O CANADA! WHAT’S HAPPENING JULY 1 ACROSS MUSKOKA AS WE CELEBRATE 158 YEARS OF CANADIAN GREATNESS
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
MUSKOKA — It’s going to be great day tomorrow.
And not just because we turn 158 — but the weather will be more comfortable making all the events easier to enjoy.
No matter what town, village, park or event you plan to attend it’s ‘Elbows Up! And time to break out your best red and white.
Here are a few places to take in the festivities. There is more to enjoy just by exploring your nearest park or lakeside.
Get out, enjoy and celebrate who you are for ‘You Are Canadian!’ Be loud and proud.
Bethune Memorial House, Gravenhurst:
At Canada’s National Historic Site there will be fun activities for everyone at Bethune Memorial House. You can try on costumes from the Victorian Era or World War One and participate in old-fashioned games on the lawn. The event is free and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more
Downtown Bracebridge:
They’re also celebrating their 150th birthday.
Visit Downtown Bracebridge along Manitoba Street, starting with concerts in Memorial Parking starting at noon with the Muskoka Concert Bana and continuing all afternoon.
Then from 4 p.m. to dusk check out the shop hop, kids make and take craft, live music, and cottage games that will include Pickle Ball, Badminton, Cornhole, and more.
And don’t forget the big Bracebridge Rotary fireworks over the Falls at dusk, Tuesday. Learn more
Gravenhurst Celebrations:
Put on your red and white and join in this free family celebration! Interactive tents, Junior Firefighter Challenge, BBQ, cake & more! Takes place in Gull Lake Rotary Park from 11am – 3pm Learn more
As well at the Gull Lake Rotary Park, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., library staffers will be with Muskoka Master Gardeners creating magical mini gardens and fairy tale fun for the third year in a row.
Muskoka Discovery Centre:
Free museum admission.
Festivities begin at 10 a.m. and continue throughout the day, featuring lively performances by the high-energy Red Hot Stove Pipe Band and local favourite Marc Mantha. Both acts will perform at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., bringing the spirit of Muskoka and Canada to life.
The Red Hot Stove Pipe Band brings a foot-stomping mix of dance music from Newfoundland to the Bayou, blending traditional, country, Cajun, old rock, fiddle, accordion, and Celtic sounds.
Mantha adds a touch of local charm, performing original songs on his tin can banjolele. Picture him sitting on a bench, singing a song, picking away, and celebrating life in Muskoka — his home, where he lives, works, and plays.
Guests can also enjoy a slice of Canada Day cake and cupcakes, available while supplies last, and kids will love the games and crafts in the KidsZone, running throughout the day.
Admission to the museum is free, giving visitors the chance to explore the exhibits and enjoy a full day of celebration.
Feeling hungry? Be sure to stop by The Creative Plate Eatery, on-site and serving up tasty lunch options to keep you going.
Location: Muskoka Discovery Centre, 275 Steamship Bay Rd, Gravenhurst
Admission: FREE For more information, visit www.realmuskoka.com Learn more
Huntsville Festivities:
Huntsville is the place to be this Canada Day with a full day of celebrations for the whole family. Start the morning at Muskoka Heritage Place with free admission from 9:30 a.m. to noon when you bring a non-perishable food donation for the Huntsville Salvation Army Food Bank. Explore the pioneer village, take part in fun activities, enjoy sweet treats and hop aboard the Portage Flyer Steam Train. Then head to River Mill Park for live music, games, local vendors and a festive atmosphere, all leading up to a spectacular fireworks show over Hunters Bay at 10 p.m. Learn more
Celebrate Canada Day in Huntsville: History, music and fireworks for the whole family.
From historical experiences at Muskoka Heritage Place, to live entertainment and games at River Mill Park, and a spectacular fireworks display over Hunters Bay to close out the night, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Morning Kick-Off at Muskoka Heritage Place, 88 Brunel Road. Gates open at 9:30 a.m.
Celebrate Canada Day surrounded by history at Muskoka Heritage Place. Admission to the museum and pioneer village is free with a donation of a non-perishable food item to support the Huntsville Salvation Army Food Bank.
Kick-off the celebrations at our opening ceremony held in the village green with special guests and a surprise MC from our local history. The day also includes family-friendly activities like a scavenger hunt, traditional games, and cattail doll-making. Don’t forget to grab a Canada Day cupcake or a serving of strawberry scones shortcake served up at 10:30 a.m. and available while supplies last!
Steam Up Day – All Aboard the Portage Flyer!
Canada Day also marks the return of the Portage Flyer Steam Train. Rides will run at: 11:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:15 p.m.
Note: Regular train admission applies.
River Mill Park – Music, Games, and Good Vibes | All Afternoon
Celebrate with a Canadiana-themed community event at River Mill Park. Browse local vendors, enjoy games and activities for all ages, and soak in the festive atmosphere. The day wraps up with a live performance from THE HiP MACHINE. This high-energy Tragically Hip tribute band is sure to bring the crowd to its feet.
Fireworks Over Hunters Bay – 10:00 p.m.
Close out Canada Day with a bang! Join the community at 10 p.m. for a spectacular fireworks show lighting up the sky over Hunters Bay. Moose FM will be live at Avery Beach and on air with an all-Canadian line-up of music to go with the show.
This celebration is funded in part by the Government of Canada.
Deerhurst Resort ‘Cake at the Lake’
One of Muskoka’s oldest vacation destinations, Deerhurst Resort is offering a fun-filled weekend package that includes lake life fun to live music and their signature Cake in the Lake, Canada Day at Deerhurst is all about sunshine, smiles, and making memories that feel so quintessentially Canadian and so much more! Learn more
Canada Day Cruise on the Wenonah II Steamship
Bala Canada Day BBQ Bash at Jack & Stella
Jack & Stella are excited to be hosting their very own Canada Day Bash! Bring your family and friends by to celebrate Canada Day right! With live music and lake views, barbecues and beer, how could you go wrong. Learn more
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