By Sarah Sussman
As Canada gears up for its big 150th birthday, the City of Calgary has a massive lineup of events planned. In keeping with tradition, the day’s festivities wrap up July 1 with a stunning fireworks display, set to go off just after 11 p.m. on the Centre Street Bridge. Here are the best places in the city to watch the Canada Day 2017 fireworks. [Photo credit: istockphoto.com/SCoutts]
The city of Calgary is home to several great vantage points that overlook the inner city and offer striking panoramic views of the downtown buildings and architecture, as well as the distant Rocky Mountains and nearby foothills.
Known as one of the best vantage points in Calgary, the Crescent Heights Hill offers a stunning view of the downtown core. The hill is less of a secret than it used to be, so make sure to arrive early in the evening to get a spot. Spend some time navigating the hill’s pathway while enjoying the hill’s scenery.
Located in the community of Ramsay, Scotsman’s Hill is a popular vantage point that overlooks the Scotiabank Saddledome and surrounding downtown area as well as the distant Rocky Mountains. Once the fireworks end, take a trip down memory lane by dropping in to the nearby Blackfoot Truck Stop. The 24-hour truck stop is a Calgary institution, serving up greasy spoon bites and some of the best pies in the city.
One of the most scenic areas in the inner city, Prince’s Island Park is a hidden getaway on the edge of downtown Calgary. Stake your claim on a patch of grass and have a late-night summer picnic as you wait for the fireworks to go off.
For a luxury picnic experience, pre-order one of the River Café’s seasonal summer picnic baskets. The basket costs $35 per person and includes goodies like seasonal fruit, red lentil hummus and Sylvan Star gouda, as well as a choice of sandwich and dessert.
A short walk away on Riverfront Avenue, a massive stage will be set up with headlining musical performances from Tegan and Sara, Michael Bernard Fitzgerald and more.
Located on the south Bow River pathway in the Chinatown district, Sien Lok Park is a stunning 5.8-acre cultural park guarded by two Chinese lion statues. If you get there early enough, you can land some prime fireworks-viewing real estate inside of the park’s gazebo.
Once the fireworks finish, continue the festivities at one of the many late-night Chinatown eateries. For no-frills Chinese food, head to the Golden Inn, which stays open until 3 a.m. If you’re hankering for some dim sum, U & Me Restaurant is the mecca for late-night Asian small plates and snacks.
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Discover more of Calgary for Canada 150:
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For a hassle-free fireworks viewing experience, consider making a reservation at a restaurant with a patio. Canada Day is a massive day for tourism in the city, so finding parking (and space) around city parks and vantage points can be extremely stressful.
Located in the heart of the downtown core, National on 8th has a gorgeous rooftop patio and beer garden in the Scotia Centre. Order a pint or glass of wine and watch the fireworks ignite.
If you want to avoid the downtown crowds, head down 4th Street and book a table on the Vin Room Mission patio. The upscale tapas restaurant has a scenic rooftop patio with breathtaking views of the surrounding area. On the other side of the Bow River in the historic Kensington neighbourhood, Julio’s Barrio is a Mexican eatery and bar with a second level patio offering gorgeous view of downtown Calgary. Order up a bulldog (a beer tipped inside of a margarita) to sip on as you watch the show.
Whether you want to take in the Canada 150 fireworks from a city park, a hidden gem or a rooftop patio, the city of Calgary has a wealth of secret (and not-so-secret) places to take in the show. Wrap up your Canada Day 2017 festivities and the big Canadian 150 by watching the city skyline light up and sparkle.
