Kitimat’s Canada Day celebrations will start a little early this year, with fireworks now scheduled for 11 p.m. on June 30 — a change organizers hope will draw a bigger crowd by avoiding the usual week-day commitments.
“The feedback we’ve received from the community was that a lot of people couldn’t attend because they had to work the next morning,” said Evelyn Stevenson, spokesperson for Festivals Kitimat. “By having them on the 30th with the next day being the stat holiday, we’re hoping everyone can show up without having to work the next morning or worrying about getting the kids up for summer programs.”
The evening kicks off with a free outdoor concert featuring local favourites Suga Rush and Strangways.Tribute bands Dreams and Arrival headline the show, with Fleetwood Mac and ABBA classics filling the night air. DJ Good Company will keep the crowd moving during the fireworks.
A beer garden in support of the Ladder of Hope fund, food trucks, craft vendors and a mechanical bull round out the festivities. Free rides home will be offered by Transdev between 11 p.m. and midnight.
This year’s vendor area is expected to be on the larger side this year, offering handmade crafts, regional food, and interactive displays.
“It’s going to be very busy,” Stevenson said. “Anyone interested in getting some crafts or food, it’s going to be a lot of fun for them.”
July 1 brings a full day of community favourites, beginning with a pancake breakfast hosted by Northern Spirit Kitimat from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Upper City Centre Mall.
The Canada Day parade follows at noon, rolling through downtown with colourful floats and cheering spectators lining the streets.
Behind Riverlodge Recreation Centre and inside the Jim Linton Gymnasium, family-friendly activities will include a free public swim at Sam Lindsay Aquatic Centre, inflatable play zones, bungee runs, pony hops, face painting and balloon artistry.
The Haisla Culture Room also returns to the Joanne Monaghan Room at Riverlodge, now with contributions from the Kitimat Museum. Guests can explore Indigenous artifacts, shop local vendors and enjoy traditional fry bread and cultural programming.
New this year is the Canada Day UpDog Trial hosted by the Kitimat Working Dog Society at the far Ball Field. The disc competition is expected to draw big crowds as dogs showcase their agility and teamwork.
The entertainment continues July 1 from 1 to 5 p.m. on the outdoor stage at Riverlodge, with performances geared toward all ages — a relaxed, family-friendly way to wind down the holiday. Two Peaks Brewing will serve at the beer garden, and Canadian Helicopters will offer scenic flights over Kitimat from 1 to 6 p.m. Tickets are $80 per person, with children under two flying free on a guardian’s lap.
Free public transit will run throughout the day on July 1 to help residents and visitors get to and from the events safely.
For a full list of activities and schedules, visit the Festivals Kitimat page on the District’s website at kitimat.ca.
