The City of Toronto invites residents and visitors to come together this Canada Day to enjoy free programming and fireworks displays across the city. From vibrant daytime activities in parks, public squares and Toronto History Museums to stunning fireworks lighting up the night sky, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Canada Day also offers an opportunity to show support for local communities through the City’s “Love Local” campaign. Whether enjoying food from a neighbourhood vendor, shopping at a community market or joining a local celebration, residents are encouraged to celebrate Canada while supporting local businesses.
Canada Day Programming
Amesbury Park, 151 Culford Rd.
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.
Thomson Memorial Park,1005 Brimley Rd.
A family-friendly festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring music, crafts, entertainment, a parade and a pancake breakfast (first come first served).
Stan Wadlow Park, 888 Cosburn Ave.
East York’s traditional Canada Day celebration from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. including live performances, community booths, fireworks and kids activities.
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 at 10 p.m. Organized in partnership with the Yonge North York BIA.
Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W.
Free daytime programming featuring face painting, live music and dance performances from noon to 5:30 p.m.
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.:
There will be no fireworks display at Nathan Phillips Square.
Canada Day at Thomson Memorial Park and Milliken Park is funded by the Government of Canada and sponsored by Tim Hortons.
Visit the City’s Canada Day webpage for more information: www.toronto.ca/CanadaDay
Important reminders about fireworks
Residents are allowed to set off fireworks on their own private property without a permit before 11 p.m. on Canada Day and Victoria Day. A permit is needed 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 people 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 at www.toronto.ca/311.
In the event of a fire, call 9-1-1.
Safe fireworks disposal
Those setting off fireworks on their own private property must also safely dispose 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 them in a garbage bin. Never put used or unused fireworks in the blue bin.
More information about fireworks rules, safety tips and proper disposal is available on the City’s fireworks webpage.
Pride Parade
This year’s Pride Parade, a vibrant celebration of Toronto’s diverse 2SLGBTQ+ communities, will take place on Sunday, June 29. More information about Pride celebrations and activities is available on Pride Toronto’s website.
Toronto History Museums
Several Toronto History Museums will be open on Canada Day with special daytime programming and free admission from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.:
Other Toronto History Museum locations will be closed on Tuesday, July 1.
For a full list of programming at each museum, visit the City’s Canada Day webpage.
Cultural Centres
Cultural Centres will be operating on limited weekend hours and closed on Tuesday, July 1. More information is available on the City’s Cultural Centres & Galleries webpage.
TTC service
To support customers attending the Canada Day celebrations, including the fireworks display at Ashbridges Bay Park, the TTC will increase subway service on Lines 1 and 2 and streetcar service on the 509 and 510 on Tuesday, July 1. There will also be extra bus service on the 92 Woodbine and 22 Coxwell routes.
Several events around the city including Pride will result in adjustments to TTC bus and streetcar service. The TTC has made changes to this week’s scheduled track work to ensure late-night subway service is maintained for the long weekend and those celebrating Pride.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to use public transit this weekend. Information about TTC service changes, route diversions, construction, accessibility and e-alerts is available on the TTC’s Service Advisories webpage. For the most up-to-date information, follow @TTCNotices on X or sign up for e-alerts.
Ferry service
Toronto Island Park is a popular destination and, like many other major attractions, will be busy this weekend and on Canada Day.
The City strongly encourages residents and visitors to:
More information about ferry service including online ticket purchases and e-update registration is available on the City’s Toronto Island Park webpage.
Outdoor pools, wading pools, beaches and splash pads
Outdoor pools, supervised City beaches, splash pads and wading pools are all great options to stay cool this summer. As of Friday, June 27, all City-owned outdoor pools will be operating on a full-time summer schedule and will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Splash pads are open and operate daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
More information about outdoor pools, wading pools and splash pads including hours of operation are available on the City’s Swimming & Water Play webpage.
Beach and water safety
There is no better way to spend a sunny Toronto day than at one of the city’s beaches! Residents and visitors can enjoy the lakeside atmosphere and Toronto’s vast sandy and cobble beaches.
The City encourages residents and visitors to enjoy the water safely this weekend by:
Conservatories & greenhouses
Allan Gardens Conservatory and Centennial Park Conservatory are open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. this weekend including Canada Day. More information is available on the City’s Conservatories webpage.
Golf at municipal courses
Toronto’s five municipal golf courses are open daily throughout the weekend and on Canada Day. More information is available on the City’s Golf webpage.
Riverdale Farm, High Park Animal Display and the Toronto Zoo
Residents and visitors to Toronto can escape urban life and visit a working farm in the heart of the city. Riverdale Farm is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. including Canada Day and admission is free. More information is available on the City’s website.
The High Park Animal Display is open daily between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. including Canada Day. Roads in the park are closed to vehicular traffic on weekends and public holidays; however, several TTC routes connect to High Park. More information about the High Park Animal Display is available on the City’s website.
The Toronto Zoo is open from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily including Canada Day. Visitors can discover nearly 3,000 animals while exploring more than 10 km of walking trails and five tropical pavilions. Tickets can be booked on the Toronto Zoo website.
Tennis and pickleball courts
Public tennis and pickleball courts will be available for use across the city throughout the long weekend. 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 Listing webpage and the Pickleball Court webpage.
St. Lawrence Market
The South Market will be open on Saturday, June 28, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, June 29, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Market will be closed on Canada Day, reopening on Wednesday, July 2 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Saturday Farmers Market at the North Market will continue to operate from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.
More information including hours of operation is available on the St. Lawrence Market website.
Toronto Public Library
All Toronto Public Library (TPL) branches will be closed on Canada Day. A full list of TPL branch locations and corresponding hours of operation is available on the TPL website.
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
The City acknowledges that July 1 is not a day of celebration for everyone. The City encourages everyone to take time this Canada Day to learn about Canada’s history and relationship with Indigenous communities and consider how each person can help advance truth, justice and reconciliation.
The City remains committed to advancing truth, justice and reconciliation and is working closely with Indigenous partners and the Indigenous Affairs Office to implement the City’s first Reconciliation Action Plan, available on the City’s Reconciliation Action Plan webpage.
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 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.