Celebrate Canada Day in Kamloops and Sun Peaks

Written by Beth Taylor for Tourism Kamloops.

Canada Day is a cherished occasion that brings Canadians together in a joyous celebration of unity and national pride. Celebrations come alive in the Thompson Okanagan with exciting events in both Kamloops and our mountain resort neighbours at Sun Peaks.

Kamloops' Art in the Park is a captivating showcase of over 100 artists' creativity, while Sun Peaks' Canada Day Celebration offers a range of fun-filled activities for families, making both events the perfect choice for Canada Day festivities.

Both events embody the spirit of Canada Day, creating an atmosphere of cultural diversity, music, dance, and culinary delights. Book your trip today (and plan for a few extra days) to explore both destinations and all they have in store! Join us as we dive into the cheerful celebrations that await you in Kamloops and Sun Peaks this Canada Day!

Celebrate Canada Day In Kamloops

From 9am - 4pm, Riverside Park is the ultimate hub of family-friendly Canada Day festivities (/the place to celebrate Canada Day) in Kamloops. Art in the Park, an iconic Canada Day event in Kamloops, showcases the city's thriving arts scene and community spirit. For over 40 years, this cherished celebration has transformed Riverside Park into a colourful tapestry of creativity on Canada Day. A newer addition to the festivities, the Kamloops Multicultural Society takes over the park's West end with food, drinks, performances and booths celebrating the different cultures that make Kamloops shine.

Kamloops Canada Day Highlights | 9am - 4pm

Arts Exhibitions and Sales

Paintings, pottery, fashion, and jewellery bring the park to life with their beauty and craftsmanship. With over 100 artists displaying their handcrafted works, Art in the Park is a testament to Kamloops' commitment to the arts and culture. Each booth tells a unique story, and offers visitors the chance to view and support their favourite artists; purchasing one-of-a-kind local treasures.

Performances on the KAC's Performing Arts Stage

Talented musicians, dancers, and theatre acts will captivate audiences of all ages on the KAC’s Performing Arts Stage, adding an extra layer of excitement to the days’ festivities for the whole family. 

Multicultural Booths

Embrace the multicultural fabric of Kamloops with  the Kamloops Multicultural Society. Uncover the rich traditions, flavours, and performances that express the diverse cultures within the city. It's a chance to engage with different communities and celebrate Kamloops' multicultural identity.

Food, Music, Dancing, and Shopping

Indulge your senses with a tempting array of international culinary delights from local food vendors. Immerse yourself in the lively music, exciting dance performances, and interactive activities that create a festive atmosphere. Shop for unique, hand-made treasures and take home a piece of Kamloops' creative spirit.

Other Things Happening in Kamloops Canada Day Weekend

• North Paws Game: Experience the thrill of baseball and support the NorthPaws team as they take the field at Norbrock Stadium on Canada Day. Be there to witness the stadium come alive with the sounds of cheering fans, the bat's crack, and the game's excitement.
• Kamloops Farmers Market: Before heading down to Riverside, swing by the Kamloops Farmers’ market to purchase locally grown produce and handcrafted items. Featuring more than 100 vendors, it's a great place to shop for gifts, grab a treat, or do your weekly grocery shopping.
• Kamloops Rivers Football Club: Don't miss the opportunity to catch the exhilarating matches of the Kamloops Rivers Football Club as they take the field Sunday, July 2nd. Head to McArthur Island and witness this talented football club's skill, passion, and teamwork.
• Redefining the Perspective: The Indigenous Resurgence Project is a grassroots art collective, and initiative based in Kamloops that supports and showcases local Indigenous artists. This collective exhibition is a way to show the unique and intricate diversity of artists in the area.
• Get Outside: Kamloops offers an abundance of opportunities to embrace the warm weather. From paddleboarding on glass-smooth lakes and rivers to exploring dog-friendly parks and immersing yourself in our lush green spaces or some good ole patio sippin’, Kamloops presents a bold list of options to ensure your summer is full of unexpected delights.

Kamloops’ Canada Day in Riverside Park is a full day celebration of art, culture, diversity, music, and community spirit that you won’t want to miss.  

Celebrate Canada Day In Sun Peaks

Just 45 minutes from Kamloops, head up the hill and join in the Canada Day celebrations in the charming village of Sun Peaks. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, this event offers a delightful experience for families and visitors of all ages.

