Canada Day 2020
On July 1, we Celebrate Canada Day Safely, apart but together.
We are very fortunate to be in Banff during this Challenging time. We have wide open spaces and awe-inspiring vistas we can explore to boost our physical and mental health, safely. Not everyone in Canada can experience this type of restorative power right now.
As Canada’s First National Park and the birthplace of a system to protect and explore our outdoor spaces, we are proud of our role in Canada’s national and cultural heritage. The Town of Banff was created to help share and maintain the integrity of this special place for present and future generations.
Though we are not able to host our regular concerts, family fun zone, parade, or pyrotechnic display there are still plenty of ways to experience the beauty and uniqueness of Banff on Canada Day.
- A Message from Mayor Sorensen
- #ToCanadaLoveBanff
- Special Canada Day Content
- Memories of the 2019 Canada Day Parade
- More online content
- Programming from our Federal Partners
- About our Artists
#ToCanadaLoveBanff
Please send a message of hope and support to the rest of Canada on July 1 by sharing photos of this special place with a message of #ToCanadaLoveBanff
Special Canada Day Content
Story Time
9:30a.m. Join the Banff Public Library online as they present a special Canada Day Story time. Don’t forget to pick up your Canada Day craft kit from the library between June 27 and July 3! The special story time will be live streamed.
Concert of the Bells
Listen from your front door to hear some special concerts of the Bells performed by Heather Jean Jordan:
10:00a.m. Sing along to O Canada played on the Bells as part of a special 30 minute Classical Canadiana Concert. If you missed the concert, you can check it out here.
1:00p.m. A featured 15 minute Classical Concert will delight you from your doorway. Click here to listen to the concert if you missed it at 1:00pm.
4:00p.m. Open your window and listen to Music Written for the Bells. This 15 minute concert reflects the history of this unique instrument (only 1 of 2 in Canada) and it’s role in the church. Click here to watch it again.
7:00p.m. Step onto your porch, Deck or lawn and bang your pots and pans as we thank our front line workers, then enjoy a 15 minute concert of Modern Canadiana. Rewatch the concert here.
Thank you for St. George-in-the-Pines for showcasing this instrument, unique to the Bow Valley. Click the link for more information about St. George-in-the-Pines, the Bells or Heather Jean Jordan.
We remind everyone to please listen from your front door, porch or Balcony. If you can’t hear the Bells from your home we suggest visiting one of Banffs natural spaces to enjoy the concert while following health protocols. From Central Park to the Top of Tunnel Mountain there are plenty of open spaces to enjoy the music.
Virtual Pyrotechnics
10:00pm. Thank you to the Government of Canada and Tim Hortons for producing an Augmented Reality Experience. (smartphone and tablets only!)
At 10:00 p.m. local time point your smart phone or tablet to the night sky and a 3-minute show will begin. The augmented reality experience will give you the same visual and sound effects as a real display! Image capture will also be available for you to share with family and friends.
Click here using your mobile device to experience the virtual display
Click here if watching from a laptop to experience a video Montage
Memories of the 2019 Canada Day Parade
(we can’t wait to see you in 2021!)
Photographs taken by Roger Whitney, Alpine Peak Photography
More online Content
Thank you to our local partners who have provided content which highlight Banffs unique cultural heritage and place within Canada
A Message from the Mayor
A special Canada Day Message from Mayor Karen Sorensen.
Film Screenings
Celebrate the exploration and preservation of our outdoor spaces by watching some free film screenings from the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival
Virtual Exhibitions
Explore the visual history of Banff courtesy of the virtual exhibitions of the Whyte Museum, or check out some highlights from their collection.
Parks Canada
Wild Sings. Over the past decade, Parks Canada has shared stories of the natural and cultural history of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many of these stories we tell through music. These are some of their favourite original songs about the wildlife protected in our mountain national parks.
#Wildliferules. Canada’s national parks are gateways to nature, adventure and discovery. The chance to observe wildlife as they go about their natural lives is one of the most fascinating experiences that Canada’s national parks offer. Along with this opportunity, however, comes the responsibility to treat wildlife with the respect they deserve and need.
Canada Day Trivia
Thank you to White Mountain Adventures for producing a free Canada Day Triviography Game in Banff on July 1. The game runs 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. and only 100 teams can be registered at any time! Remember to walk, bike or Roam as you navigate the townsite and the trivia. Don’t forget to physically distance as you make your way around!
Thank you Banff
We’ve all been through a lot in the past several months. The town of Banff couldn’t have made it without the hardwork of all the people who provided essential services, support programs and health services. Check out this video which puts faces to the front line workers and to whom we say thank you.
Tour the Park - Virtually
Thank you to our partners with Banff and Lake Louise Tourism for allowing those at home to experience the beauty of a hike in Banff National Park - virtually in 360 degrees!
Sundance Canyon in Winter: Located just West of Cave and Basin, this hike takes you on a little tour at the base of Sulphur Mountain.
Ice Skating on Vermilion Lakes: A popular spot for painters, hikers, and Canoers, Vermilion lakes is access just after Norquay Interchange when you are coming into Banff.
A spring walk along Lake Minnewanka: Just North o the Banff Townsite, Minnewanka’s history is closely linked to the first peoples of Canada.
A winter Hike at Johnston Canyon: One of Banff’s most popular and accessible hikes,
A sunny hike along the Hoodoo Trail: Just East of the Tunnel Mountain Campgrounds, the Hoodoos trail gives you a unique vantage point to see between Rundell and Tunnel Mountains and of course the natural occurring Hoodoos.
