Fireworks, festivities, road closures: Canada Day in Edmonton

Fireworks will light up Edmonton’s River Valley parks and the North Saskatchewan River on Monday as Edmonton celebrates Canada Day.

Canada Day fireworks will launch at 11 p.m. over the River Valley.

The City of Edmonton says Edmontonians can make their way to the following locations to view the spectacle:

• Direct sightline:
  • Queen Elizabeth Park and Hill
  • River Balley Road Trail
  • Victoria Park
  • Ezio Faraone Park
• Indirect sightline:
  • Alberta Legislature Grounds
  • Walterdale Hill Road sidewalks and east Promenade
  • Government House Park
  • 109 Street, between Saskatchewan Drive and the High Level Bridge)

Edmontonians will not be able to watch from Kinsmen Park. More on Canada Day closures below.

Festivities

Besides fireworks, Edmontonians will have many ways to celebrate Canada Day around the city.

Edmonton Valley Zoo

The Edmonton Valley Zoo will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The zoo will have an event going on throughout the day, which will run from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The zoo will also be marking its 65th anniversary of conservation, and goers can learn about contributions made to protect wildlife.

Muttart Conservatory

The Muttart Conservatory will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A four hour event will take place starting at noon, which includes henna, airbrush tattoos, crafts, a scavenger hunt, and more.

The conservatory’s feature pyramid is showcasing how botanicals were utilized in Ancient Egyptian society and their connections to past and present.

John Janzen Nature Centre

The John Janzen Nature Centre will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Centre will host an all-day event, where goers can learn all about insects.

Mill Woods

Festivities will be taking place in Mill Woods starting at 2 p.m.

This year’s festivities will mark the 32nd Canada Day celebration in the neighbourhood.

It will also include multicultural performances, dance, music, fun and fireworks.

Ice District

While it might bring up some PTSD from events on June 24, Edmontonians can make their way to the Ice District for celebrations.

Festivities will take place from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m.

RE/MAX Field

The Edmonton Riverhawks will be hosting the Port Angeles at RE/MAX Field on Monday evening.

First pitch is expected to be around 7:05 p.m.

Following the baseball game, there will be a musical performance from Brasstactics and Giv’r.

Those who make their way to the ballpark will also be able to stick around and watch the fireworks.

Alberta Legislature

Festivities will begin at the provincial capital building at noon on Monday.

Oilers anthem singer Rob Clark will sing O Canada to begin the festivities, along with a land acknowledgment from Elder Bert Auger.

Kaeley Jade, Jacquie Daniels and Captain Tractor will all feature on the main stage between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

The main stage is located on Violet King Henry Plaza just south of the Queen Elizabeth II Building.

Various multicultural performers will take to the south stage between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

The south stage is located on the Legislature south bandshell and will feature Portuguese music and dance, Tae Kwon Do, Indian dancing and roots music.

Families can also make their way to the family fun zone on the south grounds, where they can enjoy a variety of entertainment including Cree storytelling, magicians, balloon-twisting, crafts, a science show and circus performers.

The Alberta Chamber and Legislative Assembly Visitor Centre will also be open during the festivities.

The Chamber will be doing an open house between 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Additional activities

Various other things will be taking place around Edmonton over the long weekend.

Spray parks, recreation centres, outdoor pools, and golf courses will be open.

Closures

Kinsmen Park

There will be no access to Kinsmen Park beginning at 6 a.m. on July 1.

The City says this includes trail access, playgrounds, tennis courts, and picnic areas.

Bridges

Pedestrian access across the North Saskatchewan River will be unavailable on the High Level Bridge, along 109 Street southbound from 97 Avenue to 87 Avenue, and Menzies Bridge.

These closures will begin at 9:45 p.m. and will last until 90 minutes after the fireworks end.

Roads

The following roads will be closed on July 1, due to Canada Day fireworks and festivities:

• Starting at 6 a.m.
  • Queen Elizabeth Park and Indigenous Art Park : ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) River Lot 11∞ parking lots
  • Fortway Road north of Royal Glenora Club parking lot entrance
  • 99 Avenue, from 107 Street to 108 Street
  • Fortway Drive, from Royal Glenora Club to 96 Avenue
  • 96 Avenue, from 106 Street to Fortway Drive
  • 107 Street, from 98 Avenue to Fortway Drive
• Starting at 7:30 a.m.
  • 66 Street, from 28 Avenue to 23 Avenue
• Starting at 9:30 a.m.
  • River Valley Road (westbound traffic permitted from Victoria Golf Course and the Royal Glenora Club)
• Starting at 9:45 a.m.
  • Menzies LRT bridge – pedestrian level closed
  • High Level Bridge sidewalks closed (both sides)
  • Walterdale Hill
  • Walterdale Bridge – closed to vehicles; pedestrian access open (both sides)
  • Queen Elizabeth Park Road
  • 107 Street, from 98 Avenue to Jasper Avenue
  • 109 Street northbound, from 87 Avenue to Saskatchewan Drive 
  • 104 Street, south of 96 Avenue
• Starting at 10:15 p.m.
  • High Level Bridge, closed to vehicles
• Starting at 10:45 p.m.
  • 23 Avenue, from 66 Street to Mill Woods Road
  • 28 Avenue, from 66 Street to Mill Woods Road
  • Mill Woods Road, from 23 Avenue to 28 Avenue
  • 23 Avenue at 50 Street, closed to westbound traffic
  • 28 Avenue at 50 Street, closed to westbound traffic
  • 66 Street at 34 Avenue, closed to southbound traffic
• Starting at 11 p.m.
  • 97 Avenue, from 105 Street to 109 Street
  • 109 Street, from 97 Avenue to 100 Avenue

Parking

Some areas around Edmonton will also see some increased parking restrictions.

The City says temporary no parking signs will be installed early in the day to ensure lanes are clear of vehicles during peak traffic times.

The following streets will be no stopping or parking between 7 p.m. and midnight:

• 109 Street, between 99 Avenue and 104 Avenue
• 109 Street, between 82 Avenue and Saskatchewan Drive
• 107 Street, between 99 Avenue and 102 Avenue
• 105 Street, between 102 Avenue and 104 Avenue
• River Valley Road, from 105 Street to Groat Road

Parking will also not be available after 8 p.m. at the Kinsmen Sports Centre, Queen Elizabeth Pool or Victoria Park Site #6 Picnic Shelter.