Holiday fireworks displays in Ontario

When to see professional fireworks

Popular professional fireworks displays are held in Ontario for various holiday events.

Victoria Day

Victoria Day is a national public holiday in Canada. It was declared in 1845 to celebrate the birthday of Queen Victoria, the reigning queen at the time.

The holiday occurs on the last Monday of May before May 25. Communities across Ontario host elaborate Victoria Day fireworks displays to commemorate this historic occasion.

If you’re looking for things to do on Victoria Day, catching a fireworks show should be at the top of your list.

Canada Day

Canada Day, a federal statutory holiday. Formally known as Dominion Day, Canada Day is celebrated on July 1, the anniversary of the Canadian Confederation, when Canada became a nation in 1867.

The biggest and best Canada Day fireworks displays take place in major cities, although smaller towns and communities will also host fun events and activities, with evening fireworks energizing night skies.

Labour Day

The Labour Day holiday in Canada takes place on the first Monday of every September and will often feature fireworks in the evening.

Historically part of a labour union movement for workers’ rights in terms of conditions and pay, the holiday has evolved into a celebration of workers' achievements.

Diwali Festival of Lights

Diwali is an annual celebration of light over darkness, symbolic of renewal, hope and goodness. While rooted in Hindu culture, it is celebrated globally with food, music and light. The event typically occurs between mid-October and mid-November on the night of a new moon. In Toronto, fireworks displays are synchronized with music for an immersive visual and audio spectacle. 

New Year’s Eve

Celebrated around the globe, New Year’s Eve on December 31 marks the last day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.  Revellers will celebrate at parties with food, drinks, dancing and a countdown of the last remaining minutes of the year. A great fireworks presentation is often the highlight of the event.

Where to watch fireworks in Ontario

Here are some great places to watch professional fireworks in Ontario.

Ottawa Parliament Building, Ottawa

Every year, hundreds of people come to watch the official Ottawa Canada Day fireworks celebrations in the heart of the nation’s capital city. As part of this official event, you’ll enjoy interactive activities and live performances by Canadian musicians.

The exact location of where the fireworks in Ottawa are launched has changed in past years, so check official websites ahead of the Canada Day event for current information. In 2025, the fireworks will take place at LeBreton Flats Park.

In 2025, the fireworks were held at LeBreton Flats Park instead.

Location: Wellington Street, Ottawa

Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto

The lively public space in front of Toronto City Hall features a large pond, which becomes an ice rink in the winter, an Indigenous Garden and the iconic Toronto sign. It hosts a farmers’ market in the summer and several major events throughout the year, some of which feature fireworks.

Location: 100 Queen’s Street West, Toronto

Ashbridges Bay, Toronto

One of the most popular Canada Day fireworks locations in Toronto, the Ashbridges Bay fireworks display was previously held at Woodbine Beach. This spectacular fireworks show usually takes place on Victoria Day and Canada Day and lasts about 15 minutes, drawing large crowds of kids and adults every year.

TTC bus routes provide transportation from the Coxwell and Woodbine subway stations to the lakeshore—be sure to check the transit schedule. 

Location: 1561 Lake Shore Boulevard East, Toronto

Canada’s Wonderland, Vaughan

Witness impressive fireworks at Canada’s Wonderland on various dates throughout the year. The park’s fireworks displays are held after the park closes at 10:00 p.m.

Canada’s Wonderland fireworks displays boast unique, custom designs that are set to an original soundtrack. It’s a perfect way to end your fun day at the amusement park.

Location: 1 Canada's Wonderland Drive, Vaughan

Niagara Falls, Niagara

Watch both the sky and the famous Niagara Falls light up in colour with the city’s wonderful fireworks shows.

In addition to holidays like Canada Day, you can enjoy the beautiful sight of Niagara Falls’ fireworks displays during the city’s summer series of fireworks.

Winter Festival of Lights is another eagerly anticipated seasonal attraction. During this popular event, fireworks shows are held on weekends, over the Christmas holidays and on New Year’s Eve.

Great spots to watch Niagara Falls fireworks include outdoor spaces in Niagara Parks, atop the Skylon Tower or Niagara SkyWheel and hotels and restaurants that feature stunning views of the waterfalls.

Location: Niagara Falls, Niagara

Dundas Driving Park, Hamilton

Fireworks in Hamilton are often celebrated on Victoria Day and will often draw sizeable crowds.

Enjoy entertainment, food trucks and of course, the main attraction of the night is the professional fireworks display shimmering in the Hamilton sky.

Location: 71 Cross Street, Dundas

Ford Fireworks, Windsor

Known as the Ford Fireworks, this breathtaking fireworks display captures the attention of audiences annually in late June, marking the unofficial kickoff to the summer season.

A variety of creative pyrotechnic effects are visible along the Detroit River.

Downtown Windsor streets are closed for the event and do not reopen until after midnight. Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the free bus rides by Transit Windsor. 

Location: Windsor’s Riverfront, Windsor

Grand Bend Beach, Grand Bend

Enjoy live performances, concerts, and big screen viewings, as well as impressive fireworks displays in Grand Bend. This small community, located an hour northwest of London, hosts the largest fireworks displays in southern Ontario.

Its annual Canada Day fireworks show celebrates the holiday and signals the beginning of the region’s summer season. This event is held at Grand Bend Beach and can be viewed from there or by boat on Lake Huron.

Location: Main Street West, Grand Bend

Bracebridge, Muskoka

Experience the beautiful sight of cascading fireworks over the night sky in Bracebridge.

This Canada Day event features one of the largest fireworks displays in Muskoka, as well as live music, food vendors and a sidewalk sale.

Location: Downtown Bracebridge

Safety tips and etiquette

Double check the details: Fireworks displays are weather-dependent, so be sure to check the forecast or event websites beforehand to confirm the event is still taking place.

Come prepared: As firework events take place in the evening, come prepared with warm clothing and snacks, water and folding chairs for your comfort. And be sure to leave nothing behind.

Leave the pyrotechnics to the professionals. Local cities, towns and municipalities regulate the sale and use of fireworks, with strict rules around permitted dates and times, locations and age limits. For the best experience, plan to attend a professional fireworks display.

Visit Festivals and Events Ontario to discover even more seasonal festivals near you.