This is a big year for Canada – the nation is celebrating the 150th year of its confederation and massive celebrations will be taking place in every corner of the country. But what if you happen to be out of the country for Canada Day this year? Whether you’re travelling for business, pleasure or are living abroad, there are some great ways to celebrate outside of Canada. To help Canadians (and Canada lovers) the world over prepare, we’ve rounded up some of the biggest and best celebrations going on abroad. From Sydney to Dubai, read on for the top spots to celebrate Canada Day outside of Canada.
London, England
Thousands of people are expected to descend on London’s Trafalgar Square to celebrate Canada Day on July 1st. Much of the day will be devoted to all things Canuck, including a hockey skills workshop, Trafalgar Cup ball hockey competition, Canadian home baking, barbeque, maple-based treats, poutine, beer, Timbits and many family-friendly activities. In addition, Canada Day revellers can also look forward to seeing some live music courtesy of some of Canada’s brightest stars including Pup, Tanya Tagaq, Daniel Caesar and Safia Nolin.
Sydney, Australia
Celebrate Canada’s 150th in Sydney with a winter wonderland-themed birthday bash. The Greenwood Hotel at North Sydney Station will play host to a variety of Canada-inspired events, which include bringing in a whopping 50 tonnes of snow. There will also be Caesars, real poutine, Canadian beer, a street hockey tournament, DJs, games and prizes. Guests will also have the chance to win a trip for two to Canada thanks to Air Canada.
Singapore
If you happen to be in Singapore on Canada Day, you can celebrate our nation’s 150th birthday bash with a party at the Museum of Contemporary Arts. Ticket price includes a Canadian-themed buffet dinner (with poutine, nanaimo bars and butter tarts), live music, games, trivia, prizes and an ongoing playlist of Canada’s top 150 songs. Guests are encouraged to dress in red and white.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
At the Dubai outpost of Toronto’s Weslodge Saloon, you can take part in a Canada Day celebration that runs from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. and will include several events and activities to help you feel as if you’re celebrating at home. Take advantage of the hot dog station, enjoy a special poutine menu (which includes a decadent lobster poutine) and satisfy your sweet tooth at the maple taffy snow station. There will also be Canada 150-themed beverages on offer and prizes for the most patriotically dressed.
Fukuoka, Japan
One of the largest cities in Japan, Fukuoka is putting on its own Canada Day bash at Tenjin Monolith. Get your Tim Horton’s coffee fix, sample some maple syrup, check out a ball hockey game, participate in the Canada Dry ginger ale speed-drinking contest, chow down on some Canadian food like poutine and maple cupcakes, sip some Canadian beer or wine and dance to Canadian music. There will also be an appearance by Anne of Green Gables and prizes for best Canadian outfit.
New York City, New York, United States
New York’s Dirt Candy is the place to be on July 1 if you want to celebrate Canada Day in the Big Apple. The vegetarian restaurant is turning into a summer camp in honour of Canada’s 150th and serving up some camp and cookout-themed eats (sans meat) for the afternoon, including hush puppies with maple butter, carrot sliders, beet po boys, various salads and other veg-friendly treats. TVs will be showing shot-in-Canada camp classics like “Meatballs” and the party soundtrack will consist of classic Canadian summer tunes. Order up some Molson, Canadian whiskey or Caesars and raise a glass to Canada.
Los Angeles, California, United States
Canadians Abroad of Southern California, in partnership with the Consulate General of Canada, will be throwing a birthday celebration for Canada at the Hard Rock Café on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles. Canada’s very own Maestro Fresh Wes will be performing, a DJ will be spinning the latest hits and there will be food and drink specials all night including, of course, Canadian beer and Caesars. The event is family-friendly and kids under five get in free.
Bermuda
The Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art in Bermuda will be hosting its own Canada Day celebration. The cheerful, airy gallery showcasing the artists of Bermuda as well as works by international artists who have been inspired by the island. The gallery is always worth visiting, but on July 1, stop in for a dose of art and Canadian culture alongside some Canadian beer, ice wine, cheese and music.
Berlin, Germany
The grounds of Berlin’s BRLO Brewhouse will be home to another Canada Day celebration abroad. This party kicks off at noon and will feature a range of Canadian culinary specialties, including authentic poutine, Canadian craft beer, Maple leaf cake baking for kids, a DJ, stand-up comedy, a raffle and a performance by Toronto-based band Hidden Cameras.
Taipei, Taiwan
Celebration Canada is the largest foreign national day celebration in Taiwan, and this year’s bash celebrating Canada’s 150th will take place at Hakka Cultural Park in Taipei. The festivities come courtesy of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan and will be a day-long free festival featuring live Canadian and Taiwanese musicians and bands, a hockey booth, activities for kids including face painting and temporary Canada-themed tattoos, poutine, Canadian beer, wine and spirits and, of course, Caesars. But just note that if you are craving a Caesar, they sell out fast so get in line early. The festivities end with a fireworks show at 9 p.m.
Bonus: U.S. and the UK
We shared a couple of celebrations in various cities across the United States, but, if you’re still looking, Canada Day Across America allows you to search for Canada Day parties big and small by state. If you are in the U.S. for the big day, you might just come across a Canada Day bash near you. Or if you’re in the United Kingdom, a similar program, Project Moose, aims to connect those hoping to celebrate Canada Day with parties big and small happening across the U.K.
How will you be celebrating Canada Day this year? Let us know in the comments below. And if you’re going to be celebrating Canada at home this year, check out our blogs about 15 ways to celebrate Canada’s 150th and when you should plan to book a Canadian staycation.
