Your Complete Guide to Canada Day Celebrations [2025]
Canada Day 2025 falls on Tuesday, July 1st.
Originally named Dominion Day, this holiday commemorates the formation of Canada and its independence from Britain.
Today, Canadians across the country use July 1st to celebrate their country and national identity. For newcomers and expats, Canada Day can be an especially fun time to explore Canadian culture and celebrate your new home!
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Canada Day, the big celebrations taking place, and how you can enjoy the holiday.
How Do People Celebrate Canada Day?
Like many holidays in Canada, people tend to mark the day with things like outdoor activities, get-togethers, fireworks, and festivals. For Canada Day specifically, you’ll see many people dressed up in red and white, and a focus on all things traditionally “Canadian”.
You can check out the Government of Canada’s page for programming, information, and even a Canada Day playlist!
Canada Day 2025 Celebrations Across the Country
Ottawa, the nation's capital, hosts the largest Canada Day celebrations, but you’ll also find similar events and activities in most cities.
Canada Day in Ottawa
The 2025 festivities in Ottawa will centre around Parliament Hill and LeBretons Flats Park, featuring:
Fireworks display by Tim Hortons Canada
Interactive activities
Appearances by dignitaries and special guests
Live performances by Canadian musicians
💡 Fun fact: The City of Ottawa usually offers free public transit service on Canada Day. This is a great way to get around the city on Canada Day, since you can expect road closures and busy streets.
Canada Day in Toronto
The City of Toronto is also known for large Canada Day celebrations, featuring an annual fireworks display and events in multiple neighbourhoods. Check out:
The Harbourfront Centre: Hosts an all-day celebration with a marketplace and performances.
The East York Canada Day Festival: A family-friendly parade and festival, taking place at Stan Wadlow Park with activities, food, and fun!
Canada Day in Vancouver
Vancouver’s main Canada Day celebration is typically hosted at Canada Place, and used to be the 2nd-largest celebration in the country, after Ottawa's! The festival’s size decreased after 2020, but 2025 is expected to be packed with plenty of activities, food, and performances.
You can also find other celebrations nearby, including:
Family-friendly activities and entertainment at the Shipyards
Carnival-like celebrations at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre in Surrey
Canada Day in Montreal
Montreal hosts annual Canada Day celebrations at the Old Port with a music, food, and activities for all ages. You can also expect a fireworks display at night, over the St Lawrence River.
Canada Day in Halifax
Halifax’s biggest celebration of Canada Day will take place on Tuesday, July 1st, 2025 at the Halifax Waterfront. According to the official site of KANA’TA: Canada Day 2025: “This re-envisioned format for Canada Day offers a variety of new and refreshed cultural, musical, and family-oriented events to enjoy.”
While this event is the city’s main celebration, there are also a variety of events taking place on July 1st. For example, the Halifax Citadel National Historic site will offer free admission, the African Nova Scotian Music Association will be doing a live concert at Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park, and the 9th Annual Canada Day Drumming Celebration will also take place at 3pm AST at the same park. You can find the full programming here.
Community Celebrations
You don’t need to live in a big city to enjoy a Canada Day celebration. In most small towns and communities, you’ll be able to find activities on July 1st like picnics, parades, fireworks, and more. For example, Woodstock’s Canada Day Festival or Owen Sound’s “beach extravaganza”.
Since Canada Day is a statutory holiday, meaning most people get the day off work, many people simply enjoy time with family and friends, get outdoors, or go on short getaways.
Frequently Asked Questions about Canada Day
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Canada Day 2025 falls on Tuesday, July 1st. Canada Day is on July 1st each year, regardless of the day of the week.
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Most businesses, government offices, and banks are closed on Canada Day. However, some essential services, restaurants, and tourist attractions remain open.
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On Canada Day, many people wear red and white clothing, Canadian symbols like the maple leaf, or sports jerseys. However, you won’t look out of place if you’re not dressed up! You’ll find plenty of people in their usual summer attire, especially since July 1st is likely to have warmer temperatures.
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Most community events are free, but some major celebrations might require advance tickets or passes. Check local event listings for specific requirements.
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July 1st is a statutory holiday, which falls on a Tuesday in 2025. This means that most employees in Canada will get Tuesday, July 1st off from work.