1. Visit Halifax for Canada’s largest annual military event

The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo is a festival of military music, dancing, parades and workshops held every year in picturesque Halifax. In addition to Canadian Armed Forces musicians and pipes and drums, there will be performance teams from as far away as Estonia, France, Germany, Norway and Sweden. It’s a must-see for all Canadians.

Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo
When: June 30-July 7
Where: Halifax
www.nstattoo.ca

Directorate of History and Heritage, DND

2. Learn about military dentistry at the National War Museum

If you happen to be in the Ottawa area this summer, stop by the Canadian War Museum to check out its special exhibit on the history of military dentistry. The exhibit is being presented in partnership with the Royal Canadian Dental Corps as a part of its 100-year anniversary.
It tells the story of the integral work performed by military dentists over the past century.

Canadian War Museum
When: Until Nov. 15
Where: Ottawa
www.warmuseum.ca/event/oral-history-a-century-of-canadian-military-dentistry

3. Go to beautiful St. John’s for a military show

From early July until mid-August, climb up Signal Hill on the outskirts of St. John’s to witness an award-winning historical animation program. There will be cannons, mortars and muskets combined with the martial tunes of the Fife and Drum Band, recreating the bygone age of 19th-century British military might.

The Signal Hill Tattoo
When: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. (weather permitting), July 1 to mid-August
Where: St. John’s, N.L.
www.signalhilltattoo.org

 

Scooter Korek

4. Cheer on the parade

Every August, thousands of veterans and serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces march through the streets of Toronto in the Warriors’ Day Parade. The parade ends at the Canadian National Exhibition, offering a day of fun and recreation for all. This year’s theme is the 70th anniversary of Victory in the Second World War.

The 94th Warriors’ Day Parade
When: Aug. 22
Where: Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto
www.thewarriorsdayparade.ca

Parks Canada/Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse NHS

5. Have a water fight at Fort Rodd Hill

Placed on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Fort Rodd Hill national historic site commemorates the significance of the Victoria-Esquimalt coast artillery fortress in the defence strategy of the British Empire and Canada, 1878-1956. This summer it is holding Victoria’s largest squirt gun battle as a part of the signature Fab Forts events. There will be face painting, live music and capture the flag. Bring the kids or grandkids!

Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites
When: August 23, 2015, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Victoria
www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/bc/fortroddhill/activ/activ2015.aspx