Toronto residents will have plenty of ways to mark Canada Day on Wednesday, including fireworks, outdoor activities and indoor ones too to help beat the intense heat.
Environment Canada has issued an orange-level heat warning for the city, with an expected high of 35 C, feeling like 45 C with the humidex.
The weather is forecast to be sunny early in the day, followed by a mix of sun and cloud and a 40 per cent chance of showers in the late afternoon and early evening. There’s also a risk of a thunderstorm before night falls. After that, it should be clear, with a low of 24 C.
In a news release this week, the city says it invites residents and visitors to come together to mark the day.
“As we mark Canada Day, we recognize that people may celebrate or acknowledge this day in different ways, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. As we come together, we remain committed to truth, reconciliation and building respectful relationships,” the city adds.
People take in a Victoria Day fireworks show at Woodbine Beach in Toronto on Monday, May 18, 2026. (Arlyn McAdorey/The Canadian Press)
Fireworks
The city will host a fireworks display at Ashbridges Bay Park, 1561 Lake Shore Blvd. E., starting at 10 p.m.
You can also catch fireworks at the following locations:
Milliken Park, 4325 McCowan Rd. at 10 p.m.
Amesbury Park, 151 Culford Rd. at 10 p.m.
Stan Wadlow Park, 888 Cosburn Ave. at 10 p.m.
Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge St. at 10 p.m.
Downsview Park: on its festival terrace, 70 Canuck Avenue, at about 10 p.m.
Harbourfront Centre: visitors can watch the fireworks along the waterfront, from HTO Park to the west or Harbour Square Park to the east, from 10:45 p.m. to 11 p.m.
There will be no fireworks display at Nathan Phillips Square.
The city says residents 18 and over are allowed to set off fireworks on their own private property without a permit before 11 p.m., but fireworks are not allowed in city parks, beaches, streets, parking lots or any other property not owned by the person setting off fireworks.
“Those setting off fireworks must be mindful of their surroundings and not discharge fireworks where they may be a nuisance or pose a risk of fire, injury or damage to any person or property,” the city says.
A drone image of Nathan Phillips Square, where people can try their soccer skills on mini pitches as part of the city’s Soccer for All program Wednesday. The square will have FIFA World Cup 2026 activations, performances and a live broadcast of Round of 32 games at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. (Patrick Morrell/CBC)
Family fun
The city will host free family programming at several locations.
Nathan Phillips Square will feature live music, dance performances, a citizenship ceremony, kids’ activities and soccer activities, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Also at Nathan Phillips Square, people can try their soccer skills on mini pitches as part of the city’s soccer for all program. The square will have FIFA World Cup 2026 activations, performances and a live broadcast of Round of 32 games at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Thomson Memorial Park will feature music, face painting, entertainment and a pancake breakfast, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Amesbury Park will host a full day of community-led programming with food vendors, activities, entertainment for all ages and fireworks, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Stan Wadlow Park’s celebration includes live performances, community booths, kids’ activities and fireworks, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m..
Mel Lastman Square will have live music, a kids’ zone, a food and vendor fair and fireworks, from 12 noon to 10 p.m.
A person takes a picture on the observation deck of the CN Tower on May 13, 2026. (Evan Mitsui/CBC)
WHAT’S OPEN
Attractions
Art Gallery of Ontario will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Royal Ontario Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The museum was offering free admission through time-entry advance tickets that had to be booked online, but they are sold out.
CN Tower will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s marking its 50th anniversary this year and says visitors can enjoy a cupcake giveaway at 1:30 p.m. while supplies last, watch live chalk art by Jo the Chalk Chick, get an airbrush tattoo and play games. Visitors can also pick up a commemorative Tower 50th anniversary postcard.
Ripley’s Aquarium will be open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Aga Khan Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The museum will host its Rhythms of Canada Festival, a free event for all ages. Throughout the museum, Aga Khan Park, and the Ismaili Centre Toronto, there will be live performances including Ahmed Moneka Jazz, Whispr and the Larnell Lewis Band, a kite decorating workshop, a chance to learn Bollywood dance moves and street food. Soccer fans can watch all three Canada Day matches in its air-conditioned, Game Zone Tent and catch kick-off on the big screen.
Casa Loma will open from 9:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
(Patrick Morrell/CBC)
Canada’s Wonderland will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and the waterpark will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be live music, family-friendly activities and Indigenous performances by the Smoke Trail Singers.
Allan Gardens Conservatory and Centennial Park Conservatory will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Riverdale Farm will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission.
High Park Animal Display will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Park roads are closed to vehicles.
Toronto Zoo will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. featuring nearly 3,000 animals and more than 10 kilometres of walking trails and five tropical pavilions.
Select Toronto History Museums will be open with special Canada Day programming and free admission from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.:
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., will be hosting “Beautiful Asian Feast” with programming celebrating Toronto’s Chinese communities from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
All other Toronto History Museum locations will be closed on Wednesday, July 1.
(Alex Lupul/CBC)
Splash pads and wading pools
All city-owned outdoor and wading pools will operate on their 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.
Transit
The TTC will run on a holiday schedule on July 1. All routes will follow Sunday service hours, starting earlier at about 6 a.m. There are no planned closures on Canada Day. Regular service resumes on Thursday, July 2.
For those attending Canada Day celebrations at Ashbridges Bay Park, the TTC will increase bus service on the 22 Coxwell and 92 Woodbine South buses from Canada Day at 11:30 a.m. to Thursday, July 2 at 12:15 a.m. The 22 Coxwell bus will be extended south on Coxwell Avenue and east on Lake Shore Boulevard East to connect with Woodbine Beach.
GO Transit, both trains and buses, will run on a Saturday schedule. There will be no GO train service on Richmond Hill or Milton lines.
UP Express will run on its weekend and holiday schedule.
Shopping
The following shopping malls will be open:
CF Eaton Centre will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Vaughan Mills will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Square One will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Beer Store: more than 100 locations will be open in Ontario on Canada Day for people shopping or returning empties. For a full list, please look here.
WHAT’S CLOSED
St. Lawrence Market.
All Toronto Public Library branches.
Canada Post will be closed on Canada Day, with no mail delivery or collection, but post offices run by the private sector will be open according to the hours of service of the host business.
Most bank branches and federal, provincial and municipal government offices and services will be closed Wednesday.
The following shopping malls are closed:
Yorkdale Shopping Centre.
LCBO stores will be closed on Wednesday.