Last year’s Canada Day celebrations received extra hype since it was our country’s 150th birthday, and milestones like that are a big deal. But that doesn’t mean we’re lacking in celebrations for Canada’s 151st in 2018. No way! Here’s a quick round-up of who’s celebrating and where in Toronto.
Be sure to check the full list of family-friendly events on July 1 to see what’s happening in your area. There are lots of ongoing, non-holiday theatre experiences, exhibits, and festivals to enjoy as well. All events are free unless indicated otherwise.
Toronto East End
Here are the highlights for east enders on Canada Day.
East York Canada Day
East York is once again hosting Toronto’s longest-running Canada Day celebration (over 60 years now!), East York Canada Day, in Stan Wadlow Park. The celebrations begin with a parade at 10 am, ending at the park, where you will find midway rides, a local draft beer garden, artisan market, live entertainment, kids’ activities, face painting, and food. The Kiwanis pool will be open for swimming. Top off the day with a spectacular fireworks display at 10 pm.
Scarborough Celebrates Canada
This multicultural festival is being held at the Bridlewood Mall. The event celebrates Canada’s unique diversity, featuring live music and dance performances from various eclectic artists, a family fun fair, cultural vendors, ethnic food, dance competition, a vibrant cultural dress up showcase, youth zone, raffle draw, prizes, and much more!
Canada Day at Scarborough Museum
History buffs should head to the Scarborough Museum, which is celebrating Canada Day with a festival in Thomson Memorial Park. Expect historic treats, a vendor’s market, a pie-eating contest, and demonstrations in blacksmithing, leather working, spinning, and weaving. The Scarborough Historical Society will be on hand to share the history of Scarborough with archival photos, documents, and maps.
Milliken Park Fireworks
Scarborough fireworks will be in Milliken Park at 10 pm.
City of Toronto Fireworks
The official City of Toronto Canada Day fireworks display begins at 10 pm at Ashbridges Bay Park.
Downtown Toronto
Some of the city’s largest Canada Day celebrations take place on the waterfront downtown. Make a day of it!
Canada Day at Ontario Place
Heading back downtown, Ontario Place is hosting Canada Day with a special Music in Trillium Park lineup. The afternoon features award-winning children’s performers Chris McKhool and Jeremy Fisher Junior, who will have your whole family singing and dancing. At 5:30, Trillium Park turns into an all-ages dance party, perfect for those who want to dance, or even just relax by the water. The set includes Nino Brown and Fawn Big Canoe.
Canada Day at Mackenzie House
“Put a maple leaf on it” at Mackenzie House, where visitors can use the 1845 press to print their own Maple Leaf postcard. Admission $5–$8.
Canada Day at Fort York
Fort York is celebrating with a free, day-long, all-ages celebration packed with family-friendly activities, demonstrations, tours, and performances. The Fort York Summer Guard will have flag raising and lowering ceremonies, demonstrations of musketry, artillery, and fife and drum music. Kids can enjoy a drill activity, music classes, and a scavenger hunt.
Toronto West End
A picnic in High Park is a tradition for many west end families or you might do the same in Marie Curtis Park with its awesome splash pad.
Toronto RibFest
In the west end, check out Toronto RibFest in Etobicoke Centennial Park. A Canada Day weekend tradition, this three-day event includes live entertainment, an exciting midway and Kids Zone, and of course, mouth-watering food. While at the park, you can use the picnic areas, have fun on the playground, splash in the wading pool, or stroll around the conservatory. The celebrations will culminate with fireworks at 10 pm.
North York
Celebrate July 1 with a 19th-century carnival at Black Creek Pioneer Village or head to Downsview Park for picnicking followed by evening entertainment for the whole family.
Canada Day Celebration
Downsview Park has a ton of activities planned for the evening of Canada Day. From 6 pm, come and enjoy free inflatables and games for children, face painters, and live entertainment. The evening will be capped off with a fabulous fireworks display. Admission and parking are free.
Party Like It’s 1867!
Black Creek Pioneer Village invites you to step back in time and experience the excitement of a 19th-century carnival, with fire jugglers, magicians, and amazing feats of strength from the strong men. Musicians and carnival games round out the fun. Free admission for all on July 1st. Kids 14 and under visit for free on July 2nd as well. (Regular parking rates apply.)
Amesbury Park Canada Day Celebrations
Amesbury Park will be the site of an assortment of multicultural entertainment, children’s activities (including a talent search), and vendors, ending the night with a fantastic fireworks display at 10 pm.
Fireworks
In case you missed them, here’s the round-up of all the fireworks. All begin at 10 pm:
Official City of Toronto fireworks at Ashbridges Bay Park – Toronto
Stan Wadlow Park (East York Canada Day event) – East York
Milliken Park – Scarborough
Centennial Park (RibFest) – Etobicoke
Downsview Park (Canada Day Celebration event) – North York
Amesbury Park – North York
My one aunt currently lives in canada. She told me about this before. Now i see this in your article. I am decided to going there next year with my whole family. Hope so it will be more enjoyable when we are all going there.