Happy Birthday Canada! Our 150th birthday is being celebrated in events all over the country, especially in our Nation’s Capital, as we related on the Travel Show a couple of weeks ago. But there’s an event taking place here in Toronto this long weekend that hasn’t received as much coverage as perhaps it should – the Redpath Waterfront Festival. It is perfect for getting out and having fun on our great birthday bash.

The Redpath Waterfront Festival runs July 1-3, 2017. It is featuring The Royal Canadian Navy for the first time in Harbour Square Park from Saturday to Monday. The public is invited to join the Navy for their daily run, test their fitness in a Navy-themed obstacle course, watch the Navy Cook Off and tour the decks of two Coastal Defence Vessels.

Parks Canada will be located in Harbour Square Park to celebrate the fascinating heritage behind our National Parks, Historic Sites and Marine Conservation Areas. Take an arctic dip or paddleboard on the Great Lakes with their interactive Green Screen Photo Booth, or learn about the northern discoveries of the Franklin shipwreck.

The Waterfront Artisan Market returns to HTO Park with 50 top artisans, crafters, chefs and bakers. Browse and shop for finely crafted jewelry, unique works of art, delicious foods and special gifts. Those who are looking to discover food will find more than 20 food vendors. The Ultimutts Stunt Dog Show runs Sunday and Monday, featuring non-stop tricks from adorable rescue pups. Take a break and experience live music, dance demos, live art and buskers at the WaveDecks. And on Monday, there will be a Grand Finale Parade of Sail with all participating ships plus unique local vessels. The ships will tour the harbour and then sail along Toronto’s dock wall from west to east. Admission to the Festival is free and a detailed list of scheduling and program information is available on the Festival website at www.TOwaterfrontfest.com.