Canada Day is five days away and Grande Prairie has a full day planned. Here is everything you need to know before July 1.
The parade — route, start time, and marshal
The Canada Day Parade begins at 2 p.m. on Wednesday July 1. The route starts on 108 Avenue, heads south on 96 Street, turns right onto 100 Avenue heading downtown, and finishes in the Northwestern Polytechnic parking lot.
This year's Parade Marshal is Oliver Dawson, appointed by City Council at its June 22 meeting. The 2026 parade theme is Canada in Full Colour — floats are encouraged to highlight colours through creative Canadian-inspired designs.
Road closures along the parade route will be in effect in the downtown core starting before 2 p.m. If you are driving, plan your route around 96 Street and 100 Avenue before heading out.
Muskoseepi Park — full schedule
Once the parade wraps up, the action moves to Muskoseepi Park. Activities run from 3:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Everything at the park is free.
Here is the full schedule:
Noon to 5 p.m.: Free drop-in swimming at the Aquatera Outdoor Pool. Swimming runs in two-hour waves — noon to 2 p.m., 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
3:30 p.m.: Free cookies while supplies last, sponsored by Cenovus Energy. Gates open at Muskoseepi Park.
3:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.: Live entertainment at the Amphitheatre. Beer gardens open — free entry, drinks available for purchase. Carnival rides and games, sponsored by Paramount Resources Ltd. Kids zone with face painting ending at 7 p.m. and roaming entertainment, sponsored by ATS Traffic. Food trucks on site from 2 p.m. to midnight.
The confirmed entertainment lineup at the Amphitheatre is Derina Harvey Band, The Northbloods, and Mandee Rae.
The Accessibility Pass returns in 2026 to support individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities during lineups for carnival rides, supported by Goodwill Industries.
Fireworks — new location this year
The fireworks display is at 11:30 p.m. but the location has changed for 2026.
Fireworks are no longer over the Muskoseepi reservoir. They are moving to Legion Field at 11313 105 Street in Grande Prairie. The city has published viewing and parking maps on its website at cityofgp.com/canadaday — check those before heading out so you know where to park and where to stand for the best view.
What is open on Canada Day in Grande Prairie
Alberta is one of the provinces where retailers are generally permitted to operate on Canada Day. Most grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, and big box retailers in Grande Prairie are expected to be open, though hours may be reduced. Call ahead or check hours online before making a trip.
Confirmed closed on Canada Day:
Banks and credit unions — all major Canadian banks are closed on Canada Day as it is a federal statutory holiday. Plan any banking needs before July 1.
Canada Post — all post offices are closed nationwide on Canada Day. No mail delivery.
Most provincial and municipal government offices are closed.
Liquor: Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis stores in Grande Prairie are expected to operate with adjusted hours on Canada Day. Check your local AGLC store hours directly or visit aglc.ca.
Restaurants and food trucks: Most restaurants in Grande Prairie will be open. Food trucks will be on site at Muskoseepi Park from 2 p.m. to midnight.
City services on Canada Day
The Eastlink Centre and other City of Grande Prairie recreation facilities will have adjusted hours on July 1. Check cityofgp.com for the full holiday schedule before heading out.
Grande Prairie Transit will operate on a holiday schedule on Canada Day. Check the schedule at cityofgp.com/transit before your trip.
Canada Day pancake breakfast
Before the parade, the 55 North Community Centre is hosting a Canada Day Pancake Breakfast from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Cost is $7 for seniors and members, $10 for community members, and free for kids under 10.
Everything you need to know at a glance
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Canada Day Pancake Breakfast at 55 North Community Centre.
Noon to 5 p.m.: Free swimming at Aquatera Outdoor Pool.
2 p.m.: Canada Day Parade begins on 108 Avenue heading south to 96 Street then east on 100 Avenue to Northwestern Polytechnic parking lot. Parade Marshal: Oliver Dawson. Theme: Canada in Full Colour.
3:30 p.m.: Muskoseepi Park activities begin. Free cookies, live entertainment, beer gardens, carnival rides, kids zone, food trucks.
3:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.: Live music at the Amphitheatre featuring Derina Harvey Band, The Northbloods, and Mandee Rae.
11:30 p.m.: Fireworks at Legion Field, 11313 105 Street.
All events are free. Full details at cityofgp.com/canadaday.
Sources:
City of Grande Prairie, La Fête Du Canada Day 2026 event page (cityofgp.com/canadaday)
City of Grande Prairie, Canada Day Parade page (cityofgp.com/node/31334)
City of Grande Prairie, Council Highlights June 22, 2026 — Oliver Dawson Parade Marshal appointment (cityofgp.com)
Discover the Peace Country, Canada Day events listing July 1, 2026 (discoverthepeacecountry.com)
Holiday Shopping Hours, Canada Day 2026 Alberta retailer rules (holidayshoppinghours.com)
