Celebrate Canada Day

Attend a Canada Day event

A Canada Day celebration wouldn’t be complete without parties, fireworks, parades and concerts.

Cities and towns across the province will hold celebrations, featuring a wide variety of exciting entertainment for all ages.

If you’re wondering what to do on Canada Day, here are some popular events across the province.

Parliament Hill, Ottawa

Ottawa, the nation’s capital, hosts a full day of events on July 1. The celebration will include special guests, a musical lineup of talented artists, fun activities and a dazzling fireworks display (weather permitting). Join visitors dressed in red and white as they enjoy the biggest Canada Day party in the country.

Location: LeBreton Flats Park, Kichi Zībī Mīkan, Ottawa

Canada’s Wonderland, Vaughan

Showcasing live music, delicious Canadian food, street performers and more, Canada's Wonderland celebrates Canada Day from June 28 to July 7. During the multi-day event, enjoy two nights of fireworks on June 30 and July 1, as well as traditional Indigenous performances.

Location: 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Vaughan

Celebration Square, Mississauga

Enjoy live entertainment, family fun, food trucks and fireworks in downtown Mississauga.

Location: Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga

Harbourfront

Head to Toronto’s waterfront for a weekend of concerts, movies, dance performances free movies and lots more family friendly programming.

Location: 235 Queens Quay West Toronto

Lambert Willson Park and Yonge Street, Aurora

From a dance party in the park to a parade down Yonge Street, Aurora offers many free activities for families as they celebrate Canada’s Birthday. From June 30 to July 1, enjoy a live multicultural showcase, children’s activities, a variety of food vendors, mini golf and more.

Location: Various locations across the town

Lakeview Park, Oshawa

Oshawa's July 1 celebration is a family-friendly event held at the picturesque Lakeview Park. Enjoy free local entertainment, delicious food from a variety of vendors as well as fun activities and displays. Weather permitting, the event finishes with a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Ontario.

Location: Lakeview Park, 55 Lakeview Park Avenue, Oshawa

Firemen’s Park, Niagara Falls

Enjoy live music, interactive shows for kids, all-ages activities, food, vendors and more in Niagara Falls this Canada Day. Admission is free to this July 1 event and so are shuttle buses! Get to and from the action with several pick-up points around Niagara Falls.

Location: Firemen’s Park, 2275 Dorchester Road, Niagara Falls

Watch Canada Day fireworks

Fireworks are a big part of Canada Day celebrations. On July 1st, night skies across the province will light up with dozens of sparkling illuminations. Many Canada Day events feature fireworks viewing parties at night. 

Here are a few places to enjoy fireworks in Ontario.

Spencer Smith Park in Burlington

Situated on Burlington’s waterfront, Spencer Smith Park has a wide promenade that offers a fantastic view of the lake, making it a great spot for watching fireworks at the end of the day. The July 1 festivities include a family fun zone, delicious food, lively vendors and entertainment throughout the day.

Location: Spencer Smith Park, 1400 Lakeshore Road, Burlington

Downsview Park in Toronto

With forests, ponds, gardens and more, Downsview Park is a beautiful place to watch Canada Day fireworks, just north of Toronto’s downtown. There will also be food trucks, vendors, games for kids, inflatables and more throughout the day.

Location: Downsview Park, 70 Canuck Avenue, North York

Bracebridge Bay Park in Bracebridge

Situated at the base of the Bracebridge Falls, this park has two acres of walkways, picnic tables, docks and a children’s beach for you to enjoy before the fireworks begin.

Location: 2 Dominion Street, Bracebridge

Palmer Park in The Township of Scugog

Palmer Park is located in the heart of Port Perry. The celebrations start with a parade through Historic Downtown Port Perry at 10:30 a.m. Enjoy live performances, incredible food, artisan vendors and a Kids’ Zone. Walk along the scenic waterfront and watch the fireworks show over Lake Scugog at night.

Location: Palmer Park, 175 Water Street, Port Perry

Enjoy a picnic in the park 

There are plenty of ways to spend time with your friends and family during the Canada Day long weekend. A great Canadian favourite pastime is to enjoy a picnic and soak up the summer sun. 

