Whistler will be rocking for Canada Day, with the quintessentially Canuck Sam Roberts Band kicking off this year's returning Whistler Summer Concert Series tomorrow in Olympic Plaza.
The Montreal band is fresh off its 2021 LP, All of Us, which was nominated for Rock Album of the Year at the Juno Awards, the group's 15th Juno nod. The band's free July 1 show, the first since the Resort Municipality of Whistler's outdoor concert series was put on hold in the pandemic, closes the circle after Sam Roberts played the inaugural edition of the Whistler Summer Concert Series back in 2011.
Getting the festivities started is Whistler's own DJ Whitness, who will be spinning from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. before Sam Roberts hits the stage. Mayor Jack Crompton will also be on hand to say a few words to mark Canada Day.
Complimentary bike parking will be available for those who cycle to the show.
Other highlights from Whistler's Canada Day programming include a Community Reconciliation Canoe Carving project at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre (SLCC), where people will be invited to join an immersive canoe carving experience as part of the Summer Salish Carving Series, led by master carver Ray Natraoro.
And as a commitment towards reconciliation, cedar shavings can be taken to "return the wood, imbued with intention" to a special place in honour of the Indigenous connection to the land.
Some of the other programming for the day includes a free yoga class for all levels at Mountain Square from 8 to 9 a.m., the Pique Pedal, Show and Shine at Olympic Plaza from 10 to 11 a.m., a pancake breakfast at Olympic Plaza from 9 to 11 a.m. organized by the Rotary Club of Whistler, with proceeds going towards rebuilding Lytton's swimming pool facilities, and the People's Parade throughout the Village Stroll from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"This summer Whistler will introduce a new way to parade ... Instead of observing the parade as it winds through the village, locals and visitors can explore fun and engaging stations set up along the Village Stroll at their own pace," read a municipal release. "The People’s Parade will include a large paint-by-numbers mural at Town Plaza Gazebo, roving characters, a bubble zone, live music, and artists."
Full programming details are available at whistler.ca/CanadaDay.
From National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 through July 3, the SLCC will also be offering free admission for all guests. Among the events happening at the SLCC will be songs performed by the Spo7ez Performance team, guided tours of the Interpretive Forest Walk of the Salish Forest and a tour of the new exhibition—Ancient Medicine.
-With files from Harrison Brooks