Sun Peaks Canada Day Highlights | 10:30am - 9:30pm

Festivities and Activities

The festivities kick off with the Kids Bike Parade, where littles are invited to show off their creatively decorated bikes while biking through the upper village. Prizes await the best-decorated bikes, adding a dash of competition and fun.

For those seeking a thrill, axe throwing with Cleavage Axe Co awaits participants of all ages. Channel your inner lumberjack and test your aim in a safe and supervised environment. Advanced registration is required to ensure everyone can experience the excitement.

The celebration continues with Mini Golf as you putt your way through the Sun Peaks Centre Arena Ice Rink. Children can unleash their creativity with Face Painting by Silly of the Valley, where skilled artists transform little faces into colourful masterpieces. Balloon Twisting by Mr. Brown Knows adds an element of wonder, and The Big Bubble Show by Matt Henry is a mesmerising spectacle that captivates audiences with bigger-than-life bubbles. 

The Village Stage and Live Entertainment

The Village Stage becomes the centre of live performances throughout the day. Prepare to be entertained by the Big Little Science Centre Live Science Show, where science comes alive with captivating experiments and demonstrations. The Trollsons bring laughter and mischief as they rove through the celebration, delighting visitors of all ages.

Live Music

As the sun sets, the Village Stage becomes the backdrop for live music performances that will get your toes tapping and your spirits soaring. The Maritime Kitchen Party fills the air with the lively tunes of traditional East Coast music, creating a festive atmosphere reminiscent of an Atlantic Canadian kitchen party. Later in the evening, Soul Patch takes the stage, offering a soulful blend of sounds that will keep you grooving well into the night.

Other Things Happening at Sun Peaks Canada Day Weekend

• Mountain Tiger Lobsterfest: Enjoy a taste of the Maritimes this Canada Day weekend with the Annual Mountain Tiger Lobsterfest hosted by Nova Scotia native, Tarrah MacPherson.
• Juggerbean Tattoo Parlour Presents Canada Day Flash: Roll up your sleeves and sign up for a pre-designed Canada Day inspired tattoos by JuggerBean's resident artists. Tattoos will be pre-sized and ready to be slapped and tatted.
• Sun Peaks Market Day: Stroll through the village and browse products from local farmers, ranchers, and artisans. Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own reusable shopping bags to the market.
• Sun Peaks Bike Park: Are you a thrill seeker looking to hurtle down a hill on your bike? The Sun Peaks Bike Park offers 2,000 feet of lift-access vertical on Tod Mountain and an additional 1,559 feet of lift-access vertical on Sundance Mountain!
• Hike Sun Peaks: Explore the 17 designated hiking trails in Sun Peaks. Choose from low-grade, sightseeing strolls to a breathtaking summit and a stop at Tod Lake. Start in the village or take a ride up the Sunburst chairlift and start at mid-mountain, at 6,000' above sea level. 

Sun Peaks' Canada Day Celebration is a joyful gathering where memories are made against the stunning backdrop of Sun Peaks' village and mountains. Join in the fun, soak up the festive atmosphere, and embrace the spirit of Canada's birthday.

Extend Your Canada Day Weekend With a Round (or 2) of Golf

Experience a week of family fun at Sun Peaks Golf Course with their Take a Kid to the Course event. From July 3 to 9, kids aged 6-16 can enjoy free golf* when accompanied by a paying adult. This special offer includes a complimentary round and cart seat, ensuring a memorable golfing experience! Click here for more information.

But the Sun Peaks Golf fun doesn't end there! Kids aged 6-12 can continue playing for free alongside a paying adult throughout the season. Valid from Monday to Thursday after 10:00 am and Sundays after 4:00 pm (excluding holidays), ensuring everyone can tee off at this one-of-a-kind golf course.

*Please note that club rentals and power carts are excluded from the offer.

Want more golf? Kamloops is home to 7 other excellent golf courses, each thoughtfully designed to harmonize with the surrounding natural beauty. With championship layouts, golfers of all skill levels can indulge in a premier golfing experience.

Explore the diverse courses in Kamloops and witness firsthand why this region is becoming a beloved haven for golfers across Canada. 

Learn More About Golf Kamloops 

You Don’t Have To Choose

The choice may be tough, with Kamloops' and Sun Peaks' Canada Day Celebrations offering unique experiences, but if you ask any local, one of the best parts of Kamloops and Sun Peaks is the quick 45 minute drive between, meaning you don't need to pick! Spending the morning on the hill and the afternoon in the valley or vice-versa, means you can have it all!

Get ready to celebrate and create unforgettable memories—Happy Canada Day!