6th Annual Canada Day Parade Features Vancouver Whitecaps FC as Grand Marshals

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - June 24, 2014) - More than 300,000 spectators in downtown Vancouver are expected to celebrate Canada's 147^th birthday at the 6^th annual Canada Day Parade, presented by Port Metro Vancouver. The free community celebration features 2,000 participants and 60 community groups, marching bands, choirs and floats.

Every year the Canada Day Parade celebrates a local celebrity or organization that contributes positively to our community. The 2014 Canada Day Parade is honoured to have the Vancouver Whitecaps FC as the Grand Marshals. The entry will focus on Carl Valentine, a former professional soccer player and coach who has had a long association with soccer in the Vancouver area. He is currently the Vancouver Whitecaps FC club ambassador and was the staff coach in 2010.

The parade, which runs from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., starts at West Georgia Street and Broughton Street, travels east along West Georgia Street to Burrard Street, and then turns north on Burrard Street, before finishing at West Pender Street.

The 2014 Canada Day Parade is a chance to celebrate the diversity, multiculturalism, strength and freedom that connects all Canadians. It is presented by Port Metro Vancouver in partnership with the Government of Canada and the Department of Canadian Heritage.

There are great viewing spots all along the 1.1-kilometre route, with the most curbside viewing spots typically available at the start of the parade route. Anyone who can't attend the parade, or wants to see it again, can watch the entire parade on SHAW TV on Canada Day at 9 p.m..

The Canada Day Parade follows after the daytime waterfront festival of the 27^th annual Canada Day at Canada Place, which runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring three entertainment stages, the annual citizenship ceremony, Salty's Market featuring vendors from Portobello West Markets, Canadian Forces Zone, West Coast Lumberjack Show, Maple Lodge Farms Community Stage, Nature's Path Foods Street Hockey and Subway's Picnic Plaza.

After the parade, at 10:30 p.m., catch the Coast Capital Savings Fireworks show at Canada Place. This year's pyrotechnic extravaganza features two simultaneous shows from barges in Coal Harbour and Dundarave in West Vancouver.

WEBSITE

www.canadaplace.ca/canadaday

MOBILE APP

You can keep track of all Canada Day at Canada Place activities by using the "PortMetroVan" mobile app for iPhone/iPad and Android.

https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/canada-place-free-mobile-event/id483052679?mt=8

FACEBOOK

www.facebook.com/CanadaPlace

TWITTER

@CanadaPlace

ABOUT CANADA PLACE

Canada Place is an iconic landmark and venue for world-class events and inspirationally Canadian experiences, located in the heart of Vancouver's waterfront. Canada Place is home port to the Vancouver-Alaska cruises, and houses Vancouver Convention Centre East, Pan Pacific Hotel, FlyOver Canada, World Trade Centre and VINCI Park.

Canada Place is owned and operated by Port Metro Vancouver. Port Metro Vancouver is a non-shareholder, financially self-sufficient corporation established by the Government of Canada, pursuant to the Canada Marine Act, and is accountable to the elected federal Minister of Transport. Port Metro Vancouver is Canada's largest port and a leader in environmental stewardship. About $184 billion in goods is traded annually with more than 160 trading economies, generating across Canada an estimated 100,000 jobs, $6.1 billion in wages, and $9.7 billion in GDP. Port Metro Vancouver's annual financial and sustainability reports provide an overview of our social, environmental and economic performance, and is independently assured by a third party.