Canada Day Celebrations 2025: What’s Happening & How to Join the Fun
Canada Day is just around the corner, and whether you’re planning to head out for fireworks, stay in with family, or explore something new this year, there are plenty of ways to mark July 1st in 2025. In this guide, you’ll find highlights of the major Canada Day celebrations happening across the country, creative at-home ideas, and tips to make the most of your day—no matter your style or budget.
Major Canada Day Events Across the Country in 2025
Canada Day celebrations this year stretch from coast to coast, pairing live music and cultural showcases with the classic fireworks finale you look forward to every July 1st.
Below you’ll find the biggest, most crowd-pleasing events in every region:
Ottawa: LeBreton Flats & Parliament Hill
As always, the nation’s capital is home to the biggest Canada Day celebration. Things kick off with the official Canada Day Noon Ceremony at LeBreton Flats, featuring a citizenship ceremony, live performances, and appearances by dignitaries.
Later in the evening, the Canada Day Evening Show (8 p.m. to 10 p.m.) brings top Canadian artists to the stage, all leading up to a spectacular 1-kilometre-wide fireworks display at 10 p.m.—visible from both sides of the Ottawa River.
Toronto: Waterfront & Downtown
Toronto offers several ways to join in the celebrations. Harbourfront Centre will host a full evening of live music starting at 6:30 p.m., wrapping up with fireworks over the lake at 10:45 p.m.
Over in Riverside, the free Q107 Canada Day Fest features rock concerts, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. Or, if you’re looking for a classic display, head to Ashbridges Bay for one of the largest fireworks shows in Ontario.
Montréal: Old Port / Quai de l’Horloge
In Montréal, the Old Port transforms into a Canada Day hub, with live music, food trucks, and family-friendly programming all day long. A special welcome ceremony for new Canadian citizens takes place in the afternoon, and everything wraps up with a colourful fireworks show over the water in the evening.
Vancouver: Canada Together at Canada Place
Vancouver’s signature event, Canada Together, stretches across five city blocks around Canada Place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event features Indigenous programming, live music headlined by Dear Rouge and Hotel Mira, a bustling artisan market, and cultural showcases.
Fireworks return this year too, lighting up the harbour after dark. For the best view, try the waterfront or one of the popular fireworks cruises (though tickets sell fast).
Calgary: Downtown & Stampede Park
With Olympic Plaza closed for transformation, Canada Day Calgary activities have moved east toward the Bow River.
Daytime festivities run from 10 a.m. at The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland and spill onto St. Patrick’s Island, featuring an Indigenous Spotlight and Powwow, live-music stages, crafts, cultural performances and food trucks.
The night caps off with a 17-minute fireworks show fired from Stampede Park at 11 p.m.; prime vantage points include Scotsman’s Hill, RiverWalk and bridges over the Elbow River.
Victoria: Inner Harbour & Legislature Precinct
Victoria’s Canada Day lineup includes performances by an all-B.C. artist roster across two stages starting at 11 a.m., along with an International Food Village and cultural programming throughout the day.
New this year: a drone show at 10:15 p.m., followed by traditional harbour fireworks at 10:22 p.m. for a double finale.
Halifax: Dartmouth Waterfront & Downtown
In Halifax, the Kana’ta Canada Day 2025 celebration takes place on both sides of the harbour, with live music on two stages, a cultural village led by Indigenous communities, and food trucks throughout the area. The night wraps up with synchronized fireworks over the harbour at 10 p.m.
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How to Celebrate Canada Day at Home
If you’re staying in this year, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy meaningful and fun Canada Day celebrations without leaving your front door. With a little planning, you can bring the spirit of July 1st to life right at home:
Tune in to the National Broadcasts
Stream the National Noon Ceremony and the National Evening Show free on CBC television, CBC Gem, CBC News YouTube, Radio-Canada and their streaming channels, so you can join the country-wide party from your couch.
Dress Your Space in Red & White
Set the mood with simple, festive décor. Print out maple‑leaf templates for homemade bunting or window art, or get creative with DIY projects using mason jars, felt, or wooden cut‑outs. Even small touches go a long way in making the day feel special—whether inside your living room or inside your RV’s cozy cabin.
Cook Up Canadian Favourites
Fire up the BBQ or oven and serve up some Canadian classics. Try maple-glazed ribs, cedar-plank salmon, or sweet treats like butter tarts and Nanaimo bars.
This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the Canadian flag! To honour the milestone, consider making a Canadian Flag Cake—a simple but striking dessert topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries to recreate the iconic red-and-white design. It’s festive, easy to make, and perfect for sharing with a crowd.
Plan Backyard Activities
Keep things fun and relaxed with activities everyone can enjoy. Host a Canadian trivia game, stream free nature content from Parks Canada, or set up lawn games like bean bag toss or ring toss.
For something extra memorable, pitch a tent and turn your backyard into a mini campsite. A compact power station can be handy for running string lights, charging phones, or powering a projector or speaker—especially if you’re staying outdoors into the evening.
Escape to Canada’s Wild Spaces
Canada Day is the perfect excuse to step away from city life and spend time in nature. And this year, there’s even more reason to go—thanks to the new Canada Strong Pass, admission to all national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas is completely free from June 20 to September 2, 2025, with 25% off camping fees during that time.
