Canada Day celebrations are underway at The Forks, but Wednesday’s event is about much more than red and white. From welcoming new Canadians citizens to celebrating various cultures, thousands are expected to take part in a full day of festivities.
The day began with Elders from First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities welcoming visitors to the traditional meeting place before the celebrations officially got underway.
“We’ve been a meeting place for over 6,000 years. We’ve always had Indigenous history here. It’s a super important way for us to start the day. For any large celebration we have, we always like to start with the ceremony,” said Georgia Sigurdson, the digital engagement and analytics coordinator of The Forks.
From there, Canada Day quickly filled every corner of The Forks. Markets, music, storytelling and cultural performances celebrated the many communities that make up Canada.
Canada Day celebrations at The Forks in Winnipeg on July 1, 2026. (Mitchell Ringos, CityNews)
“It’s such an important day for us to really come together to unite and to celebrate our great nation. One of the opportunities we have on Canada Day is to really celebrate the outstanding diversity we have in our city,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham.
That diversity was perhaps most visible just steps away. More than two dozen people from around the world officially became Canadian citizens, taking the oath on Canada Day.
“Canada’s strength is diversity; we see it everywhere we go, and to celebrate that on Canada Day, that is what Canada is, so to celebrate new Canadians from all around the world is really meaningful,” said Suzanne Carrière, a Citizenship Judge.
Canada Day celebrations at The Forks in Winnipeg on July 1, 2026. (Mitchell Ringos, CityNews)
Nathan Poole moved to Manitoba from Minnesota more than two decades ago to study music, where he eventually met his husband and built a life in Canada. Now officially a Canadian citizen, he says there was no better day to take the oath.
“It feels great. I’ve participated as a permanent resident of Canada for many years, and to become a citizen now that I can vote and participate civically and provincially and federally, that’s just super exciting,” said Poole.
While much of the day focused on celebration, visitors were also encouraged to reflect. An interactive art installation invited people to write messages of hope and kindness, using Canada Day as an opportunity to spark conversations around mental health, connection and community.
“We need to change the culture around mental health so that people can move from suffering in silence to healing loudly together,” said Ralph Bryant, the founder and chief love officer of Love Notes Campaign.
With programming continuing throughout the day here at the Forks, the celebrations are far from over, including live music right here on the CN Stage, and while fireworks won’t be at this location, the skies will light up at several other locations across Winnipeg as Canada Day festivities continue into the night.
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