Canada Day Celebrations at Waterton Lakes National Park

News Release

Celebrate Canada Day in Waterton Lakes National Park with a bike parade, free cake and more!

June 29, 2016                  Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta                                Parks Canada Agency

In celebration of Canada’s 149th birthday, on Friday, July 1, Parks Canada is hosting a bike parade, flag raising ceremony and birthday party in Waterton Lakes National Park. Entry to this spectacular park is free on Canada Day!

Canada Day events begin with a bike parade through the picturesque Waterton Village. All are welcome to take part in the parade alongside a horse-mounted party that includes a park warden and RCMP member in red serge. We encourage everyone to decorate their bikes and meet outside the Waterton United Church at 10:30 a.m. For those cheering the riders on, the parade starts at 11:00 a.m. and will travel along Waterton Avenue before looping back to the Community Centre.

After the parade, take in the flag raising ceremony at the Waterton Community Centre where a $3 hot dog lunch and free cake and lemonade will mark the occasion. Stay for the children’s games and activities, including face painting.

We welcome volunteers to assist with the bike parade and birthday lunch. Want to lend a helping hand? Contact Parks Canada at 403-859-5133 before noon, June 30 or email dianne.pachal@pc.gc.ca. The Canada Day celebration is organized in cooperation with the Waterton Park Community Association, with parade assistance from the Waterton Natural History Association.

We encourage visitors to explore all the park has to offer on this special day. Canada’s national parks are gateways to nature, adventure and discovery. Hiking, biking, geocaching, interpretive programming and a scenic drive along the newly refurbished Red Rock Parkway await visitors in this special place. Visitors can also try out our new Explora “app” (application) that guides visitors along the park’s very popular Bear’s Hump trail. On Canada Day, Waterton’s interpretive programs are up and running including the International Peace Park Hike, a day-long trek along the Lakeshore Trail; family programs in the bison paddock; and evening theatre programs in the Falls and Crandell theatres.

 

Quote

“Not only do we celebrate Canada’s birthday on this special occasion, but we also take the time to connect with our many friends and neighbours of the Waterton community. Join us at this exciting celebration!”
Locke Marshall
Visitor Experience Manager

 

Quick Facts

  • Parks Canada manages one of the finest and most extensive systems of protected natural and cultural heritage areas in the world.
  • A Waterton tradition, the decorated bike parade highlights the special character of the village. People of all ages can be a part of a “green” (and of course, red and white), energy-conscious parade.
  • Parks Canada welcomed 486,000 visitors to Waterton Lakes National Park last year. Canada Day is one of many summer events and programs, such as interpretive hikes and Parks Canada’s Xplorer program for kids.

Associated Links

Waterton Lakes National Park
Waterton Lakes National Park Special Events
Waterton Lakes National Park (Facebook)
Waterton Lakes National Park (Twitter)

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Contacts

John Stoesser
Communications Officer
Waterton Lakes Field Unit
403-859-5127
john.stoesser@pc.gc.ca

Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca

Left: An assembly of Canada-themed cyclists, take part in the Canada Day Bike Parade. Right: Parka, Parks Canada’s mascot, often makes an appearance at this annual celebration. (Photos courtesy of Parks Canada).


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2016-11-01