As Sir John A. MacDonald famously said when our country came together in 1867: “Ain’t no party like a Canada Day party.” Georges-Étienne Cartier then allegedly shouted, “On va boire un coup! (Let’s have a drink).”
Or, something to that effect.
Ever since then, July 1 has meant fireworks, parades, live music, outdoor activities, summer temperatures and—of course—a good dose of true north pride!
We’re going coast to coast to show you where all the biggest (and family friendly) Canada Day events are happening. So, break out that red n’ white face paint, grab a fresh Beaver Tail and let’s get celebrating!
Canada Day events in Ontario
LeBreton Flats – Ottawa
Let’s start with our nation’s capital, shall we?
For the full smorgasbord of Canada Day event awesomeness, you’re going to want to head over to LeBreton Flats.
The festivities kick off with the national noon ceremony and get even louder and prouder with a rocking roster of top Canadian talent (like Sarah McLachlan, Coeur de Pirate and Tom Cochrane) at the national evening show.
Then, to cap it all off—grab a spot on the grass and watch the epic Tim Hortons Canada Day Fireworks at nightfall!
Canada’s Wonderland – Vaughan
Rollercoasters and Canada Day festivities!? What’s there not to like? On the menu at Wonderland is live music, street performers, Canadian foods and a colourful nighttime fireworks display.
Downsview Park – Toronto
Looking for a chill, family-friendly affair? Check out Downsview Park’s celebrations—featuring tons of games for kids, inflatables, food trucks and, yes, a suitably massive fireworks display.
Canada Day events in Quebec
Old Port – Montreal
Skip on over to la Belle Province to experience a unique Canada Day celebration at the Old Port of Montreal. Not only can you share a piece of the Canada Day Cake (along with plenty of other tasty treats), but you can attend the swearing-in ceremony of new Canadians!
Plains of Abraham – Quebec City
The Plains of Abraham will host over 50 free, family-friendly Canada Day activities, including arts workshops, sports challenges, cultural performances and live music. The grande finale? An immersive, futuristic Canada Day laser show!
Canada Day events in Nova Scotia
Halifax Waterfront
Halifax’s Canada Day celebrations will showcase and honour the Mi’kmaw Nation and other Indigenous communities that call the region home. At the Halifax Waterfront, you’ll find a multi-stage musical experience packed with established and up-and-coming artists, as well as a dramatic fireworks finale!
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Check out mini pipe and drum concerts from the 78th Highlanders and then grab a slice of Canada Day cake!
Canada Day events in Prince Edward Island
Victoria Park – Charlottetown
You didn’t think we’d forget about the birthplace of confederation, did you?
Charlottetown’s Victoria Park will be buzzing with Mi’kmaq cultural experiences, food vendors, inflatables, live music (featuring Maritime rockers Joel Plaskett Emergency and Two Hours Traffic) as well as evening fireworks.
Canada Day events in Manitoba
Princess Auto Stadium – Winnipeg
Winnipeg is hosting a totally-free, family-friendly day of celebrations at the home of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. You can expect a ton of Canadian food vendors, kids’ activities and live music— featuring the likes of Big Wreck and Tyler Joe Miller. Plus, fireworks at dusk.
Canada Day events in Alberta
The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland – Calgary
Expect a huge range of cool cultural experiences, including an Indigenous artisan’s market, interactive tipi and trapper’s tent workshops, an evening main stage show with all-Canadian musicians and fireworks launched from Stampede Park.
Alberta Legislature Grounds – Edmonton
Stop by early for a free Canada Day pancake breakfast and then stick around for an afternoon of family fun—including a group of roaming magicians and performers, balloon art demos and a crafts tent. All the while, you’ll be serenaded by local musicians on two stages!
We’re told that the Alberta Legislature Grounds are also one of the best places to catch the end-of-the-night Canada Day fireworks!
Canada Day Events in British Columbia
Bill Reid Millenium Amphitheatre – Surrey
A free, all-day Canada Day extravaganza awaits! Four stages of live music, featuring the Reklaws and Goldie Boutilier—as well as food trucks, family-friendly activities and rides. Add in the gorgeous scenery and you’ve got the recipe for a fine time, indeed!
Canada Place – Vancouver
This is one of the largest Canada Day shindigs outside of Ottawa! Check out live music on multiple stages (including headliners Dear Rouge), a kids’ zone (with a mascot dance-off and indigenous storytelling), an indigenous artisan marketplace, multi-cultural food trucks, a live citizenship ceremony and more!
Create your own Canada Day celebration
Canada Day isn’t just an event—it’s a state of mind! Get Canada Day-themed social media cover photos, virtual backgrounds, colourable Canadian flags and more with the National Flag of Canada Day digital toolkit.
Feeling inspired to get loud and proud about your Canadian-ness online?
The single best way is to register a .CA domain. It tells everyone near and far that you’re not only a Canuck, but your business supports the Canadian economy, charges in Canadian dollars—and more!
Best of all, a .CA domain is something you can make uniquely your own.
From the whole gang here at CIRA—Happy 158th birthday, Canada!
A .CA domain declares your business is proudly Canadian
Kira is the Content and Channel Marketing Lead at CIRA. She focuses on content, digital marketing and channel strategies to help Canadian business owners make the right domain choice for their business website so they can find success online.
