The GTA really gets patriotic for our national celebration. Here we have gathered a huge assortment of Canada Day events happening in Toronto and right across the GTA. From iconic fireworks to family festivals, concerts, fairs and boat parties, this comprehensive list of Canada Day events will help you find a way to celebrate either close to home or further afield.

Get out your red and white and get ready to party like its 2025! Although your neighbour may have betrayed you, the rest of the entire community this side of the fence has its arms wide open for one great big national hug! Now let’s take a look at all of the Canada Day celebrations happening in the GTA on July 1. Elbows up!

1. Ashbridges Bay Park Fireworks

A long-standing Toronto favourite, the Ashbridges Bay fireworks draw thousands to the lakefront for a stunning pyrotechnic show. Launched from a barge off the boardwalk, this 15-minute spectacle lights up Lake Ontario with brilliant colour and sound. Bring a blanket and enjoy the show from Woodbine Beach or along the Martin Goodman Trail.

• What: 15-minute waterfront fireworks display launched from Coxwell–Victoria Park boardwalk.
• When: July 1 at ~10 pm.
• Why go: A classic show with great views along Woodbine Beach.

2. Harbourfront Centre Canada Day Celebration

Celebrate Canada’s diversity through music, food, and art at this waterfront hub. Harbourfront Centre goes all out with live cultural performances, food vendors, and family programming during the day, then ends the night with fireworks over the lake. It’s the perfect spot to blend art, community, and fireworks.

• What: A full-day mix of live music, cultural performances, artisan Canadian-made marketplace, capped off with fireworks.
• When: July 1, festivities start at noon; fireworks ~10:45 pm.
• Where: 235 Queens Quay W.
• Why go: Ideal for shopping, art, performances and waterfront views.

Bonus: Tall Ships at Toronto Waterfront

Get into the Canada Day spirit early by visiting the Tall Ships Festival on Toronto’s waterfront. These majestic historic vessels dock at Sugar Beach for tours and photo ops. While not happening on July 1 itself, it’s a great way to kick off your long weekend.

• What: Nautical festival with historic Tall Ships docked at Sugar Beach.
• When: June 28–29 (pre-Canada Day).
• Where: Sugar Park, 11 Dockside Dr.
• Why go: Perfect for maritime fans and families—great build-up to the big day.

3. Stan Wadlow Park (East York)

This east-end tradition includes an old-school Canada Day parade, a full day of family-friendly fun, and one of the city’s more laid-back fireworks shows. With breakfast in the park, food trucks, live music, and a vibrant local vibe, it’s great for families and east-enders alike. Cap it all off with evening fireworks under the stars.

• What: Community celebrations—including a Canada Day parade, live entertainment, vendors, free breakfast, and evening fireworks.
• When: Parade starts ~10:30 am; fireworks ~10 pm.
• Where: Parade from Dieppe Park → Stan Wadlow Park.
• Why go: A true local community event full of family-friendly charm.

4. Centennial Park (Toronto Ribfest & Fireworks)

Love ribs? This is the place to be. Centennial Park’s Ribfest runs all weekend and culminates in a dazzling Canada Day fireworks display. You’ll also find live music, carnival rides, and local vendors, making it a deliciously entertaining day for the whole family.

• What: Etobicoke’s Ribfest features rib vendors, live bands, carnival rides, kids’ games—and ends with fireworks.
• When: June 28–July 1; fireworks July 1 at ~10 pm.
• Where: 256 Centennial Park Rd.
• Why go: Foodies rejoice—and it benefits local charities!

5. Downsview Park Family Festival

Downsview Park’s celebration is among the biggest in the city. With inflatables, food trucks, multicultural performances, and kids’ activities, the festival ends with a grand fireworks show viewable from the park’s expansive greenspace. Best of all—admission is free.

• What: Large-scale family fest with inflatables, live acts, food trucks, games—and nightly fireworks.
• When: July 1 from 4 pm to ~10:30 pm; fireworks ~10 pm.
• Where: Festival Terrace, 70 Canuck Ave, North York.
• Why go: Accessible by TTC, totally free, and extremely family-friendly.

6. Milliken Park (Scarborough)

Looking for a lower-key celebration in the east end? Milliken Park’s fireworks display is ideal for families and residents wanting to enjoy Canada Day without the downtown crowds. It’s one of several city-run shows scattered across neighbourhood parks.

• What: Pop-up community fireworks site with Toronto-run programming.
• When: July 1 at ~10 pm.
• Where: Steeles & McCowan.
• Why go: A quieter spot away from downtown with city-backed festivities.

7. Canada Day Fireworks Boat Cruises

Celebrate in style with a Canada Day fireworks cruise on Lake Ontario. These lively party cruises feature music, dancing, drinks, and unbeatable views of the Toronto skyline lit up by fireworks. Perfect for groups or couples looking for a memorable night on the water.

• What: Party cruises aboard the River Gambler featuring DJs, licensed bar, dancing and skyline fireworks.
• When: July 1 boarding at 7 pm; cruise 8–11 pm.
• Why go: Unique vantage point, lively onboard atmosphere—great for groups. Tickets ~$25+

8. Woodbine Park – Q107 Canada Day Picnic & Fireworks

Rock out with Q107 at this classic Canadian picnic party. Set in Woodbine Park, this event features live music, retro hits, food trucks, and a relaxed, nostalgic vibe. Stick around as the sky lights up with fireworks launched from nearby Ashbridges Bay.

• What: Sponsored picnic by Q107, with live music and fireworks to close out the evening.
• When: July 1; fireworks around 10 pm.
• Where: 1695 Queen St E.
• Why go: Casual, picnic-style celebration with broadcast tunes.

