Living in the Nation’s capital for the past 6+ years, Canada Day has become my most favourite day of the year. It starts pretty early in the morning, and lasts well into the early hours of the next day, sometimes with a nap in the afternoon to keep me going. The city buzzes with energy and excitement and SO MANY PEOPLE! The fireworks at the end of the evening are spectacular.

I have warned/reminded my friends that I am very selfish on Canada Day, and I’m also easily side-tracked. So, if something catches my eye, I’ll be gone, even if that wasn’t the “plan”. I figure everyone is entitled to one selfish day to do exactly what they want, when they want. This is my day.

I’ll probably start the day with the Canada Day Parade down Elgin, then I’ll scoot over to Metcalfe to avoid the crowds and head up to the Hill for 11:30 or so. I’ll stay on the Hill for the noon show, or at least to see the Snowbirds, the SkyHawks, Blue Rodeo and Paul Brandt.

Eventually, I’ll make my way over to friends’ for a BBQ, then I may “break tradition” and head back to the Hill for the evening show, since I’m a Blue Rodeo and Paul Brandt fan. Hard to say for sure, as the fireworks from the Hill aren’t nearly as good as from other locations in the city.

Below are some free Canadian-themed patterns, a video I shot of the snowbirds, some Canada Day pictures from past years and some Canadian humour.

Canadian-Themed Free Patterns

• Canadian Seasons (Quilt Canada)
• Canadian Comfort and Remembrance Project
• Paper Pieced Canadian Flag

Snowbirds 2007

Shot at Pariament Hill, Canada Day 2007.

Photos

The cutest little girl is my niece Lucy (with her dad); this will be her third Canada Day. The beautiful fireworks photo was taken by my friend Tom. The rest of the photos I took.

If you’re Canadian, I hope you have a fabulous day. I’d love to hear how you spend your Canada Day, please leave a comment.

Happy Birthday Canada!