Red and white and red and white and repeat. Anyone who thinks Canadians aren’t A) patriotic and B) partiers, haven’t been up here for the July 1st weekend. We saw the country’s British roots during the changing of the guard, and fell in love with Canada’s national heart-attack-in-a-cup: poutine. We walked off the snacks before grabbing some patio time with a side of local wine. Night came, and the afternoon heat waned just enough to be perfect. Crowds were bustling but oddly polite, and fireworks popped off above as music rang out below. Our legs were sore that night, but the show was well worth the aches.