Ottawa to Vancouver | Ultimate Guide to Canada Day Festivities

Red and white everywhere. Fireworks in the sky. O Canada in the streets!

Canada Day 2025: Here’s What’s Happening Near You!

Canada Day, celebrated every July 1st, marks the anniversary of Confederation in 1867, when the Dominion of Canada was officially born. Over the years, it has grown into a vibrant celebration of Canadian pride, culture, and unity. Notable moments include the centennial in 1967, which brought massive celebrations across the country, and the 150th anniversary in 2017, which featured nationwide events, concerts, and fireworks. From backyard BBQs to Parliament Hill festivities, Canada Day continues to bring Canadians together in a joyful burst of red and white.

Ottawa – The Heart of Celebration

Ottawa’s LeBreton Flats will once again be the central hub for Canada Day celebrations on July 1, showcasing an impressive lineup of Canadian performers.

The festivities, commemorating 158 years since Confederation, include a midday ceremony and a lively evening concert headlined by local artist Nick Durocher—better known as TALK.

Canadian Heritage, the federal department organizing the event, has announced additional acts such as Sarah McLachlan, Coeur de pirate, Tom Cochrane, Amanda Marshall, Mitsou, Roch Voisine, Randy Bachman, Édith Butler, Aasiva, and Muzion.The evening event, airing nationally from 8 to 10 p.m. ET, will be hosted by Isabelle Racicot, co-host of the CBC series Seat at the Table. The televised celebration will also feature performances from Blue Rodeo in Prince Edward Island, as well as musical segments from Vancouver and Yellowknife. A special guest appearance by Jeff Douglas—remembered as “Joe Canada” from the iconic I Am Canadian commercial—is also on the schedule. Organizers encourage Canadians to come together in their communities or tune in from afar to show their national pride.

Quick Recap: Ottawa Canada Day Highlights

• LeBreton Flats in Ottawa will host the official national Canada Day celebration on July 1.
• The day marks 158 years since Canadian Confederation.
• Events include a midday ceremony and a concert in the evening.
• Featured artists:
  • TALK (Nick Durocher) from Ottawa
  • Sarah McLachlan, Coeur de pirate, Tom Cochrane, Amanda Marshall
  • Mitsou, Roch Voisine, Randy Bachman, Édith Butler, Aasiva, Muzion
• The evening concert runs from 8 to 10 p.m. ET, hosted by Isabelle Racicot.
• National broadcast will include additional performances from Summerside, P.E.I., Vancouver, and Yellowknife.
• Jeff Douglas (aka “Joe Canada” from the Molson beer commercial) will appear as a special guest.
• Canadians are encouraged to join the celebrations locally or watch the broadcast to show pride in their country.

Vancouver – Celebrate Big on the Beautiful West Coast!

On July?1, 2025, downtown Vancouver comes alive with Canada Together at Canada Place, a massive free celebration spanning Canada Place, Jack Poole Plaza, and adjoining streets from 11?a.m. to 6?p.m. Expect a fun-filled day with Indigenous storytelling, cultural performers, a bustling Indigenous marketplace, and live music—including a set by headliners Dear Rouge.

Across Metro Vancouver, fireworks and family festivities pop up in Burnaby, Coquitlam, White Rock, Surrey, Abbotsford, and more, giving every neighbourhood its own lively Canada Day flavor

Quick Recap: Vancouver Canada Day Highlights

• Where to go: Canada Place & Jack Poole Plaza (999 Canada Place)
• Time: 11?a.m. to 6?p.m.
• What to expect:
  • Live performances from local bands, featured on CBC’s national broadcast
  • A citizenship ceremony welcoming new Canadians
  • A kids’ zone with crafts and games
  • Food trucks lined up along the waterfront
  • Indigenous marketplace showcasing art and home décor

Victoria – Inner Harbour & Legislature Lawn

Victoria’s Canada Day celebration takes over the Inner Harbour and Legislative Precinct, transforming this scenic seaside spot into a buzzing hub of Canadian pride from late morning to evening.

Highlights include multicultural performances on the main stage, a lively international food vendor village on Belleville Street, Indigenous welcoming ceremonies, and a drone and fireworks show above the water.

Quick Recap: Victoria Inner Harbour Highlights

• Event runs July?1 from approximately 11?a.m. to late evening
• Live multicultural performances (main stage programming)
• Indigenous welcome ceremonies on the Legislature Lawn
• International food and vendor village along Belleville?St.
• Evening drone show followed by waterfront fireworks

Canada Day in Montréal: Timeless Streets, Fresh Celebrations

Celebrate Canada Day in Montréal’s historic Old Port on July 1, 2025, where families can enjoy a festive and unifying afternoon.

