With Canada Day just around the corner, Toronto is gearing up to celebrate the country’s 159th birthday. Whether you’re staying in the downtown core or heading out to the suburbs, the city will be packed with free festivities.
You can expect massive fireworks displays, along with live performances and free museum admissions. And with sports season in full swing, there are plenty of World Cup soccer-themed activations.
This July 1 falls on a Wednesday, making a special mid-week break, and an action-packed holiday. So throw on your red and white, and gather your crew for an unforgettable day.
Here are the best, free Canada Day celebrations throughout Toronto.
When 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where 1005 Brimley Rd., Scarborough
Canada Day festivities will take over Thomson Memorial Park, one of Toronto’s largest and most vibrant events. The celebration will start with a first-come, first-served free pancake breakfast, and an opening ceremony with the national anthem.
Throughout the day, there will be children’s crafts, train rides, bouncy castles, local craft vendors, live music, and entertainment. The Scarborough Museum is also located in the park, and they will have other activities to do.
When 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where 929 Kennedy Rd., Scarborough
If you are looking for more bashes in Scarborough, Jack Goodlad Park will also have a community celebration. Their Canada Day event will feature the spirit of the soccer season with games for the whole family. There will also be music, food, and entertainment.
When 10 p.m.
Where 5555 Steeles Ave. E., Scarborough
To end Canada Day in Scarborough, fireworks will take over the sky at Milliken Park. Bring a camping chair or a blanket, and sit back to enjoy the show.
When 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where 151 Culford Rd., North York
If you happen to be in North York, head over to Amesbury Park for a fun-filled day. This Canada Day event will feature jumping castles, live music, food trucks, along with a flea market. And a beautiful display of fireworks will begin at 10 p.m.
When 4 to 10:30 p.m.
Where 70 Canuck Ave., North York
Downsview Park will host their annual Canada Day celebration on the Festival Terrace, known as the largest outdoor venue within the GTA. The 5.5-hectare green space will hold live entertainment, games for kids, and inflatables. There will also be vendors and food trucks, including Pappy’s Dirty Soda, Dippin Cheesecake, and A-maize-ing Eats.
Around 10 p.m. there will be fireworks to end the evening.
When 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where 5172 Yonge St., North York
Also in North York, the 19th-century Gibson House is hosting Canada Day both outside and inside. There will be an assortment of soccer-themed challenges on the lawn, including relay races, obstacle course, penalty shootouts, and dribbling drills. For a creative activity, visitors will be able to make their own headband to cheer on Team Canada.
When Noon to 10:15 p.m.
Where 5100 Yonge St., North York
Mel Lastman Square will host a memorable day of live music, food, and entertainment. There will be a Kids Zone with inflatable rides, face painting, jumping castles, and crafts until 8 p.m. Alongside that, there will be a food and local vendors fair until 9:30 p.m. To end the day, fireworks will light up the sky at 10 p.m.
When 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where 77 Wynford Dr., North York
The Aga Khan Museum will host a Canada festival throughout the museum, Aga Khan Park, and the Ismaili Centre. Aside from free admission to the museum, there will be live acts. Performers include Larnell Lewis Band, Whispr, and Ahmed Moneka Jazz. There will also be a kite-decorating workshop, Bollywood dancing, alongside a game zone tent screening soccer matches. The teams playing are to be determined, and visitors can check for updates online.
When 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Where 888 Cosburn Ave., East York
The East York Canada Day Festival is the longest-running event of its kind. This year will mark the 70th annual celebration, drawing in families around the GTA.
This massive bash will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a parade at Dieppe Park (455 Cosburn Ave). It will move toward Stan Wadlow Park, where the festivities will remain for the rest of the day. 11 a.m. is when the grounds will come alive. There will be an artisan market, kids activities, mainstage entertainment, a midway, food vendors, and a beer garden. To finish off Canada day, there will be a colossal showcase of fireworks at 10 p.m.
When 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where 4709 Dundas St. W., Etobicoke
In the heart of Etobicoke, this family-friendly Canada Day festival will have games and music. There will also be Farmers Market from 2 to 6 p.m. They will have handcrafted flavours, artisanal goods, and curated vendors by Local MRKT.
When Noon to 6 p.m.
Where 100 Queen St. W., Toronto
Nathan Phillips Square will celebrate Canada’s birthday with live performances from some of the cultures playing in the soccer matches. These include Panama, Ghana, and Indigenous performers representing Canada. There will also be soccer skills and drills on the mini pitches, beginning at 10 a.m. Beyond sports, the festival will have circus acts, face painting, and Indigenous crafts.
When Noon to 4 p.m.
Where 285 Spadina Rd., Toronto
Situated at the Spadina Museum, this celebration honours Toronto’s Chinese communities. Besides exploring the historic mansion, visitors will be able to participate in many festivities. There will be a range of live performances including drumming, and lion dances. For the creatives, calligraphy demonstrations and art displays are scheduled. But it doesn’t stop there. There will be cooking demonstrations, samples, a traditional tea ceremony, along with ice cream. And for kids, face painting, crafts, outdoor games, and storytelling will be on-site.
When 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where 1 Queen’s Park, Toronto
One of Ontario’s most historic and iconic landmarks is hosting a family-friendly Canada Day celebration. Guests can expect live music across two stages, and inside the Legislative Building. Among the performers are Impulse Steel Orchestra, Enchanted Strings, and Surround Sound. Aside from the beats, midway rides, photo ops, and food trucks are set to be on site. For the kids, there will be circus workshops, bubble fun zones, crafts, face painting, and inflatables.
When 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where 100 Queen’s Park, Toronto
From dinosaurs to artwork, and cultural artifacts, The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is having free general admission on Canada Day. You can reserve your tickets online.
When Noon until dark
Where 235 Queens Quay W., Toronto
The Harbourfront Centre will have Canada Day right by the water. Guests can look forward to circus performances featuring acrobatics, and stunts on and around a vintage school bus. There will also be live music, local vendors, a silent disco dance party, and an outdoor theatre.
When 1 p.m.
Where 235 Queens Quay W., Toronto
If you will be staying at Harbourfront, you will want to swing by this bead and dot art painting workshop. This interactive lesson is inspired by Métis beadwork, and no experience is needed. Organizers note that by the end of the session, guests will channel creativity into a personalized masterpiece to take home. No tickets or registration are required for this event.
When 10:45 p.m.
Where 235 Queens Quay W., Toronto
For more excitement at the waterfront, there will be a spectacular fireworks show over Toronto’s inner harbour. But the view will extend beyond the Harbourfront Centre. Guests can watch from areas east and west, including Sherbourne Common, Sugar Beach, Harbour Square Park, and the Music Garden.
When Noon to dusk
Where 1695 Queen St. E., Toronto
Wear your red and white to the Q107 Canada Day Picnic, a rain or shine event showcasing rock and roll tributes to the best bands in the world. Among the lineup are After The Gold Rush, The Hip Experience, and Sheer Heart Attack. Beyond the music, there will be lots of food, and a large fireworks show from Ashbridges Bay at 10 p.m.
When 10 p.m.
Where 1561 Lake Shore Blvd. E., Toronto
Whether you’re coming from the Q107 Canada Day Picnic or just in the Beaches area, this dazzling fireworks show is something you will not want to miss. This beautiful display will be over Ashbridges Bay on Toronto’s eastern waterfront.