Colorado Celebrates Canadians and Its 150th Anniversary
by Marsha Mowers
Members of Colorado Tourism gathered in Toronto Tuesday night.
As Colorado marks its sesquicentennial 150th anniversary, the state will also celebrate the second annual Colorado–Canada Friendship Day on March 15, 2026. The initiative, first proclaimed in 2025 by Colorado Governor Jared Polis, recognizes the strong relationship between Colorado and Canada, as well as the enduring cultural and diplomatic ties between the two regions.
The tourism was on a mission this week, holding events in Toronto and Montreal to celebrate both milestones.
Tim Wolfe, Director Colorado Tourism said Canadian visitation to Colorado was “flat or even a little bit up” compared to previous periods, bucking downward trends in other international markets, affirming Canada as a vital, high-priority, and steady market for Colorado’s tourism industry.
“No matter what’s happening, we’ll be here,” Wolfe told the crowd who gathered Tuesday night in Toronto to celebrate. “We are reinforcing the long-term commitment to Canadian visitors who love to visit the state to connect with nature and the outdoors, over 300 days of sunshine, experience over 400 craft breweries and 600+ liquid arts options and to celebrate the states culinary heritage through preservation, innovation and evolution as a MICHELIN starred destination.”
The two milestones presented an opportunity to spotlight Colorado’s place within the broader narrative of the United States. Guided by the theme “The View from Here,” the tourism board says a series of signature initiatives, educational programs, exhibits, and community-led events are being developed to inspire connection, community engagement, and statewide pride.
Planned upcoming initiatives include a Digital Passport Program available on Colorado.com; a Historic Preservation effort aimed at adding 150 historic sites by 2026; the “Moments That Made Us” exhibit at the History Colorado Center; and a statewide anniversary events calendar, featuring celebratory drone shows across the state, customized for individual communities, among other activities.
“In January 2027 the famous Sundance Film Festival will relocate from Park City Utah to Boulder Colorado because the town offers better capacity for growth, improved infrastructure, and a, “creative, artsy, and mountain town” atmosphere that fits the festival’s mission.
That’s a huge win for Colorado,” added Wolfe.