If you plan to hike any of these in future remember to plan ahead by visiting the Parks Canada Website for information about distance, where to Park and what to bring: Sturdy shoes, Water and Bear Spray are a must!
Programming from our Federal Partners
A big thank you to the Department of Canadian Heritage for creating so many resources we can all enjoy on July 1. There is lot to do and lots to see: explore it all below!
Experience it!
| Explore the Maple Leaf Activity Pack! | Get creative! Paint, read, dance, produce your own stop animation film or sing along to some of your favourite Canadian tunes. |
| Explore the Peace Tower Activity Pack! | Test your Canadian knowledge and display your Canada Day cheer with fun crafts and games! Challenge your family and friends in a quiz, have a paper model build-off, decorate your house or share your story with other Canadians. |
| Explore the Beaver Activity Pack! | Get active in your backyard and explore your natural surroundings! Go on a scavenger hunt, decorate your sidewalk or work out like a Canadian athlete. |
| Explore the O Canada Culinary Activity Pack! | Are you an aspiring master chef? Try out these fun and delicious Canadian recipes to enjoy during your Canada Day celebrations. |
Watch it!
DAYTIME SHOW CBC Television (broadcast in English)From 1 to 2 pm local time Ici Radio-Canada Télé (broadcast in French) From 1 to 2 pm local time From 1 to 2 pm (ET) From 1 to 2 pm (ET) EVENING SHOW CBC Television (broadcast in English) From 8 to 10 pm local time Ici Radio-Canada Télé (broadcast in French) From 8 to 10 pm (ET) From 8 to 10 pm (ET) | ÉMISSION DE JOUR Ici Radio-Canada Télé (diffusion en français) CBC Television (diffusion en anglais) De 13 h à 14 h (heure locale)De 13 h 30 à 14 h 30 (heure de Terre-Neuve) De 13 h à 14 h (HE) De 13 h à 14 h (HE) ÉMISSION DE SOIR - Ici Radio-Canada Télé (diffusion en français) De 20 h à 22 h heure localeDe 21 h à 23 h heure de l’Atlantique CBC Television (diffusion en anglais) De 20 h à 22 h (HE) De 20 h à 22 h (HE) |
A note about our Artists
2020 is proving to be a very difficult time for performing artists. We all consume art in some form or fashion: music, theatre, TV shows, movies and more. Though art can be seen as a commodity, the people who make the art are not.
Canada Day in Banff wouldn’t be special without these dedicated artists, and their presence is sincerely missed. We ask you to consider looking them up, check out their content and considering purchasing a CD or booking them for a future gig when we can gather again safely
Here is a list featuring some of our artists and entertainment contractors from Canada Day 2019:
| Akina Slusar | Akina Slusar, a singer/song writer out of Calgary Alberta, opened our Canada Day Celebrations in 2019 by singing O Canada in English French and Cree. |
| Alanna J. Brown | Alanna J. Brown’s smooth flowing melodies have been entertaining the Bow Valley for years. |
| Amelie Patterson | Born and Raised in Banff Alberta, Amelie’s bluesy vocals and heart-felt lyrics entertain audience young and old. |
| Blackfoot Medicine Speaks | Blackfoot Medicine Speaks offers an educational and entertaining cultural experience of Blackfoot storytelling, cultural sharing, and mesmerizing song and dance that reflects our connection to our ancestors, our land, and the spirit of the Blackfoot people while celebrating our rich culture. We are performers who provide a unique and fascinating experience for audiences of all ages. |
| Brad Brewer | A multi-instrumentalist serving up Canadian Folk |
| Dave Lynes of ABM Audio | Dave Lynes and ABM audio have been mixing the sound for the Canada Day Gazebo mainstage for years. Audiences can rely on Dave to mix a superb performance |
| David Simard of LeDav Productions | A resident of Banff for almost 20 years, Artists know and trust a gig when David is onsite. |
| Entangled Puppetry | With an eclectic and imaginative style, Entangled Puppetry delights audiences with its whimsical creations |
| Fireworks Spectaculars | Fireworks Spectaculars coordinate the Town of Banffs Pyrotechnic Displays, ensuring they are dazzling and respectful of the environment and our place with the national Park. |
| Gary Gonis | A long time staple of Banff’s music scene, Gary and the Hey Ho Has get your toes taping and heart soaring |
| Heather Jean Jordan | Heather Jean Jordan’s fresh and timeless sound will charm you back to a time long past; one you didn’t know you remember, and won’t soon forget |
| Isabelle la Wonderful | Magician, Artist, Performer. Playful, witty and multi-talented, based out of Cochrane Alberta, Isabelle truly is wonderful. |
| Rob Murray, MC | When not at his dayjob on 106.5 Mountain FM, Rob narrates the Canada Day Parade and is the Master of Ceremonies at our Canada Day Gazebo Main stage |
| Steve Harmer, MC and Magician | As MC of the Family Fun Zone and a wonderful Magician, Steve brings a brightness to the Canada Day Celebrations - which is also his Wedding Anniversary! |
| Swanee and Charlie B | Two old Friends, making music and fun for crowds for over 40 years |
| The Steadies | The Steadies are a high-energy power trio from Saskatoon SK Canada who mix pop, rock, funk and reggae creating a sound they’ve dubbed, ‘island-rock’ |
| Watanga Singer and Dancers | Christopher Pegram and his wife, Shanda, along with their two sons, Noah and Gavin, are an Indigenous dance and drum troupe based out of Morley, Alberta |