Five Things To Do And See in July and August

1. Party In The Nation’s Capital On Canada Day

There’s hardly a better time to visit Ottawa than on July 1—Canada Day—when citizens from across the country crowd onto Parliament Hill to celebrate our country’s birthday. There will be concerts by performers of every stripe, ceremonies galore and, of course, tremendous fireworks. And this year, there will be a special War of 1812 theme to the celebrations.

Come join the huge red-dressed crowd at the nation’s biggest birthday party.

Canada Day in the Capital
When: July 1
Where: Ottawa
www.canadascapital.gc.ca/celebrate/canada-day

2. Immerse Yourself In History At The Royal Nova Scotia Tattoo

Bagpipes, highland dancers, acrobats and a huge serving of military tradition—the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo is a week-long event held every year in Halifax. Take part in educational workshops, free festival events and a daily two-and-a-half hour show packed with world class entertainment. You will see and hear pipes and drums, military and civilian bands, historic re-enactments, dancers, acrobats, choirs, military displays and competitions, drama, comedy and more.

Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo
When: July 1-8
Where: Halifax
www.nstattoo.ca

3. Rope Up At Calgary’s Centennial Stampede

Have you ever been to the world’s grandest rodeo? If not, this would be the year to go because Calgary is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the annual Calgary Stampede. What began in 1912 at the Frontier Days And Cowboy Championship Contest has now turned into a global phenomenon with thousands and thousands of people taking part in the nine-day festival—everything from horsemanship to tractor pulls, from rock concerts to a surf simulator, there’s something for everyone.

Calgary Stampede
When: July 6-15
Where: Calgary
cs.calgarystampede.com/

4. Re-Live The War Of 1812 At Wasaga Beach

Wasaga under Siege is an annual living history festival commemorating the War of 1812 battle that saw an American victory and the sinking of the British schooner Nancy. Watch as hundreds of re-enactors participate in destruction and avenging of His Majesty’s Ship Nancy. After witnessing the action on the waterfront, follow the parade back to Nancy Island where the re-enactors join 19th century merchants, artisans, demonstrators and entertainers for live period musical entertainment and much more.

Wasaga Under Siege
When: Aug. 17-18
Where: Nancy Island Historic Site, Wasaga Beach, Ont.
www.wasagaundersiege1812.com

5. Check Out A Symphony Of Fire In Vancouver

It may sound like warfare but the Celebration of Light—formerly known as the Symphony of Fire—is Vancouver’s annual musical fireworks competition. Join over a million other people watching as three countries—Vietnam, Brazil and Italy—vie to outdo each other in producing the largest, most spectacular display of fireworks set to music.

Honda Celebration of Light
When: July 28-Aug. 4
Where: Vancouver
hondacelebrationoflight.com