There are plenty of things to do around the GTA on the Canada Day long weekend. See lists below for events and fireworks displays. Keep on checking back to this page for updated listings.

To submit an event listing, e-mail news680@rogers.com.

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Events:

  • Amesbury Park (July 1) – Live entertainment, classic cars, children activities and more; starts at 10 a.m., free admission. Fireworks start at 10 p.m.
  • Brampton Canada Day at Powerade Centre (July 1) – Legendary Canadian band April Wine headlines the festivities in Brampton this year at the Powerade Centre on Kennedy Road. The party is free and runs from noon until 10 p.m.
  • Black Creek Pioneer Village (July 1) – Official Citizenship ceremony, traditional games, a new Maple Beer brew and horse-drawn wagon rides.
  • Blue Jays (June 30-July 1) – The Jays will be in town Sunday for a match with the Los Angeles Angels. It’s always a crowded and exciting environment on Canada Day.
  • Casa Loma (July 1) – Casa Loma will be open and featured themed archery as well as special Canada Day tours.
  • Celebration Square (July 1) – Call Me Maybe pop sensation Carly Rae Jepsen headlines the free party at Celebration Square, across from Square One shopping mall. The day, which begins around 1 p.m., is capped off by fireworks at 10:30 p.m.
  • City of Barrie’s Canada Day party (July 1) – Local dance groups will be showing off their stuff at the daylong party on the city’s waterfront at Heritage Park. There will be a special kids’ zone set up with bouncy castles, face painting and games. The party starts at 1 p.m. and ends with a fireworks show over Kempenfelt Bay at 10 p.m.
  • Digital Dreams (June 30-July 1) – One of the biggest outdoor music festivals in the country, Digital Dreams features a massive lineup of electro artists performing at Ontario Place. Headliners include Kaskade, Afrojack and Major Lazer.
  • Eaton Centre (July 1) – A free Canada Day BBQ featuring Canadian celebrity chef Ted Reader will highlight a busy day at the Eaton Centre.
  • East York parade (July 1) – The 55th annual Canada Day parade will start at 9 a.m. at Thorncliffe Park. Parade ends at noon. Celebrations at Stan Wadlow Park begins at 12 p.m., fireworks at 10:15 p.m.; free admission.
  • Harbourfront Centre (Going Global) (July 1) – Family-friendly activities start at 11:00 a.m. with music, dance games and film; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., free admission.
  • Jubilee Queen Cruises (July 1) – Enjoy a family Canada Day lunch cruise (12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.), or a dinner dance cruise (7:30 p.m.to 11:30 p.m.).
  • Mariposa Cruises (July 1) – Enjoy a buffet-style meal as you cruise along the Toronto Harbour. Ship boards at 7 p.m., cruise runs 7:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
  • Markham’s Canada Day Party (July 1) – The town will host a citizenship ceremony, fireworks and other activities at Milne Dam Conservation Park. Admission is free.
  • Mel Lastman Square (July 1) – Enjoy live music, family fun and fireworks; 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; fireworks at 10 p.m., free admission. 
  • Pride weekend – One of the largest Pride celebrations in the world culminates with three parades over the Canada Day long weekend.
  • Queen’s Park (July 1) – A 21-gun salute, live entertainment and rides will highlight the day; free family entertainment to follow from noon until 5 p.m.
  • Red, White and Vinyl Festival – Music festival in the Beach area at Woodbine Park. Features numerous performances and a family fun zone; noon to 10 p.m.
  • Richmond Hill Canada Day Party – The annual celebration happens at Green Park. Details are still being firmed up but visitors can expect perennial favourites including fireworks, a beer garden, food pavilion and local artists. Admission is free.
  • Scotiabank CHIN Picnic (June 30 – July 2) – Now in its 46th year, featuring midway rides, a shopping bazaar, folklore dance competition, and more; Exhibition Place, free admission.
  • Toronto Jazz Festival (July 1) – The final day of the Toronto Jazz Festival is July 1.
  • Toronto Ribfest (June 30 to July 3) – Family events, entertainment, food and a haunted house; Centennial Park in Etobicoke. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; fireworks at 10 p.m.
  • Toronto Zoo – Open on Canada Day long weekend. Visit the endangered African penguins or the sharks at Stingray Bay Exhibit.
  • Vaughan Celebrates! Canada Day (July 1) – 1980s new-wave group Platinum Blonde headlines the party at Mackenzie Glen District Park in Maple. Canadian R&B star JRDN will also hit the stage. The free event runs from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Woodbine Park (July 1) – One of the biggest parties in the city, featuring music, food and a disco-dance party; noon to 10 p.m.


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Fort York (July 1)
-Celebrate Canada and commemorate the bicentennial anniversary of the War of 1812 at Fort York; noon to 5 p.m., free admission.
-Tour the barracks, historic kitchen or officer’s quarters and take part in a picnic and other child-friendly activities


Gibson House (July 1)
-Homemade ice cream, children’s activities and old-fashioned games on the lawn; noon to 5 p.m. (last entry 4:30 p.m.), admission is pay what you can.

Mackenzie House (July 1)
-Celebrate Canada’s 145th birthday with a visit to the home of William Lyon Mackenzie. A tour, music and light refreshments will be provided.

Montgomery’s Inn (July 1)
-Celebrate with tea and classic strawberry shortcake (first come, first served); 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., $10 plus tax.
 
Scarborough Museum (July 1)
Celebrate Canada Day with cake and karaoke, and a pie eating contest; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., admission by donation. Pleaes note: parking will be limited.

Spadina Museum (July 1-3)
-Enjoy various tours, such as Meet the Austins: “A Toronto Family Between the Wars” and “It’s a Kid’s Life”. -Click here for a schedule of tours; noon to 5 p.m., regular admission.

Todmorden Mills (July 1)
-Visit 19th-century homes and sample some treats; noon to 4 p.m., free admission.

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Fireworks:

  • Amesbury Park – 10 p.m.
  • Centennial Park, Etobicoke – 10 p.m.
  • Canada’s Wonderland – 10 p.m.
  • Celebration Square Mississauga – 10:30 p.m.
  • Downsview Park – at dusk
  • Mel Lastman Square – 10 p.m.
  • Milliken Park – at dusk
  • Ashbridges Bay Park – 9:45 p.m.
  • Stan Wadlow Park – 10:15 p.m.
  • Victoria Fields, Whitby – at dusk
  • Weston Lions Park – at dusk
  • Lakeview Park, Oshawa – at dusk