Looking for the best Canada Day events in Toronto and across Ontario? Whether you're planning to watch spectacular fireworks, enjoy live music, explore family-friendly festivals, or simply soak up the atmosphere, Ontario offers countless ways to celebrate Canada's birthday.

Canada Day 2026 feels even more exciting as Ontario welcomes visitors from around the world during the FIFA World Cup. From the country's largest celebration in Ottawa to waterfront festivals in Toronto and community events across the province, July 1 is packed with unforgettable experiences.

Here's your complete guide to the best Canada Day celebrations in Ontario.

Canada Day in Ontario at a Glance

Destination	Highlights
Toronto	Fireworks, Harbourfront Centre, Queen's Park, Woodbine Park, Downsview Park
Ottawa	Canada's largest official celebration at LeBreton Flats Park
Mississauga	Celebration Square festivities and Port Credit street festival
Aurora	Canada's Official Birthday Town with two days of celebrations
Vaughan	Canada's Wonderland fireworks and live entertainment
Oshawa	Family-friendly festival at Lakeview Park
Niagara Falls	Live performances, family activities, and multicultural celebrations

Ottawa: Canada's Biggest Canada Day Celebration

If you're looking for the ultimate Canada Day experience, there's no better place than Canada's capital.

Held at LeBreton Flats Park, Ottawa hosts the country's largest Canada Day celebration, featuring live performances by Canadian artists, cultural showcases, interactive activities, food vendors, and entertainment throughout the day.

As evening falls, thousands gather along the Ottawa River to watch the iconic Tim Hortons Canada Day Fireworks, creating one of Canada's most memorable July 1 traditions (weather permitting).

Date: July 1, 2026
Location: LeBreton Flats Park, Ottawa

Read more about what's happening in Ottawa for Canada Day here.

Best Canada Day Events in Toronto

Toronto celebrates Canada Day in every corner of the city, giving visitors plenty of options no matter what kind of celebration they're looking for.

Harbourfront Centre

Spend the day along Toronto's waterfront enjoying:

Silent Disco
Made Here Artisan Market
Interactive Métis floral beadwork workshop
Family-friendly activities
Beautiful lakeside views

If you're looking for a relaxed Canada Day with plenty of culture and local artists, Harbourfront Centre is an excellent choice.

Queen's Park

Located in the heart of downtown, Queen's Park hosts one of Toronto's most popular free Canada Day celebrations.

Expect:

Live music
Midway rides
Circus workshops
Food trucks
Family activities
Pet-friendly grounds

With free admission and something for every age, it's an ideal stop for families.

Woodbine Park

Music lovers won't want to miss Q107's Canada Day Celebration, featuring tribute performances celebrating legendary Canadian rock artists from the 1970s and 1980s.

The evening concludes with one of Toronto's largest fireworks displays over Ashbridges Bay.

Downsview Park

Downsview Park offers an evening packed with entertainment, including:

Live performances
Inflatable attractions
Food trucks
Kids' activities

The celebration wraps up with fireworks beginning around 10:00 PM.

Centennial Park

Located in Etobicoke, Centennial Park combines two Canadian favourites:

Canada Day festivities
Ribfest

After enjoying great food throughout the day, visitors can stay for the free fireworks show beginning at approximately 10:00 PM.

Date: July 1, 2026

Canada Day Events in Mississauga

Just west of Toronto, Mississauga hosts two fantastic Canada Day celebrations.

Celebration Square

Downtown Mississauga comes alive with:

Live entertainment
Camp Canuck family activities
Food trucks
Interactive programming
Evening fireworks

It's one of the GTA's largest free celebrations.

Port Credit

For a completely different atmosphere, head to Port Credit where Lakeshore Road transforms into a lively pedestrian festival.

Highlights include:

Ferris wheel
Amusement rides
Live music
Street performances
Community singalong of O Canada
Fireworks over Lake Ontario

Date: July 1, 2026

Aurora: Canada's Official Birthday Town

Aurora proudly holds the title of Canada's Official Birthday Town, making it one of the most unique places to celebrate July 1.

Across two days, visitors can enjoy:

Yonge Street Parade
Live music
Dance parties
Children's activities
Local food vendors
Interactive Passport Activities

All events are completely free.

Dates: June 30 – July 1, 2026
Location: Lambert Willson Park and Yonge Street

Celebrate at Canada's Wonderland

If one day of celebration isn't enough, Canada's Wonderland extends Canada Day into a five-day festival.

Along with its world-famous roller coasters and attractions, visitors can enjoy:

Live entertainment
Street performers
Canadian-inspired food
Family activities

The July 1 fireworks show is one of the park's biggest highlights, featuring a custom-designed display synchronized to an original soundtrack with multiple viewing areas throughout the park.

Dates: July 1–5, 2026
Location: 1 Canada's Wonderland Drive, Vaughan

Oshawa's Canada Day Festival

Recognized as one of Ontario's Top 100 Festivals and Events, Oshawa's Canada Day celebration at Lakeview Park is a long-standing community favourite.

Visitors can enjoy:

Local entertainment
Food vendors
Children's activities
Community performances
Fireworks over Lake Ontario

Date: July 1, 2026
Location: Lakeview Park, Oshawa

Celebrate Canada Day in Niagara Falls

Few places feel more fitting for Canada Day than Niagara Falls.

At Firemen's Park, the celebration includes:

Multicultural live performances
Children's entertainment
Inflatables
Food vendors
Canada Day cake giveaway
Free admission

Complimentary shuttle buses make it easy for everyone to attend before ending the day with an unforgettable evening in one of Canada's most iconic destinations.

Date: July 1, 2026
Time: Noon – 8:00 PM
Location: Firemen's Park, Niagara Falls

Screenshot 2026 06 24 at 2.26.11 Pm

Tips for Celebrating Canada Day

Planning ahead can help you make the most of the day.

Arrive early for popular fireworks locations.
Use public transit whenever possible.
Bring sunscreen, water, and a picnic blanket.
Check weather forecasts before heading out.
Fireworks schedules may change due to weather conditions.
Many celebrations are free, but food vendors and rides may require payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I watch Canada Day fireworks in Toronto?

Some of the best fireworks displays take place at Woodbine Park, Ashbridges Bay, Downsview Park, and Centennial Park.

Are Canada Day events in Toronto free?

Many of Toronto's biggest Canada Day celebrations are completely free, including Harbourfront Centre, Queen's Park, Downsview Park, and Centennial Park.

What time do Canada Day fireworks start?

Most fireworks displays begin around 10:00 PM, although exact times may vary depending on the venue and weather.

What are the best Canada Day events near Toronto?

Popular celebrations near Toronto include Mississauga's Celebration Square, Canada's Wonderland in Vaughan, Aurora, Oshawa, and Niagara Falls.

Is Canada Day family-friendly?

Absolutely. Most celebrations feature children's activities, live entertainment, food vendors, interactive exhibits, and free fireworks suitable for visitors of all ages.

Celebrate Canada Day with Canoo

Whether you're spending Canada Day in downtown Toronto, watching fireworks over Lake Ontario, exploring the celebrations in Ottawa, or discovering communities across Ontario, July 1 is a wonderful opportunity to experience Canada's culture, diversity, and community spirit.

If you're new to Canada, it's also the perfect time to explore everything the country has to offer. With Canoo, eligible newcomers can enjoy free and discounted admission to hundreds of museums, attractions, historic sites, and cultural experiences across Canada throughout the year.

However you choose to celebrate, we hope this guide helps you create unforgettable memories with family and friends.

Happy Canada Day from all of us at Canoo!