The City of Parksville is adding more fun activities to its free, family-friendly Canada Day festivities, which will also celebrate the city’s 80th birthday and the 50th anniversary of the Mount Arrowsmith Pipe Band.
The day kicks off with the Canada Day parade and pancake breakfast followed by activities and events in the Parksville Community Park, according to a news release by the city.
"Bring along lawn chairs and your dancing shoes for an afternoon of exciting Vancouver Island entertainment at the Parksville Outdoor Theatre," the release said. "An appetite for an amazing selection of food trucks, and your energy to experience the many activities throughout the park.
The city will offer free, secure, coat-check style bike parking in the Parksville Community Park for Canada Day 2025.
"Enjoy Canada Day knowing your bike is safe under the supervision of Hub City Cycles Co-op staff and you are helping to reduce the number of vehicles at the event," the release said.
Bike valet service is available to Canada Day event-goers from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sandcastle Drive to Arbutus Point will be closed to vehicles with general parking in the large gravel lot and accessible parking within the park.
Canada Day 2025 in a nutshell
7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. - Shriners breakfast in CCCU parking lot on Craig Street
10 a.m. - Parade on Island Highway East
Noon to 9 p.m. - Music, activities, demos and displays in Parksville Community Park
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. - Summer by the Sea Street Market on Craig Street
Activities in the Parksville Community Park
9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. - Free bike valet parking, Parksville Community Park
11 a.m. to 7 p.m. - Food truck festival
Noon to 6:30 p.m. - Main stage music and official Canada Day ceremony at Parksville Outdoor Theatre
1 p.m. to 9 p.m. - Entertainment, activities, displays, demos and children's games
Main stage lineup at Parksville Outdoor Theatre
Noon to 12:45 p.m. - Mount Arrowsmith Pipe Band 50th anniversary performance
12:45 pm - Opening ceremony
1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. - Time Well Wasted
3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Sarah Smith
5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. - The Joints
Activities throughout the Parksville Community Park
1 p.m. to 5 p.m. - Face painters at picnic shelter
1 p.m. to 9 p.m. - Waterfront gazebo music with Sylvia Humble, David Hart, Woodstick and Fred Saliani
1 p.m. to 7 p.m. - Craig the Magician at Gathering Plaza
1 p.m. to 7 p.m. - Displays, demos, childrens' games and Canada Day photo op
2 p.m. to 5 p.m. - Learn to build sandcastles with master sculptor David Kaube at small sand pit
2:30 p.m. - Canada Day cake and cupcakes at the picnic shelter
Although leashed dogs are allowed in the Parksville Community Park, if possible, please leave dogs at home, as crowds, warm weather and noise can be overwhelming and harmful for furry friends. Consider leaving your dogs safe and sound at home where it’s quiet and familiar.
The city extends its appreciation to the Department of Canadian Heritage, Government of Canada for funding and sponsors Isle Golf Cars, Thrifty Foods, Black & White Event Rentals, Absolute Septic Service, Neway Traffic Management, Home Hardware Parksville, PQB News and the Beach and the Lounge.
