Canada Day 2026 in Toronto might just be the busiest yet. With the city hosting the FIFA World Cup and visitors from all over the world exploring the city, we may just be in for a celebration like no other. If you wanted to know what’s going on in the city, here’s a Canada Day guide to get you started.
The City of Toronto is hosting a day of free, family-friendly programming in the city, with the day ending with fireworks.
Expect a number of daytime activities in parks, public squares and even Toronto History Museum experiences.
What to do on Canada Day in Toronto
Festivities
Head to Nathan Phillips Square for free daytime programming, which includes live music, dance performances, a citizenship ceremony, kids’ activities and soccer activities from noon to 6 p.m.
Make your way to Thomson Memorial Park for a family-friendly festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy music, face painting, entertainment, and a pancake breakfast. It’s first-come, first-served.
Other spaces hosting festivities include Amesbury Park at 151 Culford Rd., Stan Wadlow Park at 888 Cosburn Ave., and Mel Lastman Square at 5100 Yonge St.
Toronto History Museums
A number of Toronto History Museums will be open on Wednesday, July 1, offering special Canada Day programming and free admission from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The museums include:
- Scarborough Museum, 1005 Brimley Rd.
- Gibson House Museum, 5172 Yonge St.
- Montgomery’s Inn, 4709 Dundas St W.
- Mackenzie House, 82 Bond St.
- Spadina Museum, 285 Spadina Rd., “Beautiful Asian Feast” with programming celebrating Toronto’s Chinese communities from noon to 4 p.m.
Fireworks
The day isn’t complete without a stunning fireworks display. Toronto’s flagship fireworks display will be held at Ashbridges Bay Park, located at 1561 Lake Shore Blvd. E. It’ll start at 10 p.m.
You can also catch the stunning show at:
- Milliken Park, 4325 McCowan Rd.
- Amesbury Park, 151 Culford Rd.
- Stan Wadlow Park, 888 Cosburn Ave.
- Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge St.
Other must-know facts
If you’re counting on the TTC that day, it’s important to note that all routes will follow Sunday service hours, starting at about 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,” shares the City.
“The 22 Coxwell bus will be extended south on Coxwell Avenue and east on Lake Shore Boulevard East to connect with Woodbine Beach.”
If you’re looking to be poolside on Canada Day, the city’s outdoor pools, splash pads and wading pools will be operating on a full-time summer schedule, 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.
Recent Posts:
There’s a forested trail in Ontario that leads to a cascading waterfall
What’s open and closed on Canada Day in Toronto
Karen Doradea
Managing Editor, Toronto – Karen is a multimedia journalist based in Toronto. With a strong knowledge of reporting and editing through all forms of media, she has a true passion for storytelling. She carries several years of journalistic experience and has covered the Toronto scene from local stories to national news. When Karen isn’t publishing fire content, you can find her binge-watching sitcoms on Crave, at a must-try restaurant, or scrolling endlessly on TikTok looking for the next best thing – News never sleeps.
Read articles