Canada Day fireworks and festivities in Edmonton

Canada Day is fast approaching, and the City of Edmonton has unveiled its plans to celebrate the country next Wednesday.

Fireworks will light up the sky over the central River Valley parks and the North Saskatchewan River at 11 p.m., if weather permits.

Those looking to watch the fireworks can do so by making their way down to Queen Elizabeth Park and Hill, River Valley Road Shared Pathway, Victoria Park, and Ezio Faraone Park (west entrance to High Level Bridge on 109 Street) for the best viewing, or to the Alberta Legislature Grounds, Walterdale Hill Road sidewalks and east Promenade, Government House Park, and 109 Street (between Saskatchewan Drive and the High Level Bridge) for indirect sightlines.

The City says that viewing will not be available from Kinsmen Park, and pedestrian access to the park will be unavailable as road closures are in effect.

Additionally, pedestrian access across the North Saskatchewan River will be unavailable from 9:45 p.m. until 30 minutes after the fireworks along the High Level Bridge, Southbound 109 Street, from 97 Avenue/High Level Bridge to 87 Avenue, and Menzies Bridge.

Those who may be out on the streets should expect delays and road closures around the time of the fireworks. For a complete list of Canada Day road closures, click here.

For those looking to take transit to watch the fireworks or participate in any of the other Canada Day festivities, ETS will be operating on their regular Sunday schedules, with additional service for the fireworks display. Capital Line trains will run every 15 minutes until approximately 9:30 p.m. and then every 10 minutes until 1:30 a.m. on July 2. Valley Line Southeast trains will run on their regular Sunday schedule, every 15 minutes throughout the day.

On the river

Those who own a watercraft may use it to view the fireworks; however, officials note that part of the river to the north of the launch zone at Kinsmen Park (from approximately the Menzies Bridge to the Walterdale Bridge) will be blocked off to all watercraft during the fireworks.

As always, those looking to go on the river must wear a life jacket at all times while in the water. Officials are also urging extra caution on the river as recent rainfall has increased water levels and flow rates.

Drones

Drones are forbidden within and around the Canada Day fireworks zones.

Launching or landing recreational drones is prohibited on public land; takeoffs must occur from private property with the landowner’s explicit permission and in compliance with Transport Canada regulations.

Those caught using a drone may be fined and have their drone confiscated.

Illegal fireworks

Fireworks outside of certified professionals with an approved fireworks permit issued by Edmonton Fire Rescue Services is illegal within the city.

Those caught launching fireworks may face fines of up to $10,000 and criminal charges.

Festivities

Various attractions around the city will be hosting festivities for Canada Day.

• Edmonton Valley Zoo
  • Event time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Muttart Conservatory
  • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Prince of Wales Armouries
  • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Fort Edmonton Park
  • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Alberta Legislature
  • Noon to 5 p.m.
• Mill Woods Park, 66 Street and 23 Avenue
  • 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Arts District
  • Opens at 11 a.m.
• FIFA World Cup at the Ice District
  • Three games starting at 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 6 p.m.