In pictures: Yellowknife’s 2025 Canada Day festivities

Trucks, floats, dogs, and dancers made their way down Yellowknife’s main street on Tuesday to celebrate Canada Day 2025.

The parade, which kicked off shortly after 11am, took a new route this year: from the new aquatic centre parking lot up 50 Avenue, then east on 48 Street to Sir John Franklin High School.

Claire Mcphail (left) and family holding a Canadian flag. Serra Hamilton/Cabin Radio

The Belen family waiting for the start of the parade. Serra Hamilton/Cabin Radio

Romel Belen was excited for the parade to begin and to watch his company, the Yellowknife Co-op, participate.

“I think they’re going to give away some goodies,” Belen told Cabin Radio.

Belen’s daughter, Gianna, was attending the parade for the first time this year and was excited to get candy from parade participants.

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Jonathan Belen told Cabin Radio he was excited to see the “big vehicles” the city lines up in the parade, such as the ambulances.

“It’s a once in a year event, so might as well be here,” he said.

A dog wearing an “I heart Canada” pin awaits the start of the parade. Serra Hamilton/Cabin Radio

Parade attendees enjoying a pancake breakfast. Serra Hamilton/Cabin Radio

Claire Mcphail and Sara Murchison came to Yellowknife from Edmonton for this year’s Canada Day celebrations.

Mcphail told Cabin Radio she was cheering for her cousin, who was participating in the Canada Day Mile – a running race held at the start of the parade.

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“We wanted to explore the North,” added Murchison, “and we’re having a great time here.”

A runner participating in the Canada Day mile alongside a small child on a bike. Serra Hamilton/Cabin Radio

A parade participant waves at the crowd. Serra Hamilton/Cabin Radio

Members of the Philippine Cultural Association of Yellowknife dressed in traditional attire. Serra Hamilton/Cabin Radio

Dancers from the Bella Dance Academy performing during the parade. Serra Hamilton/Cabin Radio

Members of the Yellowknife Southern Cameroon Cultural Association dance along the parade route. Serra Hamilton/Cabin Radio

A group of children ride their decorated bikes. Serra Hamilton/ Cabin Radio

An entrant in the parade’s vehicle convoy. Serra Hamilton/Cabin Radio

Following the end of the parade, crowds of people headed over to the city’s Somba K’e Park to continue celebrating the holiday.

At the park, visitors could enjoy a variety of food from different cultures, including from the Philippines, Cameroon and Greece.

The park was full of activities including bouncy castles, face-painting, balloon animals, carnival games and musical performances.

There were also booths with handmade art, jewellery and artisanal goods.

The Yellowknives Dene Drummers performing at Somba K’e Park. Serra Hamilton/Cabin Radio

A child reacts to her finished face-painted look. Serra Hamilton/Cabin Radio

For many, celebrating this year’s Canada Day felt especially important in the face of increasing political tensions with the United States. Hats and shirts with “not for sale” and “Canada is already great, were visible throughout the day.

Jade Halcyon was one of the people sporting a Canada Day shirt with such a slogan.

Jade Halcyon (right) and a friend celebrate Canada Day at Somba K’e Park. Serra Hamilton/Cabin Radio

“I think, more so than I’ve ever felt in the past, it’s really a political moment for Canada as a nation state,” said Halcyon.

“We’re facing unprecedented times with the threat from the United States, and I think it’s important to remember to protect what we have and to celebrate what we have.”

“It’s just a wonderful day to come out and celebrate in community and with families, and also have some national pride.” said Halcyon.