Events include reimagined parade and opportunities for reflection and learning
The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is pleased to share programming details for Canada Day, Friday, July 1. The statutory holiday will see the return of thoughtful opportunities for reflection, and popular events including a pancake breakfast, free yoga, all-ages entertainment and experiences along the Village Stroll, and an evening concert at Whistler Olympic Plaza.
Whistler, originally known as Cwítima (Lil’wat) and Sk̲wik̲w (Squamish), is in the shared, unceded territory of the Lil’wat People and the Squamish People. The municipality recognizes July 1 will be a time to reflect on all of Canada’s history, including its past and present truths about our relationship with Indigenous Peoples.
“On July 1 Whistler will celebrate what makes us love this place so much. We are a diverse community made up of people who have called this place home since time immemorial, people who come for a season to work and play, and everyone in between,” said Whistler Mayor Jack Crompton. “It is my hope that both our locals and our visitors will engage in thoughtful celebration on July 1. The RMOW programming and experiences presented by Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) are designed to deepen awareness of our personal histories, and the history of this region, while presenting opportunities to reflect on our values and move forward on the road to reconciliation.”
Programming highlights include
A feature of the Summer Salish Carving Series in 2022 at the SLCC, people are invited to join an immersive experience led by Master Carver Ray Natraoro and SLCC Apprentices. The Community Reconciliation Canoe is a symbol of partnership and visitors can thoughtfully carve the old, fallen cedar or sign one of six paddles. As part of visitors’ individual commitments towards reconciliation, cedar shavings can be taken to return the wood, imbued with intention, to a special place on the territory to honour the Indigenous connection to the land.
- A free yoga class for all-levels at Mountain Square from 8 to 9 a.m.
- Pancake Breakfast at Olympic Plaza from 9 to 11 a.m. organized by the Rotary Club of Whistler. Funds raised will support the rebuilding of the Lytton swimming pool facilities Minimum $7.50 donation per adult, $4 donation per child.
- Pique Pedal, Show & Shine at Olympic Plaza from 10 to 11 a.m.
- People’s Parade throughout the Village Stroll from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- This summer Whistler will introduce a new way to parade: the People’s Parade!
Instead of observing the parade as it winds through the village, locals and visitors can explore fun and engaging stations set up along the Village Stroll at their own pace. The People’s Parade will include a large paint-by-numbers mural at Town Plaza Gazebo, roving characters, a bubble zone, live music, and artists.
- Whistler Summer Concert Series: Sam Roberts Band
The Whistler Summer Concert Series is back with 12 free performances over the summer and the first show of the season will see the return of the first band to play the free concert series when it debuted back in 2011, Sam Roberts Band. The evening’s programming will start at 6:30 p.m. with a live set by DJ Whitness.
Explore everything locals love about Whistler
Reflect and learn at the SLCC. The Spo7ez Performance team will present songs in traditional regalia following a guest speaker series. Cultural Ambassadors will host guided tours including the Interpretive Forest Walk of the Salish Forest and a tour of a new exhibition—Ancient Medicine. Free admission is offered to all guests from National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 through to July 3. Visit slcc.ca for more information.
Visit the Audain Art Museum, Whistler Museum & Archives, Valley of Dreams Walking Tour, Discover Nature pop-up museum at Lost Lake Park, Summer Bobsleigh at the Whistler Sliding Centre, sightseeing and hiking on Whistler Blackcomb and Whistler Mountain Bike Park. Visit audainartmuseum.com for more information.
Enjoy treats with a view at Whistler’s parks with Park Eats; local food trucks serving up a variety of refreshments including kettle corn, crepes, gelato, pizza and shaved ice. Visit whistler.ca/ParkEats for more information.
On July 1, Park and Play! Park the car and move around Whistler by walking, biking or taking the free park shuttle to Rainbow Park. Free secure bike and gear parking will also be available at Lost Lake, Rainbow Park and Whistler Olympic Park. Learn more at whistler.ca/BikeParking.
For full programming details, visit whistler.ca/CanadaDay.
Funding for this programming is made possible thanks to the Province of British Columbia’s Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT Hotel Tax) revenues collected in Whistler.
