The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is still putting the final touches on the resort's 2023 Canada Day festivities, but at least one aspect of the celebrations is confirmed: Whistler's beloved Canada Day parade down the Village Stroll will not return this year.
The RMOW says this year's Canada Day celebrations will be similar to last year's, which featured a self-guided creative journey—or a "peoples’ parade"—on the Village Stroll.
"The concept provides entertainment, music, art and activities, like yoga, the pancake breakfast and evening concert, and is very well-received by both residents and visitors," said a municipal communications official, in an email.
"This shift was made out of respect for Indigenous reconciliation, but the programming is also more aligned with our Big Moves Climate Action goals and adjusts for the changing times. Participation had declined in the years prior to COVID, and the businesses that usually participated are now impacted by the tight labour market. Participating would be tough."
Whistler's traditional Canada Day parade down the Village Stroll—a longtime favourite event of locals and guests alike—has not taken place since 2019. The 2020 and 2021 editions were sidelined due to COVID-19 restrictions, and last year's parade was reimagined as a more reflective exercise after the bodies of 215 children were discovered on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.
Read more about this year's Canada Day schedule here.