Scenic Ontario picnic spots to celebrate Canada Day include:

Dominion Arboretum in Ottawa

Situated in the heart of Ottawa, the Dominion Arboretum spans 26 hectares of beautiful, rolling land. The park showcases a wide range of well-established trees and shrubs, some dating back to 1889, making it a picturesque spot to spread out a picnic blanket.

Location: Arboretum, Ottawa

High Park in Toronto

High Park, in Toronto’s west end, offers sporting facilities, gardens, playgrounds and a zoo for you to enjoy. If you are looking to unplug, approximately two-thirds of the park remains in a natural state, making it a peaceful place to enjoy a meal with friends and family.

Location: 1873 Bloor Street West, Toronto

Centennial Park in Etobicoke

This sprawling green space is home to a plant conservatory, bike park, sports fields, indoor pool and playgrounds, giving you plenty of activities to enjoy before or after your picnic.

Location: 256 Centennial Park Road, Etobicoke

Canatara Beach in Sarnia

Just a stone’s throw from the American border, this scenic beach and park is located on the shores of Lake Huron. If you’re planning a Canada Day celebration with a larger group, rentable picnic pavilions and spaces are available. Don’t forget to visit the petting zoo and ride the mini train before you head home.

Location: 1200 Lake Chipican Drive, Sarnia

Bayfront Park in Hamilton

Nestled in Burlington Bay, this 16-hectare waterfront green space in Hamilton’s west end offers paved pathways, a boat launch and picnic tables. With 1,800 metres of shoreline, you’ll have a picturesque picnic view. 

Location: 200 Harbour Front Drive, Hamilton

Bell Park in Sudbury

Located on the western shore of Ramsey Lake, Bell Park has gazebos, flowerbeds, a children's playground area and ample parking for visitors. Spread out your picnic blanket on the main beach where you’ll find lifeguard supervision in the summer.

Location: Paris Street, Greater Sudbury

Norman Park in Kenora

In addition to gazebos and a free splash pad, this Kenora park is home to the Railroaders Museum. After your picnic, take a tour to learn about railroading history in Kenora and Canada.

Location: 35 Minnesota Street, Kenora

Taste classic Canadian cuisine

Enjoy some classic Canadian food and drink that are also recognized around the world.

Maple Syrup

When you think of Canada, you think of maple syrup! It’s a deliciously sweet treat on pancakes or waffles but there are many other ways to enjoy this Canadian staple. Here are a couple of suggestions:

Maple Orchard Farms

This quaint family-owned store in Bracebridge offers a wide variety of sweets and traditional products as well as maple butter—a deliciously different way to butter your breakfast.

Location: 14 Gray Road, Bracebridge

Maverick’s Donut Company

With several locations across Ontario, this donut shop is known for its maple bacon donut. The delightful fusion of sweet and savoury make this an irresistible Canada Day indulgence.

BeaverTails

In 1978, founders Pam and Grant Hooker started selling BeaverTails pastries at the Killaloe Fair, just outside Ottawa. The deep-fried flat pastry quickly became a Canadian staple. You’ll find BeaverTails kiosks, stores and food trucks across Ontario.

Poutine

Poutine is the beloved savoury Canadian dish of fries topped with gravy and cheese curds.
These locations offer a wide variety of delicious types for you to enjoy:

Nom Nom Nom Poutine

Located in the heart of Downtown Toronto, this popular poutine spot is part of Market 707, an outdoor street food market. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Canada’s largest city on Canada Day as you enjoy one of Nom Nom Nom Poutine’s signature dishes.

Location: 707 Dundas Street West, Toronto

Poutine Feast

From June 28–July 1, Poutine Feast will be in Sault Ste. Marie. Stop by and sample different poutines from a variety of vendors.

Location: Downtown Plaza, 526 Bay Street, Sault Ste. Marie

Craft Beer

Ontario has a thriving craft beer scene and there’s nothing more rewarding than sitting back and enjoying one of its brews. Here are some of the province’s trendsetters:

Brothers Brewing Co.

