Toronto is gearing up for a full day of free Canada Day celebrations on Wednesday, July 1, with family-friendly events at parks, squares and museums across the city, capped off by fireworks displays starting at 10 p.m.
The City's flagship fireworks show will light up Ashbridges Bay Park at 1561 Lake Shore Blvd. E. at 10 p.m., according to a City of Toronto news release. Fireworks will also launch at the same time from Amesbury Park, Stan Wadlow Park and Mel Lastman Square. There will be no fireworks at Nathan Phillips Square.
Soccer and World Cup take over Nathan Phillips Square
Nathan Phillips Square will host free daytime programming from noon to 6 p.m., including live music, dance performances, a citizenship ceremony and kids' activities.
The square will also feature mini pitches where visitors can test their soccer skills through the City's Soccer for All program, alongside interactive FIFA World Cup 2026 activations and a live broadcast of Round of 32 matches at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Neighbourhood celebrations across the city
Several other parks will host their own celebrations. Thomson Memorial Park at 1005 Brimley Rd. will hold a family-friendly festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring music, face painting, entertainment and a first-come, first-served pancake breakfast.
Amesbury Park at 151 Culford Rd. will run community-led programming with food vendors, activities and entertainment from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Stan Wadlow Park at 888 Cosburn Ave. hosts East York's long-running Canada Day celebration from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with live performances, community booths and kids' activities.
Mel Lastman Square at 5100 Yonge St. will offer programming from noon to 10 p.m., including live music, a kids' zone and a food and vendor fair, with fireworks organized in partnership with the Yonge North York BIA.
Spadina Museum at 285 Spadina Rd. will be one of the select Toronto History Museums open on July 1 with free admission from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will host "Beautiful Asian Feast," celebrating Toronto's Chinese communities from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. All other Toronto History Museum locations will be closed.
Fireworks rules and transit service
Residents may set off fireworks on their own private property without a permit before 11 p.m. on Canada Day. Fireworks are not permitted in City parks or on beaches, balconies, streets, parking lots or property the person does not own. Only people 18 and older may discharge fireworks.
Bylaw enforcement officers and the Toronto Police Service will patrol parks, beaches and other areas to ensure compliance with the Fireworks Bylaw. Misuse or illegal sale of fireworks can be reported to 311, while fires should be reported by calling 9-1-1.
The TTC will operate on a holiday schedule on July 1, with all routes following Sunday service hours starting earlier at approximately 6 a.m. Bus service on the 22 Coxwell and 92 Woodbine South routes will be increased from 11:30 a.m. on July 1 to 12:15 a.m. on July 2 to serve people heading to Ashbridges Bay Park.
City-owned outdoor and wading pools begin a full-time summer schedule Friday, June 26, open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., including on Canada Day. Splash pads will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The City is also marking the 10th season of its #BeSunSafe program, which provides free SPF 30 mineral sunscreen through 55 dispensers at waterfront parks, High Park and municipal golf courses. Toronto Public Library branches, the St. Lawrence Market and the City's cultural centres will all be closed on July 1.
Canada Day programming and fireworks at select City parks and museums are funded by the Government of Canada and Official Sponsor Tim Hortons.
