aquatic Centre.
Please note that due to high fire risk in the summer months, Fernie does not have a fireworks display for Canada Day.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE, Subject to Change:
10:00am
Flag Raising Ceremony at Fernie City Hall with Yaq?it ?a·knuq?I ‘it First Nation, followed by and Reconciliation Walk to the Aquatic Centre.
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
FERNIE MOUNTAIN MARKET
10:30 - 11:30 am WELCOME TO CANADA DAY
Welcome speeches, Yaq?it ?a·knuq?I ‘it traditional drumming and dancing on stage at Fernie Aquatic Centre, followed by Canada Day cupcakes
10:30 am - 2:30 pm
FREE SWIM at Fernie Aquatic Centre
11:30 am - 3:30 pm LIVE MUSIC
11:30am - Singing of O Canada
12:30pm - 3:30pm – Live Music, TBA
12:00 - 3:30 pm - KIDS ZONE ACTIVITIES
- Bike Decorating for the 1 pm Bike Parade
- Potato Sack Races
- Inflatable Obstacle Course
- Giant Checkers
- Chalk Art
ABOUT CANADA DAY
Canada Day is celebrated annually on July 1st and is based on the anniversary of Canadian Confederation on July 1, 1867 which brought together the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. 2023 marks the 156th anniversary of that date. British Columbia joined the confederation in 1871.
The first inhabitants of North America are believed to have first migrated across the Bering Strait into the area now known as Yukon at least 14,000 years ago. Archeological sites in northern Yukon are the oldest known sites of human habitation in Canada. Indigenous Canadians include First Nations, Inuit and Metis people. There are over 640 First Nations governments and bands across Canada and many more Metis and Inuit councils and societies.
Canada is undergoing a period of reconciliation to understand and correct the injustices of the past and create a better future for all Canadians.