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Canada Day 2025
Celebrate Canada Day in a space that blends serenity, culture, and community.
Date
July 1, 2025 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Location
Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden
9th Ave S &, Mayor Magrath Dr S Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 0C6 Canada
Price
$15
Children under 5 free
Event Details
Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | Open 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Last entry at 10:30 PM
Celebrate Canada Day in a space that blends serenity, culture, and community. From live performances and tea ceremonies to storytelling through film and fireworks—Nikka Yuko is your one-stop destination for a meaningful, memorable day.
Admission
General Admission: $15 (includes one drink + one cookie)
Children under 5: Free add an extra cookie + drink combo for $4
Your ticket includes same-day re-entry—come and go as your schedule allows!
Special Feature: Free Film Showings
Location: Bunka Centre – Large Venue Room
Admission: Free
Courtesy of the National Film Board of Canada
Explore powerful stories of resilience, identity, and heritage through two exceptional Japanese-Canadian documentaries:
Obachan’s Garden (2003) – 1h 34m
Showtimes: 11:00 AM | 3:00 PM | 7:00 PM
Follow filmmaker Linda Ohama as she uncovers her 103-year-old grandmother’s journey—from Japan to Canada, through WWII internment, and toward healing and reunion.
Sleeping Tigers: The Asahi Baseball Story (2002) – 50 min
Showtimes: 1:00 PM | 5:00 PM | 9:00 PM
Meet the legendary Asahi baseball team whose spirit and sportsmanship inspired Japanese-Canadian communities during some of their darkest times.
What’s Happening All Day
Artist in the Garden
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Bunka Centre Hallway
Watch a local artist create in real time—it’s art, it’s peaceful, and it’s a great place to cool off.
Taiko Drum Show by Hibikiya
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Garden
Feel the beat in your chest as the celebration kicks off with thunderous Japanese drumming!
Mocktail Workshop with Joshua
1:00 PM & 3:00 PM | BC Kawamura Room
Sip on stunning alcohol-free creations while learning how to mix your own. Cheers!
Tea Ceremony Demonstrations
2:00 PM & 4:00 PM | Pavilion
Take a break from the buzz with the calming elegance of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
2-for-1 Yukata Dressing
Step into Japanese summer style with this fun fashion experience—perfect for photos and feeling festive.
Reserve your spot online in advance.
LCTA Taiko Finale
10:30 PM | Garden
End your day with a bang—another high-energy taiko performance under the stars!
Fireworks at Henderson Lake
11:00 PM (To Be Confirmed)
Wrap it all up with a classic Canada Day fireworks display just a short walk away.
Extra Fun Along the Way
Guided Garden Tours & Dome Visits
Join a 45-minute guided tour to learn the meaning behind the Garden’s design and traditions.
Tour Times: 11:00 AM | 1:00 PM | 3:00 PM | 5:00 PM
Sake & Beer Bar
Pavilion Deck
Cool down with authentic Japanese sake and beer—available:
Evening: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Cash and card accepted.
Organizer
- Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden
Established in 1967 to commemorate Canada’s Centennial, Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden stands as a tribute to the contributions of Japanese Canadians to Lethbridge, Alberta, and as a lasting symbol of international friendship. The name “Nikka Yuko” blends elements of both Japanese and English: Ni (from Nihon, meaning Japan), Ka (from Canada), and Yuko (meaning friendship), representing the deep connection between the two nations.
Opening Day and Hours
Opening day for 2025 is Thursday, May 8th.
The garden is open five (5) days a week:
- Monday: 10-6pm
- Tuesday/Wednesday CLOSED
- Thursday: 10-6 pm
- Fridays: 10-8 pm (Last Entry 7:30 pm)
- Saturdays: 10-8 pm (Last Entry 7:30 pm)
- Sunday: 10-6 pm
Daily Programming
- Daily Garden Tours at 11, 1 & 3 pm
- Thursday: Tea: 2 pm & 4 pm Pavilion/Ceremony (Program)
- Friday: Food Truck Fridays/Sumo/Anime/Wild Nights; Ceremonies 2pm & 4pm
- Saturday: Nodate Tea Service 2 pm & 4 pm (Experience/Program)
- Sunday: Nodate Tea Service 2 pm & 4 pm (Experience/Program)
- Monday: Meiso (Relaxation) Mondays
Performances and Presentations: 3:00 pm
Yukata Dressing:
Guests can wear Yukata around the Garden and community 5 days per week.