Canada Day returns to North Vancouver as stationary celebration
After six years away, the beloved parade tradition comes back July 1 as a daytime festival at Civic Plaza with bands, dancers, vintage cars, and family activities.
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Canada Day is coming back to North Vancouver's Central Lonsdale area after a six-year absence, though with a twist.
Due to stretched police resources from the FIFA World Cup and other factors, organizers are hosting a "stationary" parade at Civic Plaza rather than a traditional route march. The celebration, presented by the volunteer-run Celebrate North Vancouver Society with city support, will transform the plaza into a Canadian cultural community celebration.
The event runs July 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Civic Plaza, 126 14th Street West. It will feature bands, dancers, a vintage car show, face painting, family activities, and more.
Jeremy Cato, chair of the Celebrate North Vancouver Society, said volunteers who previously participated in North Vancouver's Canada Day parades with floats, vintage cars, and community groups were determined to keep the tradition alive.
"A lot of our volunteers absolutely adore the parade," Cato said. "They were in it, they had the floats, they drove their old cars, their old fire engines and they really wanted to keep the momentum going this year."
Reviving the celebration was no easy task. The Celebrate North Vancouver Society started organizing in 2025 with the goal of throwing a wholesome and lively celebration with a mix of live entertainment, community activities, and family attractions.
"There's lots to see and do there and it's all in a pretty tight space, so it's going to be pretty exciting," Cato said.
Organizers are hoping this year's stationary parade is the first step toward restoring a full Canada Day Parade along Lonsdale Avenue in 2027. Visit the event website for more information about volunteering or attending.