Expect live music, colourful costumes, hearty eats, and fun for all ages as the city comes together in red and white spirit. Cap off the day with iconic fireworks lighting up the riverfront skyline—an unforgettable nod to both tradition and together.

Quick View – Montréal Canada Day 2025

• Location: Old Port of Montréal
• Parade Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Activities: Live music, family-friendly entertainment, food vendors, cultural performances
• Fireworks: Evening display over the riverfront
• Vibe: Festive, multicultural, and community-focused
• Admission: Free

Halifax – Canada Day Magic by the Sea

On July 1, 2025, Halifax lights up with KANA’TA: Canada Day, a heartfelt celebration honouring Mi’kmaw and pan?Indigenous traditions along with vibrant community festivities.

Start your morning with the Royal Halifax Tattoo Parade downtown at 10?a.m. Then head waterfront-side for the Mawio’mi blessing and Indigenous performances from 12–3?p.m. Throughout the day, enjoy global music events like Desi Summer and an Atlantic dance?battle showcase, followed by the ANSMA Concert in Dartmouth (7–10?p.m.) As night falls, round it all off with a dazzling fireworks display over Halifax Harbour (10–10:30?p.m.).

Quick View – Halifax Canada Day 2025

• Locations: Downtown Halifax & Dartmouth Waterfront
• Parade: Royal Tattoo Parade at 10?a.m.
• Indigenous Ceremonies: Mawio’mi blessing & performances, 12–3?p.m.
• Music & Dance: Desi beats (3–6?p.m.), Atlantic Breaking Alliance dance showcase (4–6?p.m.)
• Night Concert: ANSMA show in Dartmouth, 7–10?p.m.
• Fireworks: 10:00–10:30?p.m. over the harbour
• Admission: Free, all day
• Tip: Arrive early, use public transit or ferry, and check hrmcanadaday.ca for final updates

Winnipeg – Canada Day Comes Alive at The Forks

Join the celebration on July 1, 2025, at The Forks—Winnipeg’s cultural heart—where Canada Day at The Forks transforms the historic gathering spot into a lively hub from 9?a.m. to 6?p.m.

Expect everything from dance battles and skate demos by Píhtikwé Skatepark, to a basketball tournament, food trucks, a handmade market, wildlife encounters courtesy of FortWhyte Alive, and multicultural performances showcasing Indigenous, global, and local talents. It’s a festive, family-first affair that honors community, creativity, and Canada’s diverse heritage.

Quick View – Winnipeg Canada Day 2025

• Location: The Forks (junction of Red & Assiniboine Rivers)
• Time: 9?a.m. – 6?p.m.
• Highlights:
  • Píhtikwé Skatepark demos, spray-paint art & sticker giveaways
  • Basketball tournament with wheelchair demo & youth games
  • Dance battles, live DJ-driven cultural performances
  • Handmade artisan market & FortWhyte Alive animal exhibits
• Vibe: Energetic, inclusive, and family-focused
• Admission: Free

Edmonton-Canada Day Downtown Extravaganza

On July 1, 2025, downtown Edmonton comes alive with a packed Canada Day celebration full of food, art, music, and fireworks—all within walking distance. Head to the Alberta Legislature Grounds (12–5?p.m.) for a pancake breakfast, road races, citizenship ceremony, family zones, cultural performances, and Indigenous drumming and hoop dancing.

Over at Sir Winston Churchill Square, indulge in the last day of The Works Art & Design Festival, street art, food trucks, and live music on the main stage. Meanwhile, ICE District Plaza (3–10?p.m.) hosts lawn games, inflatables, photo booths, face painting, food trucks, and performances by country star Mackenzie Porter and local acts. . Wrap up the evening with a stunning fireworks display at 11?p.m., visible across the River Valley at Queen Elizabeth Park, Victoria Park, and beyond.

Quick View – Edmonton Canada Day 2025

• Locations: Alberta Legislature Grounds, Churchill Square, ICE District Plaza, River Valley
• Legislature: 7?a.m.–5?p.m.—pancake breakfast, road races, citizenship ceremony, family fun & performances
• Churchill Square: 10?a.m.–9:30?p.m.—The Works Art & Design Festival, street art & live music
• ICE District: 3–10?p.m.—games, face painting, food trucks, non-alcoholic & adult drinks, live music
• Fireworks: 11?p.m. over River Valley (great views from Queen Elizabeth Park, Victoria Park & more)
• Admission: Free
• Tip: Walk, bike or use transit; downtown parks are crowded by night

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