Here’s what’s happening this Canada Day across the Arctic

Canada Day is right around the corner. Here’s a taste of what’s happening throughout Nunavut and Nunavik — and in Ottawa.

Iqaluit — A pancake breakfast at the Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre is scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Meanwhile, there is a bike decorating contest planned from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Arctic Winter Games arena. As well, a parade is set to leave from the arena at noon, travel along Niaqunngusiariaq Road and end at Nakasuk Elementary School at around 1 p.m.

After the parade, it’s barbecue and chilli time at the school with the Iqaluit fire department. Try not to eat too much because you will definitely want to hit the bouncy castle, scheduled to be on site between 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (If you are too full, face painting is nearby). Bring out the kids for a meet and greet with mascots, set for the town square from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Residents should expect traffic delays and intermittent road closures along the parade route, the city announced this week. Drivers should take extra care in the area and watch for pedestrians.

City offices and recreational facilities will be closed, excluding the Aquatic Centre, which will be open from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Grise Fiord — The Hamlet of Grise Fiord is planning to hold a sculpin fishing contest from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. with prizes for kids and adults. Afterward, a homemade sail boat race is scheduled to begin on the pond from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Make sure to bring your own ingredients for the cake decorating contest, which is also set to start at 3 p.m.

A picnic, a barbecue and games at the old runway at the airport are planned at 4 p.m. — and be sure to bring a pencil, pen or bingo dabber. There’s also two prizes available for the best decorated kid’s bike.

Kuujjuaq — There’s a fishing contest planned at the reservoir from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., with prizes available for kids and adults. At 11 a.m., a parade is scheduled to head from the Kuujjuaq Forum to the beach. Once there, judges will choose the best decorated vehicles to win cash prizes.

A canoe tug of war is set to begin at 11:30 a.m. A team of four men and four women will be drawn at random.

Cupcake and handmade keychain contests are scheduled for 1 p.m.

The day will be capped off with fireworks, scheduled for 11 p.m.

Rankin Inlet — A parade is set to start at the fire department at 12 p.m., with a barbecue beginning half and hour later at the Rec Hall Legion Keewatin Branch. There are also an ice cream bar, face painting and bouncy castles in the works.

A slew of events are scheduled to begin at 1 p.m., including Rankin’s Got Talent, a kid’s bike race, and a decorated vehicle contest.

The 100-metre race is scheduled to start at 1:30 p.m, followed by the cardboard boat race at 3 p.m., the ball hockey tournament at 4 p.m. and target shooting at 6 p.m.

After all that excitement, get ready to kick your feet at the square dance at 9 p.m.

Arviat — A parade is scheduled for near the hamlet building at 11 a.m. on Wednesday. There are also plans for contests and games that include a Most Canadian Clothing and Most Canadian ATV/Bicycle/Truck categories.

There will be events planned for adults at the airstrip, sports at the park for kids, and a place for elders at the arena. There will also be a barbecue scheduled at the arena starting at 3 p.m., with a square dance to follow.

Kugaaruk — A parade is scheduled to kick off between 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Contests for cash prizes and events include face painting, bike decorating, a mini-fish derby, fish cutting and mini games.

Ottawa — Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami  is planning to host a celebration of Inuit culture, language and music at the Indigenous Peoples Space at 100 Wellington St. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Nunavik Inuk music artist Beatrice Deer is scheduled to perform during the National Evening show, which starts on the LeBreton Flats Park at 8 p.m. CBC Television will broadcast the show live.