Canada Day weekend is right around the corner, which means time is running out to pull together an unforgettable July Long Weekend Summer Party! For anyone planning a classic Canada Day backyard BBQ with friends and family, we’re here with smart tips to help you make it your best summer party yet.  

Canada Day Party Checklist  

#1 Check your BBQ  

You can’t host a backyard barbecue without a barbecue, now, can you? When planning your summer party, remember to check your propane and charcoal quantity. Do you have enough to grill for several hours and feed everyone you’re inviting? Is it clean? Have you checked the hoses and connections?  

#2 Send your Invites 

Once you’ve determined your guest list, its time to invite your friends and family to your Canada Day summer party. When you’re inviting them, make sure to specify what you’ll be servicing. Being upfront about the menu lets guests confirm their dietary needs are covered and might encourage them to contribute a side dish or some BBQ goodies of their own. 

Tip: ask them to RSVP formally to ensure you buy enough food, make enough drinks, and can plan your seating accordingly.  

#3 Shop 

There’s more to purchase for your Canada Day summer party than just food. Think beyond the grill and consider all the little extras that make the celebration run smoothly and feel festive. You’ll want décor like flags, banners, and table settings to set the mood, plus sparklers or glow sticks for evening fun.  

Stock up on drinks—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic—to keep everyone refreshed in the summer heat. Don’t forget practical essentials such as garbage bags, cleaning supplies, and plenty of sunscreen and bug spray to keep guests comfortable from afternoon sunshine to late-night fireworks. 

#4 Prep and plan the backyard 

Depending on the size of the space you’re hosting your Canada Day summer party in, you should plan your quadrants: Where will the grilling area be? Where will your guests sit? Where can the kid’s safely play? Where will you decorate?  

Speaking of planning the layout of your backyard BBQ, do you have enough seating? Do you have sunshade accessories or natural coverage depending on how the weather pans out on the big day? You should also remember to mow the lawn, and do a walk through to make sure there’s nothing sharp on the ground – since it’s hard to get kids to wear shoes, or keep them on in the summer heat. 

#5 Décor 

It is Canada Day, which means it’s easy and inexpensive to create a theme and ambiance for your perfect July 1st summer party. Put up some Canadian flags, and any red/white décor from the dollar store. If you want to kick it up a notch, try red and white appetizer trays or maple flavored treats.  

#6 Family-Friendly Activities 

Is your summer party adults-only or is it a family affair? Chances are, if you’ve got kids attending, they aren’t as easily entertained by sitting around and talking. Activities like cornhole, horseshoes, twister, croquet, hula hoop, pinata, Bocce ball, or using a swimming pool, if available (remember a lifeguard), are great inexpensive ways to entertain the kids during your backyard BBQ.   

#7 Outdoor Lighting 

Chances are, your Canada Day summer party will start in the daytime and go into the evening, especially if there are planned local fireworks. Does your backyard have existing lighting to safety host a party after dark or do you need to grab some hanging lights? Do you need to run extension cords and can they be secured safely to not create a tripping hazard?  

#8 Cleaning Supplies 

If you’re planning to have kids at your July 1st summer party, you’re likely going to have burgers or hot dogs, which means – you guessed it – condiments. It’s hard to have condiments without making a huge mess – ensuring you have appropriate cleaning supplies on standby means you can clean it quickly, helping to avoid bugs.  

#9 Stay Hydrated 

Summer months mean the heat can creep up fast, and nothing derails a great gathering quicker than dehydrated, overheated guests. Keeping a limitless supply of water on hand is non‑negotiable, but a well‑stocked drink station does more than keep people safe—it adds personality and fun to your party.  

Alongside chilled water, canned pop, sparkling water, juice, and beer, think about offering something a little more memorable. Large‑batch cocktails and mocktails are crowd‑pleasers that let guests serve themselves, and DIY popsicles—whether boozy or kid‑friendly—add a playful, refreshing twist that feels perfectly suited to a hot summer celebration. 

Speaking of staying hydrated, here are some of our favorites that you can make yourself for this Canada Day long weekend: 

Strawberry Infused Water  

Ditch the soda, this berry infused water makes a refreshing and healthier alternative to some overly-sugary mocktails.  Make it yourself here: https://jettskitchen.com/berry-infused-water/