The City of Toronto invites residents and visitors to come together this Canada Day, Wednesday, July 1, to enjoy a day of free, family-friendly programming ending with fireworks. Daytime activities in parks, public squares and Toronto History Museums are offered alongside opportunities to support local restaurants, shops and neighbourhood celebrations.
At Nathan Phillips Square, people can try their soccer skills on the mini pitches as part of the City’s Soccer for All program, which expands access to free, inclusive soccer programming across Toronto. The square will also host interactive FIFA World Cup 2026™ activations, performances and a live broadcast of Round of 32 games at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1. For more information, visit the City’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ Match Broadcasts at Nathan Phillips Square’s webpage.
Canada Day programming
Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W.: Free daytime programming featuring live music, dance performances, a citizenship ceremony, kids’ activities and fun soccer activities from noon to 6 p.m.
Thomson Memorial Park, 1005 Brimley Rd.: A family-friendly festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring music, face painting, entertainment, and a pancake breakfast (first come, first served).
Amesbury Park, 151 Culford Rd.: A full day of community-led programming with food vendors, activities, entertainment for all ages and fireworks from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Stan Wadlow Park, 888 Cosburn Ave.: East York’s long-standing Canada Day celebration from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. includes live performances, community booths, kids’ activities and fireworks.
Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge St.: Programming from noon to 10 p.m., featuring live music, a kids’ zone, a food and vendor fair and fireworks organized in partnership with the Yonge North York BIA.
Toronto History Museums
Select Toronto History Museums will be open on Wednesday, July 1 with special Canada Day programming and free admission from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.:
Spadina Museum, 285 Spadina Rd., will be hosting “Beautiful Asian Feast” with programming celebrating Toronto’s Chinese communities from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
All other Toronto History Museum locations will be closed on Wednesday, July 1.
For more information, visit the City’s Toronto History Museums webpage.
Cultural Centres
Cultural Centres are closed on Wednesday, July 1. For more information, visit the City’s Cultural Centres & Galleries webpage.
Fireworks displays
The City’s flagship fireworks display will be held at Ashbridges Bay Park located at 1561 Lake Shore Blvd. E. starting at 10 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1.
Fireworks displays will also take place at the following locations starting at 10 p.m.:
There will be no fireworks display at Nathan Phillips Square. For more information, visit the City’s Canada Day webpage.
Canada Day programming and fireworks at select City parks and museums are funded by the Government of Canada and Official Sponsor Tim Hortons.
Important reminders about fireworks
Residents are allowed to set off fireworks on their own private property without a permit before 11 p.m. on Victoria Day and Canada Day. A permit is required to set off fireworks on all other days. Fireworks are not permitted in City parks or on beaches, balconies, streets, parking lots or property that is not owned by the person setting off the fireworks.
Fireworks should be handled and supervised by adults 18 years of age or older. People under 18 years old are not permitted to discharge fireworks. Those setting off fireworks must be mindful of their surroundings and not discharge fireworks where they may be a nuisance or pose a risk of fire, injury or damage to any person or property.
The City’s bylaw enforcement officers and the Toronto Police Service will be patrolling parks, beaches and other areas to ensure compliance with the Fireworks Bylaw.
The misuse or illegal sale of fireworks can be reported to 311 by phone or by submitting a service request via the City's 311 Toronto webpage. In the event of a fire, call 9-1-1.
Safe fireworks disposal
Those setting off fireworks on private property must also safely dispose of the fireworks as improper disposal can cause fires in waste collection vehicles and at facilities.
To dispose of used or unused fireworks, completely submerge the fireworks in water and soak them overnight. Dispose of up to 10 fireworks at a time in a garbage bin over separate collection dates. Never put used or unused fireworks in the recycling.
More information about fireworks rules, safety tips and proper disposal is available on the City’s Fireworks webpage.
TTC service
The TTC will operate on a holiday schedule on Wednesday, July 1. All routes will follow Sunday service hours, starting earlier at approximately 6 a.m.
To support customers attending Canada Day celebrations at Ashbridges Bay Park, the TTC will be increasing bus service on the 22 Coxwell and 92 Woodbine South buses from Wednesday, July 1 at 11:30 a.m. to Thursday, July 2 at 12:15 a.m. The 22 Coxwell bus will be extended south on Coxwell Avenue and east on Lake Shore Boulevard East to connect with Woodbine Beach.
The TTC’s Customer Service Centre will be closed on Wednesday, July 1. For more information on holiday service and taking the TTC to Canada Day events across the city, visit the TTC’s Canada Day webpage.
Ferry service
Toronto Island Park is a popular destination and, like many other major attractions, will be busy this Canada Day.
The City strongly encourages residents and visitors to:
More information about ferry service is available on the City’s Toronto Island & Ferries webpage.
Outdoor pools, splash pads and wading pools
Starting today, June 26, all City-owned outdoor and wading pools will be operating on a full-time summer schedule, open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. including Wednesday, July 1. Splash pads are open and operate daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Check location schedules online before visiting. More information can be found on the City’s Drop-in Swim & Water Play Map webpage.
Beach and water safety
The City encourages residents and visitors to enjoy Toronto’s designated swimming beaches safely by:
For more information on Toronto’s supervised swimming beaches, visit the City’s Beaches webpage.
Sun safety
The City is proud to celebrate the 10th season of the #BeSunSafe program in partnership with the David Cornfield Melanoma Fund and the Douglas Wright Foundation — providing free, Health Canada-approved SPF 30 mineral sunscreen to park users. The program’s 55 sunscreen dispensers can be found at waterfront parks across the city, at High Park and the City’s golf courses. For a complete list of dispenser locations and sun safety tips, visit the BeSunSafe website.
The City recommends using sunscreen in conjunction with hats, sunglasses, long clothing and shade to help reduce UV exposure and lower the risk of skin cancer. Residents are also encouraged to limit direct sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest.
Conservatories & greenhouses
Allan Gardens Conservatory and Centennial Park Conservatory are open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1. More information is available on the City’s Conservatories webpage.
Golf at municipal courses
Toronto’s five municipal golf courses are open on Wednesday, July 1. More information, including instructions on how to book your tee time, is available on the City’s Golf webpage.
Riverdale Farm, High Park Animal Display and Toronto Zoo
Residents and visitors can explore City farms and zoos this Canada Day, Wednesday, July 1:
For information on Riverdale Farm, the High Park Animal Display and the Toronto Zoo, visit the City’s Zoos & Farms webpage.
Tennis and pickleball courts
Public tennis and pickleball courts will be available for use across the city. Players are asked to share the courts by limiting their play time to half-hour intervals if others are waiting to use them.
More information about public courts is available on the City’s Tennis Court Listings webpage and Pickleball Court Listings webpage.
St. Lawrence Market
The Market will be closed on Wednesday, July 1. More information is available on the St. Lawrence Market website.
Toronto Public Library
All Toronto Public Library (TPL) branches will be closed on Wednesday, July 1. TPL cardholders can download and stream eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines, newspapers, movies and music anytime by visiting the TPL website.
Reflecting on truth telling and reconciliation
As we mark Canada Day, we recognize that people may celebrate or acknowledge this day in different ways, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. As we come together, we remain committed to truth, reconciliation and building respectful relationships.
The City encourages everyone to take time to learn about Canada’s history and relationship with Indigenous communities and consider how we can each help advance truth, justice and reconciliation.
Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As an Official Host City for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City's website or follow us on X, Instagram or Facebook.