Located in Guelph, this brewery and bar features 12 house-brewed craft beers on tap, food pop-ups, local bands, board games and more. If you’re feeling inspired by Canada Day, draw something on your coaster for a chance to be featured on the coaster sketching Hall of Fame.

Location: 15 Wyndham Street North, Guelph

Side Launch Brewing Co.

If you’re celebrating Canada Day in Collingwood, enjoy a pint in this brewery’s dog-friendly beer garden where you can catch live music and play trivia.

Location: 200 Mountain Road, Collingwood

Brew Donkey Tours

Why visit one brewery when you can visit a few! Over the Canada Day long weekend, Brew Donkey will be offering brewery tours in the Ottawa area so you can sample a variety of styles in the nation’s capital.

Location: Various locations across Ottawa

Harmon’s

From lagered ales to hazy IPAs, this Toronto-based brewery crafts premium non-alcoholic beers. Their award-winning staples and seasonal brews have elevated the non-alcoholic beer experience. You can find Harmon’s at bars, restaurants and retailers across Ontario.

Note: Be sure to buy your food and alcohol in advance as most liquor and grocery stores will be closed on Canada Day.

Spend time outdoors

Ontario’s is home to breathtaking lakes and landscapes. Discover ways to spend time in nature and soak up the beauty of this province this Canada Day.

Hiking

Lace up your hiking boots! Experience Ontario’s countless hiking trails filled with incredible views and captivating wildlife.

Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park

The waterfalls of this stunning provincial park outside Thunder Bay are worth a visit. With a wheelchair-accessible trail leading to the falls and a pedestrian bridge to welcome visitors, it’s easy to enjoy the picturesque views of the Kaministiquia River and gorge below.

Location: Kakabeka Falls, Ontario

Rouge National Urban Park

Located just outside Toronto, this national park offers 15 hiking trails that wind through rare Carolinian forests, wetlands, grasslands and more. Free guided walks are available.

Location: 25 Zoo Road, Toronto

Trans Canada Trail

Consider visiting Ontario’s portion of the world’s longest recreational trail network. This extensive trail connects all of Canada’s provinces and territories with amazing outdoor experiences. Check out their interactive map for information on all the trails in Ontario and across Canada.

Looking for a different hiking experience? Discover more hiking and walking trails in Ontario.

Paddling

For those who enjoy being on the water, Ontario has plenty of lakes, rivers and waterways for you to explore.

Wabakimi Provincial Park

With over 2,000 kilometres of lake, river routes and excellent whitewater, this provincial park in Northern Ontario offers world-class wilderness canoeing.

Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario

Wilderness Tours

About an hour’s drive west of Ottawa, Wilderness Tours is the oldest whitewater rafting company on the shores of the Ottawa River. Offering adrenaline-pumping excursions as well as family-friendly paddles, spend your Canada Day on this beautiful waterway.

Location: 1260 Grants Settlement Road, Foresters Falls

Discover more ways to explore Ontario’s waterways.

Fishing

Teaming with muskie, northern pike, trout and more, Ontario is one of the top destinations in the world for freshwater fishing. Discover some of the best places to fish on Canada Day.

Kawartha Lakes

The Trent-Severn Waterway links four major Kawartha Lakes: Balsam, Sturgeon, Scugog and Pigeon. With a varied topography, the region provides excellent fishing for bass, walleye and more. The tourist-friendly region has a wide selection of lodging options for avid anglers.

Lake Nipissing

Northeastern Ontario’s largest lake is unusually shallow. Weedy areas and fallen timber make this a great fishing destination. Nipissing is also an easy drive from Southern Ontario, with plenty of places to stay.

Learn more about fishing in Ontario, as well as the best spots to go fishing.

Visit a museum

Learn about the country in one city. Ottawa is home to seven national museums and many more. Or take advantage of special programming at one of Toronto's history museums. On Canada Day, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) invites you to visit with free general admission.

From celebration to reflection, the meaning and significance of July 1st are unique to each individual.

However you choose to spend July 1st this year, we hope you have a safe and happy long weekend.