Celebrate Canada Day 2024 in Toronto: Your Guide to Events and Festivities

Although there are almost always amazing festivals happening here every weekend in the summer, Canada Day in Toronto delivers the most vibrant festive events all across the city. As we approach Canada Day 2024, the city of Toronto is gearing up to host a decent variety of exciting events and festivities that promise to delight residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, live entertainment, fireworks, or a chance to explore Canadian history and heritage, Toronto has something special in store for everyone on Monday July 1, 2024!

1. Canada Day at Thompson Memorial Park

The City of Toronto will be hosting Canada Day with family-friendly activities at Thomson Memorial Park (Brimley and Lawrence). Start your Canada Day off right with a free pancake breakfast and opening ceremony where you can sing along to “the national anthem”Oh! Canada”, then stick around for live music and performances from a variety of entertainers. Participate in many activities, crafts and face painting throughout the park and browse an artisan marketplace.

Fun Activities

• Pancake breakfast from 9 a.m. (first come, first serve) in the lower parking lot
• Children’s crafts in shelter A
• Face painting, buskers & magic shows in shelter B
• Carnival games in shelter C
• Bouncy castles & train in area 8
• Photo booth in area 9
• Play Mobile in area 10
• Artisan market with 50 vendors in vendors lane
• Scarborough Museum from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Main Stage Performances

Main Stage

10 a.m. DJ Skin 

10:45 a.m. Opening Ceremony 

11 a.m. National anthem, O Canada, in English, French & Anishnaabemowin (Ojibway) 

11:15 a.m. Kick Music 

11:45 a.m. DJ Skin 

12:15 p.m. Chinese Lion Dance by Wushu Project 

12:30 p.m. Kick Music  

1:15 p.m. African drumming by Hummingbird Dance  

1:30 p.m. DJ Skin 

2 p.m. Kick Music  

2:45 p.m.  DJ Skin

Getting There

The City advises attendees to take public transit  or Bike Share  to and from the event or park your vehicle in the hydro field on the southeast corner of Thomson Memorial Park at Brimley Road and Lawrence Avenue East.

2. Harbourfront Centre Celebrations

For those who enjoy waterfront views (and breezes), Harbourfront Centre will be hosting a series of events throughout the day. From morning yoga sessions overlooking Lake Ontario to afternoon concerts featuring local artists, there will be no shortage of entertainment options. Families can participate in arts and crafts workshops, explore Indigenous culture through storytelling and traditional dances, and cap off the day with a sunset party by the water. Enjoy all-ages spectacular outdoor concerts with Tyler Shaw and Choir! Choir! Choir!, an evening with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, a comedy set with award-winning comic Martha Chaves and much more. 

3. Q107 Woodbine Park FREE Rock Tribute Concerts

At Woodbine Park, the might Toronto rock station Q107 will be hosting FREE concerts by 15 rock ‘n’ roll tribute acts throughout the entire long weekend.  In addition to the terrific performers lined up for Saturday, Sunday and Monday, there will be food and drinks available to purchase as well as a beer garden!

You can find the entire performance schedule on Q107.com but some of the tribute bands will be playing tunes by the following well-known acts: Foo Fighters, Pink Floyd, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Queen, U2, The Tragically Hip Pearl Jam and many more. Some of the tribute band names include: We Ain’t Petty, Reckless Bryan, After the Gold Rush, Just Heart and many more.

4. Educational and Historical Experiences

Canada Day is also an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s history and its journey to becoming the multicultural mosaic it is today. Free admission is being offered to the Royal Ontario Museum, along with the nine Toronto History Museums, holding Canada Day themed events across the city. Learn about Indigenous heritage, Canada’s role in global affairs, and the contributions of immigrants that have shaped Toronto into the vibrant metropolis it is today.

FREE Toronto History Museums events can be found at the following links: Canada Day at Mackenzie House, Canada Day at Scarborough Museum, Canada Day at Montgomery’s Inn, Canada Day at Spadina Museum, Canada Day at Gibson House, Canada Day at Todmorden Mills, Proud to Be Canadian: Celebrating the Chinese Communities, Canada Day at Zion Schoolhouse, and Canada Day at Colborne Lodge.

5. Family-Friendly Activities

Families with children will find plenty to do on Canada Day in Toronto. Parks throughout the city will host picnics, face painting sessions, and games for kids of all ages. The Toronto Zoo will feature special animal encounters and educational programs that they refer to as “animal enrichment” with a Canadian theme,.

6. Fireworks at four locations (but NOT Nathan Phillips or Mel Lastman squares)

Of course there will be fireworks in Toronto on Canada Day! Close out your Canada Day with spectacular fireworks displays from 10 p.m. at Ashbridges Bay, Centennial Park (Etobicoke), Milliken Park and Stan Wadlow Park.

Canada’s Wonderland will also have fireworks at 10 p.m. for ticketed guests, on Canada Day Long Weekend: Sunday, June 30 and Monday, July 1.

Please note that there will be no fireworks at Nathan Phillips Square, Mel Lastman Square or Fort York National Historic Site.

Lighting your own fireworks on Canada Day is permitted during limited hours

Canada Day is one of two days Toronto residents can light fireworks on their private property(opens in a new tab) with a permit. (The other is Victoria Day.)

Residential displays will only be allowed until 11 p.m. on Monday. The city asks residents to report any misuse by calling 3-1-1.

How to Make the Most of Canada Day 2024 in Toronto

To ensure you have the best Canada Day experience in Toronto, consider these tips:

• Plan Ahead: Check event schedules and locations in advance to avoid missing out on your favorite activities.
• Stay Hydrated and Sun-Safe: July can be warm, so wear sunscreen, bring water, and dress comfortably for outdoor events.
• Use Public Transit: Parking can be challenging on Canada Day, so consider using Toronto’s efficient public transit system to get around.

Canada Day in Toronto is a time to celebrate unity, diversity, and the shared values that define us as Canadians. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a visitor exploring the city for the first time, Toronto’s Canada Day celebrations promise to create lasting memories and a sense of community pride. Join us as we come together to honor our past, celebrate our present, and look forward to a bright future ahead. Happy Canada Day!

Final thoughts

With so much to see and do, Toronto is the perfect place to celebrate Canada Day 2024. From vibrant cultural festivals to educational experiences and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and get ready to create unforgettable memories as we celebrate Canada’s birthday in the heart of Toronto.

lead photo by Andrew Halford

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