Another long weekend is upon us, and many will want to try to take in a fireworks display this weekend. July 1 is Canada Day, a federal statutory holiday. Formerly called Dominion Day, Canada Day is held on the anniversary of the Canadian Confederation, when Canada as a nation was formed on July 1, 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. Many Ontario municipalities will have a fireworks display at some point over the weekend, with the holiday falling on Tuesday, July 1.
Canada Day long weekend events and fireworks
Here’s a list of some of the planned events, but there may be more happening in your community. One of the most popular Canada Day locations in Toronto, the Ashbridges Bay fireworks display, takes place at 1561 Lake Shore Blvd. E. This spectacular fireworks show takes place on Canada Day around 10 p.m. and lasts about 15 minutes, drawing large crowds of kids and adults every year. There may be dedicated shuttle buses from Woodbine and Coxwell stations to the fireworks site — keep an eye out for their transit schedule. Other fireworks can be seen at Centennial Park in Etobicoke, Milliken Park and Stan Wadlow Park. For details, visit the City of Toronto event page.Vaughan
Canada’s Wonderland will present its spectacular fireworks display when the park closes at 10 p.m. June 30 (weather permitting). For approximately 15 minutes, you’ll witness more than 6,000 colourful explosions, reaching heights of over 800 feet, which is sure to ignite thrills for guests of all ages. Visit Canada’s Wonderland for details.Niagara Falls
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. Fireworks are happening on July 1 and July 4 — both with extended durations. For information, check out Niagara Falls Tourism.Hamilton
On July 1, the City of Hamilton is throwing a free Canada Day extravaganza for the whole family. Enjoy entertainment, food trucks and kids’ activities starting at 1 p.m. The main attraction of the night is the professional fireworks display shimmering in the Hamilton sky at Bayfront Park around 10 p.m. To see the event schedule, visit the City of Hamilton.St. Catharines
Join in a spectacular lakeside long weekend celebration at Lakeside Park on June 30 and July 1 that includes entertainment, a family Lego Fun Zone, food vendors and more. Fireworks follow the last music performance July 1. For details, visit stcatharines.ca.Bracebridge
The Rotary Club of Bracebridge has organized the town’s Canada Day fireworks over many years. Join the community party downtown with cottage games, live entertainment, cupcakes and more. Fireworks happen at dusk in Bracebridge Bay. For the day’s events, visit the Bracebridge Canada Day schedule of events. Celebrate Canada’s birthday at Celebration Square from 4 to 10:30 p.m. in the heart of Mississauga with family entertainment and activities, a live concert, Square One giveaways, food vendors serving up curbside cuisine in partnership with Night Market TO, and a dazzling fireworks show. Check out the City of Mississauga event details to learn more. Streetsville is also hosting its own festivities July 1 beginning at 6 p.m. at Village Square. Enjoy live music, dancing, face painting, crafts and a celebratory cake-cutting ceremony. Fireworks take place at Streetsville Memorial Park at 9 p.m. And Canada Day #INThePort is a street festival with live music, vendors, a kids’ zone and more, culminating in a symphony of fireworks on July 1 in Port Credit.Burlington
Enjoy an evening of food, drumming, games and live music with Burlington’s Canada Day fireworks. Taking place at Spencer Smith Park July 1, there are events throughout the day. Fireworks begin around 10 p.m. For full event details, visit burlington.ca.Oakville
On July 1, beginning at 4 p.m. in Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park, you’re invited to join the Town of Oakville’s fun-filled evening of family-friendly activities, live entertainment, tasty food trucks and dazzling fireworks display. Take the free shuttle from Bronte GO station provided by the Town of Oakville to the Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park, 2340 Ontario St., on July 1. Events start at 4 p.m. Bring chairs and blankets to enjoy the activities. For details, visit Town of Oakville Canada Day Celebrations.Arnprior
Join a day filled with music, food, games and so much more at Robert Simpson Park July 1. Enjoy a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by a day of activities. The performances will be done by a variety of artists. Different games, activities and face painting will be available throughout the day for all those attending. Fireworks will be by the Madawaska Boulevard bridge. The show will start at 9:45 p.m. and last roughly 20 minutes. The best view points are from Hydro Park East or West, although the show can be seen across town. For full details, check out the Arnprior Canada Day event page.Carleton Place
