Canada Day is about more than just fireworks. In Toronto, there are also parades, concerts, and festivals planned to celebrate the holiday on July 1.
READ: Canada Day 2019: What’s Open And Closed In Toronto
This year, our beloved country turns 152, and you can bet there’ll be plenty of activities to keep you entertained. From a free all-you-can-eat buffet at the Mandarin to a multicultural celebration at Yonge-Dundas Square, there are so many fun things to do on Canada Day in Toronto.
Read on for the full list...
1. Broken Social Scene Free Concert
Where: Harbourfront Centre — 235 Queens Quay W.When: 9:30 p.m. to 10:45 p.m.Cost: Free!
The Harbourfront Centre’s Canada Day celebration highlights the contributions Canadian songwriters have made to the music industry. While festivities will take place all weekend long, the celebration will end with a free outdoor concert on July 1, featuring Toronto-based indie rock band Broken Social Scene.
2. Party Like It's 1867!
Where: Black Creek Pioneer Village — 1000 Murray Ross ParkwayWhen: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Cost: Free!
Black Creek Pioneer Village is throwing it back to 1867 in celebration of Canada’s birthday. The fun-filled day includes mini historical exhibits, 19th century carnival performers, musicians, carnival games, and more! Plus, there will also be a citizenship ceremony where you can witness 40 newcomers officially become Canadians. How cool is that?
3. East York Canada Day Festival
Where: Stan Wadlow Park — 373 Cedarvale Ave.When: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.Cost: Free!
Canada Day is a big deal. That’s why Toronto’s longest-running celebration on July 1 includes a parade, a party, and a spectacular fireworks show! The parade will run from Dieppe Park to Stan Wadlow Park. The latter is where festival-goers can enjoy live entertainment, an artisan market, kids’ activities, and a craft beer garden. The annual fireworks show will end the night at 10 p.m.
4. Ontario Place
Where: 955 Lake Shore Blvd. W.When: 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.Cost: Free admission, but some activities are extra
If all you want to do is enjoy the sun this Canada Day, then grab your family and head down to Ontario Place. The park has a variety of activities to partake in, from segway tours to kayaking to catching a flick at the Cinesphere. Visitors can also check out Wigwam Chi-Chemung, an art installation celebrating Indigenous culture.
5. Redpath Waterfront Festival
Where: Sherbourne Common, Sugar Beach, and Harbour Square ParkWhen: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Cost: $15 for kids, $20 for adults
Head to the Toronto waterfront to see a fleet of 12 tall ships at the Redpath Waterfront Festival. Guests are free to explore the HMCS Oriole and the CCGS Griffon, but if you want access to deck tours on eight other vessels, you’ll have to buy a ticket! The festival will also have a nautical-themed market featuring seafood (think lobster rolls and calamari) and handmade goods.
6. Free All-You-Can-Eat Buffet At Mandarin
Where: Any Mandarin RestaurantWhen: Times varyCost: Free!
If you can’t wait for all the food festivals in July, then this free buffet event is sure to tide you over! To celebrate 40 years in Canada, all Mandarin Restaurants will offer a free buffet meal to Canadian citizens on July 1. Complimentary soft drinks, tea and coffee will also be served. Proof of citizenship is required.
7. Canada Day With The Hip
Where: Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema — 506 Bloor St. W.When: 6:30 p.m.Cost: $11.50
Before Gord Downie passed away from terminal brain cancer in 2017, he set out on a farewell tour across Canada with his Tragically Hip bandmates. His bittersweet performances captured Canadians’ hearts and were documented in a film called “Long Time Running.” Come together on July 1 to watch a screening of the film and to celebrate Gord, Canada, and the music of The Tragically Hip.
8. Parade & Picnic At St. James Park
Where: Parade starts at Berkeley & The Esplanade; picnic at St. James Cathedral (106 King St. E.)When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.Cost: Free!
The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association has a full day of fun planned for July 1. Show off your Canadian pride at the parade, then head down to St. James Cathedral for a BBQ and fun, free activities. There will be live music, Jenga, face painting, Indigenous drumming and storytelling, and more!
9. Canada Day Yoga
Where: Ourland Park — 36 Ourland Avenue, EtobicokeWhen: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.Cost: Free!
Get zen this Canada Day at a special vinyasa class hosted by Chandra Yoga Shala. This outdoor class is for all levels, so don’t be intimidated if you’re a beginner! The flow sequence will encourage you to connect your mind with your breath while challenging your strength and flexibility.
10. Multicultural Canada Day Celebration
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square — 1 Dundas St. E.When: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.Cost: Free!
This event celebrates what makes Canada so great — it’s multiculturalism! Enjoy live performances, food, and arts and crafts from around the world. Entertainment will run all day and will feature a Hawaiian Pacific dance ensemble, a Mexican folkloric dance group, an Armenian dance ensemble, and much more.
