Celebrate Canada Day

Attend a Canada Day event

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

Ottawa, 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 be held near Parliament Hill, at LeBreton Flats Park, just steps from the War Museum. Check back for more details.

The event will include special guests, a musical lineup of talented artists, fun activities and a dazzling firework display (weather permitting).

Cities and towns across the province will also be holding Canada Day celebrations, featuring a wide variety of exciting performances, parades and entertainment for all ages. For example:

• Canada’s Wonderland, Vaughan
• Celebration Square, Mississauga
• Chinguacousy Park, Brampton
• Lambert Willson Park and Yonge Street, Aurora
• Lakeview Park, Oshawa
• Various locations in downtown Niagara Falls
• Downtown North Bay

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
• 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 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
• High Park in Toronto
• Centennial Park in Etobicoke
• Canatara Beach in Sarnia
• Bayfront Park in Hamilton
• Bell Park in Sudbury
• Norman Park in 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 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.
• 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.

Spend time outdoors 

Ontario’s is home to breathtaking lakes and landscapes. This Canada Day, spend time outdoors hiking, paddling or fishing and soak up the beauty of this province.

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. 

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.