Activities & Attractions

Encompassing Canada Place, Canada Place Way, Vancouver Convention Centre's Jack Poole Plaza and East Facility and neighbouring Harbour Green Park, Canada Day at Canada Place 2011 had very exciting activities and attractions.

View for Change Spectator Area - NEW IN 2011!
Supporting Strathcona Community Centre's Food Security for Children program, fireworks viewers could save their spot in a reserved area with unobstructed views of the Canada Day Burrard Inlet Fireworks and easy access to washrooms. Net proceeds from ticket sales were donated to the charity.

 

The Coast Capital Savings Youth Team
The Coast Capital Savings Youth Team was on-site in Jack Poole Plaza to get everyone in the spirit with Canada Day themed giveaways and tattoos.

 

Face of Canada
Making its global debut in 2011 was Face of Canada. This compelling art exhibit by renowned Canadian artist William Meire featured over 100 original oil portraits of notable Canadians who have helped shape the diverse fabric of our nation including hockey great Bobby Hull, Sir. John A MacDonald, Leslie Nielsen, and Sarah McLachlan and Michael J. Fox. www.williammeiregallery.com

 

Creative Nation
Set as an indoor “theater in the round,” this was the place to be dazzled by circus performers including aerialists, contortionists and jugglers. Guests enjoyed live theatrical drama and dance and got inspired by intriguing and nostalgic film shorts, all by Canadian performers and directors.

 

Canada @ Play
Canadians love to play. And it's more than just hockey. This showcase of Canadian sport and health living, spanned decades of sport, nutrition education, and participatory events.

 

Innovation Nation
Innovation: Introduction of new or different methods. Canada has produced a huge number of inventions and innovations, from the telephone to the Canadarm to the BlackBerry. Innovation Nation highlighted cutting edge Canadian technologies with a particular focus on green and sustainable initiatives.

 

Peacekeeping Nation
One of the many things that makes Canada a great place to live includes the thousands of men and women who maintain the safety of our borders, as well as defend and protect many around the world that cannot defend themselves. Being a helping and caring nation: part of what Canada is all about. We're proud to partner with the Canadian Forces to bring you incredible displays and exhibits from our Navy, Army and Air Force.   

 

Young Nation
For kids from one to 92, enjoyed live stage performance, interactive workshops, circus performers, giant board games, face painting, water park and much more, all within a magical and fantastical park setting!

 

Canadian Mosaic
Photographer Tim Van Horn has been traveling all over Canada for nearly three years capturing over 7,000 portraits of Canadian people, from which he’s formed into a beautiful mural depicting our Nation’s flag. Tim’s goal is a staggering 25,000 portraits by 2017. Guests joined in the making of history by stopping at the Canadian Mosaic photobooth!

 

Citizenship Ceremony
Hosted by Global BC’s news anchor Chris Gailus, the traditional Citizenship Ceremony was a special part of our annual celebration. Join us as we welcome 60 new citizens to our Canadian family in a heartfelt ceremony that kicked off the day’s celebrations in the Jack Poole Plaza.   

 

Collect & Win Contest
Guests visited different attractions, collected stamps and entered to win! The prize was a BC Ferries Vacations Package for 5 Nights, 6 days Circle Drive Tour valued at $2,000.

  

Port Metro Vancouver's Discovery Centre
Guests visit Port Metro Vancouver’s Discovery Centre to learn more about Canada’s largest and busiest port. Activities included a jigsaw puzzle game, meeting Salty the Seagull mascot and getting a free Captain George Vancouver hat!

 

Sails of Light
The Canadiana Sails of Light is a truly inspirationally Canadian experience. The Sails of Light represent Canada’s diverse and tremendous landscape from coast to coast. It is a spectacle of animated light communicating the vision and identity of Canada Place, while putting to use the emblematic sails as a narrative support. This show is year round and will take you on a voyage to and across Canada.

 

3rd annual Canada Day Parade
At 7pm on July 1, 2011, the parade welcomed over 60 multicultural community entries and guests to celebrate our special bond of living in the great country of Canada.

 

5th annual Canada Day Burrard Inlet Fireworks Show
This unique multi-community event drew people and numerous communities together to celebrate Canada. This unique two barge simultaneous pyrotechnic extravaganza lights up the sky and is visible from numerous locations in Coal Harbour, Stanley Park, West Vancouver and North Vancouver. www.canadadayfireworks.ca