Canada Day Parade returns to North Vancouver after six-year absence

AFTER a six-year absence, Canada Day celebrations return to Central Lonsdale this July 1 as the Celebrate North Vancouver Society (CNVS) launches the 2026 Canada Day (Stationary) Parade at Civic Plaza in the City of North Vancouver.

The free, family-oriented event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and marks the first step toward restoring the traditional moving Canada Day Parade along Lonsdale Avenue in 2027.

Presented by the volunteer-run Celebrate North Vancouver Society with support from the City of North Vancouver, the event will transform Civic Plaza into a celebration of community, local culture and Canadian identity.

The event represents the return of a civic tradition that had been absent since 2020 and has been rebuilt through the efforts of local volunteers committed to restoring a long-standing North Vancouver celebration.

Programming throughout Civic Plaza will include live music, family activities, community exhibits, vintage vehicles and interactive experiences designed to appeal to residents and visitors of all ages.

Featured attractions include:

  • Vintage Car Show
  • Hat Trick Band
  • Freddy Fuddpucker and His Rolling Clones
  • RNB Dancers
  • Face painting and balloon artists
  • Canada Day flags, pins and temporary flag tattoos
  • Participation by Army, Navy and Air Cadets
  • Community and public safety displays
  • Family and children’s activities throughout Civic Plaza

Event planning includes coordination with public safety partners and organizers are working to provide a safe, welcoming and accessible experience for attendees.

“For more than a century, the Canada Day Parade was part of North Vancouver’s civic identity. When the parade disappeared after 2019, many people assumed it might never return.” said Jeremy Cato, chair, Celebrate North Vancouver Society.

“What makes this year’s event special is that it didn’t start with government or an established institution — it started with volunteers and community members who believed this tradition mattered and worked to bring it back.

“This year’s Stationary Parade is different by necessity, but not by spirit. It is the first step toward restoring a full parade along Lonsdale in 2027 and creating a celebration the whole community can help shape.”

Celebrate North Vancouver Society is entirely volunteer-run.

Residents, businesses, community organizations, performers and exhibitors are invited to participate in this year’s celebration and help shape the return of the full Canada Day Parade in 2027.

Residents looking to participate as a volunteer, sponsor or to exhibit, can reach out to Jeremy Cato at 604-306-5240.