Celebrate Canada Day

Attend Canada Day Events

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

The nation’s capital hosts a full day of events on July 1. Due to renovations underway at the Parliament Buildings, the traditional Canada Day celebration will not be on Parliament Hill. This year’s event will be moved to LeBreton Flats Park, just steps from the War Museum and Place des festivals Zibi across the Ottawa River in Gatineau. The event will include a musical lineup of talented artists such as Charlotte Cardin, Salebarbes, Walk Off the Earth, Neon Dreams and Johnny Reid among others, as well as performances by Gurdeep Pandher, Yukon's famous Bhangra dancer. The day will conclude with a dazzling firework display.

Many cities and towns across the province will also be holding Canada Day celebrations. Notable popular and fun-filled Canada Day events will take place in Vaughan (at Canada’s Wonderland), Mississauga, Brampton, Aurora, Oshawa, Niagara Falls, Sault Ste. Marie, West Nipissing and North Bay, featuring a wide variety of exciting performances, parades and entertainment for all ages.

Celebrate Canada Day with 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. 

Where to watch fireworks

Here are a few places to enjoy fireworks in Ontario:

• Spencer Smith Park in Burlington
• Downsview Park in Toronto 
• Marina Park in Thunder Bay
• Bird’s Mill Mews & Bracebridge Bay in Bracebridge
• Kempenfelt Bay in Barrie
• Palmer Park in The Township of Scugog

Enjoy a Canada Day Picnic with Friends and Family 

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. 

Some great Ontario picnic spots to celebrate Canada Day are:

• Dominion Arboretum in Ottawa
• High Park in Toronto
• Centennial Park in Etobicoke
• Canatara Beach in Sarnia
• Bayfront Park in Hamilton
• Bell Park in Sudbury
• Norman Park in Kenora

Indulge in 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 topped on pancakes or waffles, but there are so many other ways to enjoy maple syrup. Try maple butter from Balderson Village Cheese Store, or the delightful fusion of sweet and savoury of the Maple Bacon Donut from Maverick’s Donut Company.
• BeaverTails: A Canadian staple, the BeaverTail is the deep-fried flat pastry that truly celebrates being Canadian. You’ll find BeaverTails at kiosks and food trucks around Ontario. 
• Poutine: Poutine is the beloved savoury dish of fries topped with gravy and cheese. A wide variety of poutine types are available, such as the classic poutine from St. Albert Cheese that includes its irresistible cheese curds, or the popular Green Queen Poutine at Saunders Farm.
• Craft Beer: Ontario has a thriving craft beer culture and there’s nothing more rewarding than to sit back, relax and enjoy the brews from trendsetters such as Brothers Brewing Co, Side Launch Brewing Company or what’s on tap on a brewery tour with Brew Donkey. Harmon’s in Toronto crafts innovative non-alcoholic craft beer that tastes amazing.
  Note: Be sure to buy your food and alcohol in advance as most liquor and grocery stores will be closed on Canada Day.

Visit the Great Canadian Outdoors 

Ontario’s wilderness is home to many fantastic spots with breathtaking lakes and landscapes, perfect for spending time in nature by participating in popular summer outdoor activities like hiking, paddling and fishing.

Consider hiking on a local Ontario portion of the Trans Canada Trail, the world’s longest recreational trail network that connects all of Canada’s provinces and territories with amazing outdoor experiences.

Or explore Ontario’s famous waterways on a boat cruise or tour. Enjoy a unique tiki boat cruise on the Ottawa River with Palapa Tours or book a paddling tour with The Big Canoe Project.

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.