Canada Day in Toronto: A Celebration of Community, Culture, and Local Love

June 26, 2025 Alwin Marshall-Squire 0 Comments 4 min read

From fireworks to farmers markets, Toronto’s July 1 festivities span every corner of the city — while encouraging reflection, reconciliation, and support for local businesses.

TORONTO – The city of Toronto is inviting residents and visitors to mark Canada Day with a city-wide celebration of community, culture, and connection. With free programming in parks, squares, museums, and community spaces — plus a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Ontario — the city’s 2025 Canada Day festivities offer something for everyone.

At the heart of this year’s celebration is the City’s “Love Local” campaign, which urges residents to support neighbourhood vendors, community markets, and local events while taking pride in Canada’s diversity and shared future.

🇨🇦 Free Events and Fireworks Across the City

From morning parades and pancake breakfasts to evening concerts and pyrotechnics, Toronto’s parks will be alive with activity. Notable celebrations include:

Amesbury Park (10 a.m. – 10 p.m.): Family programming, entertainment, food vendors, and fireworks.
Thomson Memorial Park (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.): A family festival with crafts, music, a parade, and breakfast.
Stan Wadlow Park (11 a.m. – 10 p.m.): East York’s beloved tradition with kids’ activities and community booths.
Mel Lastman Square (12 p.m. – 10 p.m.): Live music, a food fair, and fireworks, in partnership with the Yonge North York BIA.
Nathan Phillips Square (12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.): A lively afternoon of music, dance, and face painting.

The city’s flagship fireworks display will launch from Ashbridges Bay Park at 10 p.m., alongside additional displays at Centennial Park, Amesbury Park, Milliken Park, Stan Wadlow Park, and Mel Lastman Square. Fireworks are not scheduled at Nathan Phillips Square.

🧯 Fireworks Safety and Regulations

Residents may use fireworks on their own private property without a permit until 11 p.m. on Canada Day only. Fireworks are not permitted in City parks, public spaces, or on property not owned by the person setting them off.

To safely dispose of fireworks: soak used or unused fireworks in water overnight and place them in the garbage — never in recycling bins. More safety tips and bylaw info are available on the City’s Fireworks page.

🌈 Pride Parade and Inclusive Celebration

The Pride Parade takes place Sunday, June 29, as Toronto continues to honour and celebrate its 2SLGBTQ+ communities during Pride Month. Full details are on pridetoronto.com.

The City also acknowledges that Canada Day is not a celebration for everyone. Residents are encouraged to reflect on the nation’s relationship with Indigenous communities and explore the City’s Reconciliation Action Plan.

🗺️ What’s Open on Canada Day?

Toronto History Museums: Free programming and admission from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fort York, Scarborough Museum, and Gibson House Museum.

Conservatories: Allan Gardens and Centennial Park Conservatories are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Pools, Splash Pads & Beaches: City-run outdoor pools and splash pads are open, along with supervised beaches.

Riverdale Farm & High Park Animal Display: Open all day with free admission.

Toronto Zoo: Open 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. with ticketed access.

Public Courts: Tennis and pickleball courts are open citywide.

Golf Courses: All five municipal courses are open.

Ferries: Increased service to Toronto Island is in place; residents are advised to travel early and purchase ferry tickets online.

🚇 Getting Around: TTC and Transit

To accommodate the festivities, the TTC is increasing service on subway lines 1 & 2, as well as streetcar routes 509 and 510. Buses will be added to routes 22 and 92 to support travel to Ashbridges Bay.

Check TTC updates at ttc.ca/service-advisories or follow @TTCNotices on X.