Courtenay’s beautiful location attracts residents from around the world and this diversity is especially celebrated on Canada Day when local residents and visitors gather downtown to share their identity as Canadians and the unique lifestyle we all enjoy.
Pancake Breakfast
Wake up nice and early and start your Canada Day morning with the Kinsmen’s Pancake Breakfast in Simms Park 7 a.m. Then lace up those running shoes and join the Fifth Street Fun Run, which follows the parade route and starts at 9:30 a.m. (Registration at Woods Ave at 9:15 a.m.)
Freedom of the City
Also part of the July 1st celebrations, the Freedom of the City will be renewed to honour HMCS Quadra, CFB Comox 19 Wing, and the Canadian Scottish Regiment. Courtenay has a long partnership and history with its Canadian Armed Forces military partners and renews its commitment to the Armed Forces during a formal ceremony at 9:30 a,m, at City Hall.
Parade
The Canada Day Grande Parade at 10:30 a.m. on Fifth Street is a long standing tradition celebrated for decades by local businesses, service organizations, and social groups. This year’s parade will be a Salute to Our Pioneers beginning at Lake Trail School and ending at Lewis Park. (The road will be closed to traffic at 9 a.m.)
Meet at the park
The parade and spectators will spill into Lewis Park and Simms Millennium Park for a full day of family activities including Comox Rotary’s 28th Annual Ducky 500 Race at 1 p.m. when 5,500 rubber ducks will be released at the Condensory Bridge and raced to the finish line at the Fifth Street Bridge. Of course the park will be full of activities for the kids, including bouncy castle fun and free swimming at the pool. There will also be food vendors, local music, and the Horseshoe Competition, now in its 30th year.
Big Band sounds
Enjoy the sounds of the Georgia Straight Big Band at the Native Sons Hall and invite a dance partner to join you on the refurbished dance floor, while the Evergreen Club serves tea, coffee, and cake. Across the street, you can see the famous Elasmosaur at the Courtenay & District Museum Open House from 1-4 p.m.
Variety Show
Wrap your Canada Day celebrations up with the free Variety Show held at the Sid Williams Theatre at 7 p.m. with local acts demonstrating the diversity of their talent. Don’t miss this amazing show! Visit comoxvalleycanadaday.ca for a full Canada Day event schedule.