Tips & Travel Info

• Fireworks rules: No personal fireworks in parks—but allowed on private property before 11 pm. Park displays are all city-approved.
• Weather note: Generally clear evening skies expected.
• Transit advice: Downtown and park events are TTC-accessible; boat cruises dock near Union or Cherry St—best to book ahead and take transit.

9. Mel Lastman Square

Programming from noon to 10 p.m., featuring live music, a kids’ zone, a food and vendor fair and fireworks at 10 p.m. Organized in partnership with the Yonge North York BIA.  

Location: 5100 Yonge St. 

10. Nathan Phillips Square

No fireworks here on Canada Day (instead it will be at Ashbridges Bay) but there is Free daytime programming featuring face painting, live music and dance performances from noon to 5:30 p.m.  

Location: 100 Queen St. W. 

11. Amesbury Park, 151 Culford Rd.  

Run by the CIiy of Toronto, the Amesbury Park Canada Day celebrations feature a full day of community-led programming with food vendors, activities, fireworks and entertainment for all ages, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. 

Toronto fireworks displays 

The City’s flagship, 14-minute fireworks display will be held at Ashbridges Bay Park located at 1561 Lake Shore Blvd. E. starting at 10 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1. 

The City will also host fireworks displays at the following parks starting at 10 p.m.: 

• Centennial Park, 256 Centennial Park Rd. (viewing areas will be limited due to construction) 
• Amesbury Park, 151 Culford Rd. 
• Milliken Park, 4325 McCowan Rd. 
• Stan Wadlow Park, 888 Cosburn Ave. 
• Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge St. 

There will be no fireworks display at Nathan Phillips Square. But as mentioned there also will be fireworks shows at Harbourfront Centre and Downsview Park.

Just outside of Toronto

1. Canada Day #INThePort – Port Credit (Mississauga)

Port Credit’s brand-new street festival brings back the excitement of Paint the Town Red, with Lakeshore closed off and the village transformed into a lively hub of music, food, and activities. Expect a giant ferris wheel, inflatables, live performances, a kid zone, and a grand fireworks finale over the Credit River.

Highlights: Street festival with Ferris wheel, rides, vendors; waterfront fireworks at ≈10 pm

When: July 1, 12 pm–11 pm

Where: Lakeshore Rd between Stavebank & Hurontario, Port Credit

2. Celebration Square – Mississauga City Centre

A high-energy downtown bash with multicultural performances, food trucks, and family activities. The festivities run from afternoon to evening, wrapping up with a stunning fireworks display in front of City Hall.

• When: July 1, 4–10:30 pm (fireworks at 10 pm)
• Where: 300 City Centre Dr, Mississauga
• Highlights: Camp Canuck kids’ zone, live entertainment, Tim Hortons-sponsored fireworks

3. Streetsville Celebration – Mississauga

This charming village core turns festive with local flair—complete with cake-cutting, pipe bands, crafts, and family entertainment. A drone show precedes fireworks over Memorial Park.

• When: July 1, 6–10:30 pm (drone show ~9:45 pm; fireworks ~10 pm)
• Where: Village Square & Memorial Park, Streetsville
• Highlights: Community-driven, nostalgic and welcoming

4. Malton Fireworks – Mississauga

Home to one of Mississauga’s “largest and longest” fireworks displays, Malton lights up the sky above Westwood Square Mall to music. This suburban celebration is a hometown gem.

• When: July 1, fireworks around 10 pm
• Where: Westwood Square Mall area, Malton
• Highlights: Music-coordinated fireworks, neighbourhood feel

5. Canada’s Wonderland – Vaughan

Enjoy a thrilling day of rides followed by a special fireworks finale. A fun-filled way to celebrate in the north GTA.

• When: July 1, park hours with fireworks at ~10 pm
• Where: Canada’s Wonderland, Vaughan
• Highlights: Theme-park experience plus fireworks

6. Spencer Smith Park – Burlington

Join a lakeside celebration with music, family activities, food vendors, and a fireworks show over Burlington Bay.

• When: July 1, 2–10 pm (fireworks at 10 pm)
• Where: Spencer Smith Park
• Highlights: Waterfront ambience, local performances

7. Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park – Oakville

Oakville’s prime lakeside park comes alive with family fun and fireworks, perfect for a low-key but beautiful Canada Day outing.

• When: July 1, fireworks ~10 pm
• Where: Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park
• Highlights: Scenic harbour setting

8. Kinsmen Park – Pickering

Pickering’s lakeside celebrations include family entertainment and a fireworks display with harbour views.

• When: July 1, fireworks at ~10 pm
• Where: Kinsmen Park
• Highlights: Community-friendly lakeside event

9. Ajax Downs – Ajax

This unique celebration combines fireworks with a setting at a local racetrack—ideal for a lively, out-of-the-box experience.

• When: July 1, fireworks at ~10 pm
• Where: Ajax Downs
• Highlights: Racetrack atmosphere

Tips & Notes

• Traffic & Parking: Waterfront and downtown locations fill fast so it is advised to consider transit or local parking
• Fireworks Rules: Only permitted on statutory holidays or designated public displays. Private use requires permits .
• Family-Friendly: Most events have kids’ zones, food trucks, and cultural performers—perfect for all ages.

This Canada Day, as you can see, the GTA is bursting with celebrations; from big-city fireworks to neighbourly neighbourhood festivals. Whether you’re chasing lakeside sparks, community vibes, or amusement park thrills, there’s an event perfectly suited to you.

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