The nation’s birthday is upon us, along with all of the cool floating ducks, fun parades and zoo-like good times that come along with it.

So, in the spirit of living it up, here’s the schedule for all things Canada Day around the Valley.

IN COURTENAY:

- Get everything started off right at 7 a.m. (runs until 11) Tuesday morning with the Kinsmen’s pancake breakfast at Riverside Park in Courtenay. A multi-cultural food fair will continue through the day.

- The big show is at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday morning with the Grand Canada Day Parade along Fifth Street across from Lewis Park. This fun annual tradition is a must. The kiddo decorated bike contest is at 9:30 a.m. at Lake Trail School. Kids 5 to 12 can participate and win great prizes.

- The beauty of wrestling for a parking spot is that, once you’re there, you can stay all day. Make sure to walk on up to the Courtenay Museum after the parade for a free day at this great slice of valley history. It opens at 11:30 a.m.

- Next, make your way back to Simms Park for the annual Pow Wow. This event, which is usually held in Cumberland, has moved to Courtenay this year and promises to be a really great chance to experience and celebrate First Nation Heritage. It runs from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

- Then, head across the street to Lewis Park for Kids Zone fun including the Ducky 500, circus fun and more goodness. The outdoor pool will host a FREE swim all day and, at 1 pm., there will be FREE ice cream.

- Wrap up the day (if you are still awake) with a Free Family Concert at Simms Park. The Cavalcade of Country Stars will be performing from 7 to 9 p.m.

ON MT. WASHINGTON:

- If getting away from it all is more your speed, hit Mount Washington for some serious good times. With older kiddos, plan on hitting the mountain bike park. But, for the younger crowd, there will be face painting, a bouncy castle, games, relay races, crafts and prizes. Everything kicks of at Noon Tuesday and runs until 4 p.m. So, head up the mountain to keep cool and have fun.

IN COMOX:

- While there are no formal Canada Day celebrations in Comox, you can always celebrate yourselves out at the Hands-On Farm at the Filberg (open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday).

We will be jumping in on Tuesday with our first Farm Friend update here on CVK, checking in on our calf buddy, Popsicle, and sharing a fun treat that’s perfect for the holiday.

Wahooooooo!

Happy (early) Canada Day!

We’ll see you out at festivities.