Pack the tent, grab a parks permit online, and wake up on July 1st under the peaks of Banff, the tides of Fundy, or the surf breaks of Pacific Rim with no admission cost at the gate.
If you’re planning a three‑day camping getaway in Canada’s backcountry, the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus Portable Power Station is the perfect companion: its 1024Wh battery (expandable up to 5 kWh) and 1800W continuous (3600W surge with X‑Boost) output can run lights, phones, cameras and even a small fridge for days on end.
And when you need to recharge between hikes, multiple industry‑leading fast‑charge options mean you’ll spend less time waiting and more time exploring. With a <10ms UPS switch, 30 dB whisper‑quiet operation under light loads, and a rugged design that’s built to last a full season, the DELTA 3 Plus keeps your campsite powered silently and reliably from dawn ’til dusk—and beyond.
EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus Portable Power Station
Tips for a Memorable Canada Day
Whether you’re joining a big event, heading out, or celebrating at home, a few thoughtful choices can make your Canada Day both enjoyable and stress-free.
Plan Ahead for Big Events
If you’re heading to one of the major Canada Day celebrations, it pays to plan ahead. Check the event schedules in advance, especially for road closures, security checkpoints, and start times for concerts or fireworks.
Public transit often runs on special schedules with extended service hours, so download the latest updates before you go. If you’re driving, be prepared for limited parking and consider using park-and-ride options.
Stay Comfortable
July can be hot—especially in the middle of the day. Stay hydrated, wear light-coloured clothing, and find shade between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you’re outdoors, have sunscreen, hats, and a small first-aid kit nearby. Keep an eye on the forecast in case of storms or heat advisories.
Celebrate Safely and Sustainably
If you’re planning to set off small consumer fireworks, make sure you’re in a safe, open area, have water on hand, and never relight a dud. Always follow local safety rules and check your city’s guidelines in advance.
To keep things eco-friendly, consider attending a community display instead and opt for reusable dishes and décor where you can.
Capture the Moment
Want to snap great fireworks photos with your phone? Mount it on a tripod, turn off flash and HDR, and use a “Pro” or long-exposure setting—try a 1 to 4-second shutter with low ISO for the best colour trails.
Make It Meaningful
Canada Day is a celebration, but it’s also a time to reflect. Learn about Indigenous perspectives, listen to music or read stories that explore Canada’s full history, and make space for conversations. Sharing your celebration virtually—whether it’s a group call, a shared playlist, or streaming the national broadcast together—helps you stay connected with those who can’t be there in person.
Conclusion
Canada Day celebrations come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re gathering with friends at a local festival, organizing a backyard BBQ, or heading to the wild for some fresh air, there’s no wrong way to join in. Use these ideas and event highlights to plan a celebration that works for you. However you choose to spend it, take the time to relax, reflect, and enjoy what this country has to offer. Here’s to a fun, meaningful, and memorable Canada Day 2025.
FAQs
What to do on Canada Day in Surrey?
Surrey hosts one of Western Canada’s largest Canada Day celebrations, centered at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre in Cloverdale. Starting around 10 a.m. and running until about 10 p.m., the event features four live performance stages, amusement rides for all ages (including carnival-style attractions), an Indigenous cultural village, diverse food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and accessible facilities throughout.
This vibrant festival is free and family-friendly, with inclusive amenities like sensory spaces and accessible washrooms and parking. As evening arrives, the festivities culminate with a fireworks show, typically beginning around 10:15–10:30 p.m.
What color to wear on Canada Day?
On Canada Day, red and white are the go-to colors, reflecting the national flag and spirited patriotism. Attire in these hues instantly connects you to the national celebration and helps you stand out in the festivities.
Many people take things a step further by wearing iconic items like Canadian-flag T‑shirts, maple-leaf themed accessories, red-and-white face paint, or patriotic hats. But Canada Day is also a time for creativity—feel free to add sparkles, glow sticks, or costume pieces that symbolize unity and pride. However you choose to dress, the real goal is to enjoy the day in a bright, cheerful spirit of community.
What food do Canadians eat on Canada Day?
Canada Day menus across the country lean into casual, festive fare perfect for outdoor gatherings and festivals. Think barbecue classics like hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, and kebabs—ideal for a park or backyard celebration.
At major events, food trucks offer a global twist, ranging from poutine, tacos, shawarma, and jerk chicken to vegan and gluten-free options. Don’t miss out on sweet treats—Tim Hortons Timbits, maple donuts, ice cream, and slushies are popular choices.
If you’re hosting at home, try patriotic desserts like cupcakes with red and white icing, berry trifle featuring strawberries, raspberries, and whipped cream, or a festive charcuterie board with Canadian cheeses, smoked meats, and fresh fruit.
Is Tim Hortons closed on Canada Day?
Most Tim Hortons locations in Canada remain open on Canada Day, but often with reduced hours compared to regular days. A typical schedule for Canada Day is 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., though this can vary by location.
It’s recommended to check your nearest store using the Tim Hortons Store Locator or give them a quick call—some outlets (especially in malls, airports, or smaller communities) may open later or close earlier. So yes, you can still grab your favorite coffee, Timbits, or breakfast sandwich, but it’s wise to plan around possible reduced hours.