Canada Day takes place on a Friday in 2016, so take advantage and stay up for the traditional fireworks show that happens over the gorgeous North Saskatchewan River. Celebrate Canada’s birthday with a pint or two, and a bite to eat at these Edmonton restaurants, all with great views of or close proximity to the 11 p.m. fireworks spectacular. [Image credit: iStock.com/ValaGrenier]
The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald’s Harvest Room and Confederation Lounge has some of Edmonton’s best food, but it’s also widely hailed as the best patio in the city. Just north of the river, their gorgeous patio boasts Edmonton’s best view of the river valley: Perfect for watching the Canada Day fireworks. Go early for some dinner and drinks, stay for the epic view.
Located on 109 Street, just north of the High Level Bridge, The Common has a cozy patio, perfect for catching the Canada Day fireworks while sipping a stellar cocktail or local brew. This Canada Day, The Common is offering up chicken and waffles with a pint of beer for $17 and patio DJs all day long, so it’s your dinner and party destination.
Also located down by the High Level Bridge and Alberta’s Legislature grounds is District Coffee Co., another Nate Box venture that is now offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with wine and beer. Open until 11 p.m., stop in for a drink and a bite before the fireworks start.
On the south side of the river, located right at the intersection that the city shuts down for citizens to gather and watch the fireworks is Rosso Pizzeria. Known for their awesome ambiance and old world, wood-fired pizzas, Rosso’s also has a killer patio. Grab some pizza, drinks and gelato, then meander down the road to watch the fireworks. If you secure a spot early, you might be able to watch right from the patio.
Also south of the High Level Bridge, is the infamous Sugarbowl, with their open concept pub, gourmet comfort food (lamb burger, chicken and waffles, bison chili, mac and cheese, etc) and massive beer list (more than 160 craft beers). Their patio faces south, but you can grab some grub and brews and then wander over to the bridge to watch the fireworks.
Edmonton’s famous revolving restaurant atop the Chateau Lacombe Hotel, La Ronde is open for dinner until 11:00 p.m., meaning you can end your gourmet fine dining experience by watching the Canada Day fireworks from the highest peak possible. Be sure to make reservations for a fancy Canada Day evening.
Located on 109 Street just south of the High Level Bridge, you can likely see the fireworks from Remedy’s massive windows. Beloved for their Indian cuisine, including a wealth of vegetarian options, they’re open until midnight, so go for their famous Chai and some tasty Indian cuisine before or after the fireworks.