By Elina Korchagina
Firework shows across the country are certain to impress in honour of our country’s 150th anniversary, and Edmonton is no different. Our city has no shortage of places to park your lawn chair and enjoy a spectacular light show, which is scheduled to begin at 11 p.m. on July 1. Here are a few secret (and not so secret) spots to watch the show and celebrate Canada’s birthday! [Photo credit: istockphoto.com/capitalmarathon]
It would be near impossible to compile a list of the best places to celebrate Canada Day without mentioning the Alberta Legislature grounds. After you take in the music, dancing and exhibits spread throughout the grounds and the plaza, stake out your spot prior to the fireworks show. From the grounds, there are plenty of good vantage points to watch the fireworks light up the sky above the river valley.
Considering Edmonton boasts the largest continuous urban green space in all of North America, it’s hard to choose just one park to check out the Canada Day fireworks. Gallagher Park, also known as Connors Hill, is famous for hosting the Edmonton Folk Music Festival and has lots of sprawling green space to set up lawn chairs or blankets. The beautiful view of downtown from Gallagher Park is reminiscent of a classic Edmonton postcard.
Catch the Edmonton Prospects take on the Moose Jaw Miller Express at RE/MAX Field (formerly known as TELUS Field) and stick around to fuel up on hot dogs and watch the fireworks directly from the seats. All ticket holders are welcome to stay after the game and watch the festivities from the field.
One of the best hidden gems on the Edmonton patio scene, the Riverside Bistro offers an incredible view of the rolling hills of the river valley and the river itself. Watch the fireworks erupt over the water over cocktails on the spacious outdoor patio. Should the weather become less than agreeable, the indoor lounge has floor to ceiling windows and comfortable chairs from which you can watch the show and order a dessert (or two).
Located on the seventh floor of the University of Alberta Students’ Union building, the friendly campus pub RATT boasts an impressive view of the university grounds and downtown Edmonton. The pub is open to University of Alberta students, staff, alumni and their guests. Though the fireworks may be off in the distance, the fun collegiate atmosphere and drink specials may be reason enough to spend Canada Day at school.
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Discover more of Edmonton for Canada 150:
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If you’re looking to make Canada Day a fancier occasion, book a reservation at La Ronde, Edmonton’s famous revolving restaurant on top of the Chateau Lacombe Hotel. Stay for a late gourmet dinner and catch the fireworks while having dessert.
All of these spots will give you a great vantage point for this year’s Canada Day fireworks. If weather permits, bring a lawn chair, some cool beverages and set up camp in one of Edmonton’s beautiful parks. If you’d rather stay inside, don’t forget to make a reservation and take in the fireworks over a pint or an incredible dinner.
