Canada Day in Toronto

Every July 1, Canadians hit the streets in a show of patriotism to celebrate the national holiday of Canada Day. The day commemorates the anniversary of the Constitution Act of 1867, which united the three British provinces of Canada, Nova, Scotia, and New Brunswick. As Canada's largest city, Toronto is an excellent place to be for Canada Day and you can join the locals in their outpouring of Canadian pride. Not unlike the United States' Independence Day, fireworks are a huge part of Canada Day and luckily, there are several options for getting your pyrotechnic fix each year over Canada Day weekend. Just be mindful of the stores that are closed on Canada Day.

In 2020, the city of Toronto has canceled all firework displays and many museums and other organizations that put on these events will not be open in time for Canada Day 2020. Instead, Canadians are encouraged to participate in Virtual Canada Day.

Fireworks at Ashbridges Bay Park

This event has been canceled for 2020.

Spend Canada Day in Toronto's east end and watch the fireworks over the water at Ashbridges Bay Park. Each year you can expect a fun fireworks display that usually starts around 10 p.m. Go earlier in the day with a picnic to enjoy the beach and then stake out your spot for the big show.

Toronto Ribfest

This event has been canceled for 2020.

The Rotary Club of Etobicoke hosts a huge three-day festival in Centennial Park where you can enjoy live music, rides, carnival games, and of course a wide selection of ribs and other food. Ribfest runs for an extended version of the long weekend with fireworks on Canada Day itself.

Fireworks at Canada's Wonderland

The park is temporarily closed in 2020 and a reopening date has not yet been announced, but you can check the website for the latest updates.

Canada's Wonderland is an amusement park 30 miles north of Toronto that always goes big for Canada Day. Weather permitting, the giant theme park just north of Toronto puts on a fireworks display on July 1st at approximately 10 p.m. 

Canada Day at Thomson Memorial Park

This event has been canceled for 2020.

If you're hanging out in the Scarborough neighborhood for Canada Day you can usually celebrate at Thomson Memorial Park with a full day of family-friendly activities that usually take place from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. There should be kids' activities, live entertainment, plus various vendors and food trucks on site. A Canada Day parade takes place at 4 p.m. with fireworks at 10 p.m. at nearby Milliken Park.

Canada Day Weekend at Harbourfront Centre

This event has been canceled for 2020.

The Harbourfront Center usually offers one of the most jam-packed Canada Day celebrations in the city each year. Head down to the waterfront for a free celebration featuring food, a marketplace, plenty of live music, and of course, a fireworks display to cap off the party.

Canada Day Cruises

The Toronto fireworks have been canceled for this year, but if you still want to take a cruise, you should consult each tour operator's website to see if they are still offering services.

If you feel like doing something extra special for Canada Day or just want to do something a bit different, why not spend Canada Day on the water? Companies like Jubilee Queen Cruises, Mariposa Cruises, Nautical Adventures usually offer special cruises of the Toronto harbor over the Canada Day weekend, including lunch and dinner cruises, and fireworks cruises coinciding with Harbourfront Centre's fireworks.

Canada Day at Queen's Park

This event has been canceled for 2020.

During Canada Day, the south lawn of Queen's Park is usually the site of many of downtown's patriotic festivities. You can expect family entertainment, inflatable attractions, food vendors, live performances, carnival games, workshops, face painting, and more for Canada Day.

Canada Day at Black Creek Pioneer Village

The Black Creek Pioneer Village has indefinitely closed for 2020, but you can check their website for updates.

Usually, on Canada Day, you can visit Black Creek Pioneer Village on July 1 to celebrate Canada's birthday like it's 1867. This is a fun and educational spot where kids can partake and enjoy traditional games, horse-drawn wagon rides, music, and much more.

Canada Day at Toronto's Historic Museums

Museums in Toronto are indefinitely closed for 2020, so make sure to check each museum's website for updates on reopening.

Visiting Toronto's historic museums also make for a memorable way to celebrate Canada Day. You'll find family activities and special events at historical sites and museums like the Colborne Lodge, Fort York, Mackenzie House, Scarborough Museum, Spadina Museum, or Todmorden Mills.