The Town of Carleton Place invites you to spend Canada Day along the Mississippi River as it celebrates Canada Day with an assortment of live music, food and family fun July 1 from 12:30 to 10:15 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:45 p.m. and will last approximately 15 minutes. For more information, visit carletonplace.ca. This year’s community-wide celebration is happening on Tuesday, July 1 from 5 to 10 p.m. at Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex, located at 2440 Hwy. 2 in Bowmanville. Live entertainment, children’s activities, ice cream and food vendors and more. Fireworks start at 10 p.m. For full details, visit the Muncipality of Clarington website.Port Perry
The celebrations kick off at 10:30 a.m. with a parade through Historic Downtown Port Perry featuring the annual “Vettes for Vets”, along with antique cars, local athletes, bands and more. After opening ceremonies, the day is packed full of live performances, activities in the Kids’ Zone, incredible food and artisan vendors, and tons of exciting, inclusive events for the entire family. The night ends with fireworks displayed over Lake Scugog at 10 p.m. For more information, check out scugogtourism.ca.Oshawa
This family-friendly event will offer live entertainment, food vendors, buskers, a family zone with activities for the children and much more. The party continues into the night with live music on the main stage and a beautiful fireworks display over Lake Ontario. For details, visit the City of Oshawa events calendar.New Tecumseth
Celebrate Canada Day at the Tottenham Conservation Area starting at 4 p.m. Event includes children’s inflatables, games and activities, food vendors and more, with fireworks at dusk. For more details, including where to park, click here.Barrie
Canada Day on the Move features travelling Canada Day activities popping up in Lampman Lane, Centennial and Painswick parks. The three-hour pop-ups will feature family-friendly activities, including a Canadian wildlife display. Fireworks will be on display over Kempenfelt Bay beginning at 10 p.m. For a schedule, check out the City of Barrie events page.Orillia
A number of great festivities are taking place July 1 at Couchiching Beach Park. Start with a pancake breakfast, join in the parades, a Canada Day cake, midway and more. Fireworks begin around 9:45 p.m. For more information, visit the Orillia Canada Day event page.Bobcaygeon
Two official sites — Tommy Anderson Park and Beach Park — will feature family friendly programming on the day, including live entertainment, children/adult games and races, as well as the spectacular Canada Day fireworks, which will be taking place around 10 p.m. on the evening of July 1. It’s the town’s 40th anniversary of celebrating the nation’s birthday. For a schedule of activities, click here.Peterborough
This year, the City of Peterborough invites you to Roll, Stroll and Celebrate: a joyful, inclusive, and accessible Canada Day event that honours the past, reflects on the present, and celebrates the diverse cultures that shape our community. The city is “reimagining” Canada Day as a day of shared reflection, connection and celebration through community, culture and creativity. Events will take place across Quaker Foods City Square, City Hall, Millennium Park and Del Crary Park throughout the day on Monday, June 30 and Tuesday, July 1. For details, click here.Stouffville
Join the activities in Memorial Park at 5 p.m., including food trucks, live entertainment and more. The night ends with a spectacular fireworks show around 9:30 p.m. that will light up the sky in a symphony of colours, showcasing the pride and spirit of our great country. Click here for more information.Kitchener-Waterloo
Join an event in downtown Kitchener on July 1 for a free concert and full day of family fun. Canada Day is also an opportunity to continue education, awareness and celebration of Indigenous culture. Event runs from noon to 11 p.m. at Carl Zehr Square. For a full list of events and locations, click here. You can also spend the afternoon in Waterloo Park with local artists, food trucks and giant games at the July 1 Community Picnic, with live music, art market and a drone show at 10 p.m. Visit waterloo.ca for details.Orangeville
Enjoy a community celebration of Canada Day on July 1 at the Alder Street Recreation Centre with bouncy castles, face painting, free swimming and more. Headlining the event is the Great Canadian Lumberjacks. Fireworks begin at 10 p.m. at Island Lake Conservation Area. For event details, visit the Town of Orangeville events calendar.Magnetawan
Magnetawan is celebrating its annual Canada Day festivities Saturday, June 28. There’s a dunk tank, parade at 10:30 a.m. and fireworks at dusk at the locks. More information can be found at magnetawan.com/events.Callander Funfest
Callander’s flagship event takes place Saturday, June 28. The day offers exciting family fun and entertainment, including a pancake breakfast, concerts, vendors, kids activities, fireworks and a parade to celebrate Canada Day. For more details, visit the Callander Funfest event page.Milton cancels Canada Day celebration
The Halton Agricultural Society will not be hosting a 2025 Canada Day event or evening fireworks at Milton Fairgrounds. Visit miltoncanadaday.ca for details.Source link
