Canada Day will look — and sound — different this year amid air quality warnings, budget cuts

Some regions are under fire bans after a record-breaking wildfire season in Canada

Elianna Lev
Updated ·4 min read

Canada Day celebrations might look and sound a little different in places across the country, as some municipalities struggle with air quality issues, and others with budget tightening.

The City of Toronto, for example, won’t be holding fireworks displays at their usual central celebration hubs, Mel Lastman Square and Nathan Phillips Square. While both locations will have family-friendly events during the day, fireworks won’t be part of the celebrations.

Ontario’s popular cottage region, Muskoka, which thrives on Canada Day weekend, has been under a municipal fire ban and a provincial order since May 30, as a result of extremely dry conditions and lack of rainfall.

No fireworks or fires are permitted in the area, as the fire rating is set to extreme.

Canada Day will look and sound different in some parts of the country this year. In Muskoka, a fire ban means no fireworks are allowed.
Canada Day will look and sound different in some parts of the country this year. In Muskoka, a fire ban means no fireworks are allowed.

For those regions across the country that are continuing on the tradition of fireworks displays for Canada Day - and some that aren't - check out the list below.

British Columbia

While Vancouver won’t be hosting fireworks any time soon, as a result of rising costs, firework displays will be put on in other nearby regions. These include:

In Victoria, Canada Day celebrations will be taking place on the Legislative lawn, and Belleville Street, starting at noon. There will be food trucks, a Kids Zone, performances, family-friendly activities, and fireworks starting at 10:20 p.m. in the city’s Inner Harbour.

Alberta

Edmonton will host fireworks over the River Valley on July 1 at 11pm. The celebration will be livestreamed, so anyone can watch from home.

In Calgary, a free family-friendly Canada Day event will include an Indigenous showcase and powwow, live music, and will end with a fireworks show above Stampede Park. The fireworks start at 11 p.m.

Saskatchewan

In Saskatoon, celebrations will be held at Nasser Plaza, Rotary Park and River Landing Amphitheatre Stage. Events include jumpy toys, games and activities, children’s programming and more. Fireworks will be launching from Broadway Bridge starting at 10:30 p.m.

Manitoba

In Winnipeg, the Assiniboia Downs will put on its Canada Day Fireworks and Festival from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. The celebration includes entertainment, an artisan market, and fireworks by Canfire Pyrotechnics.

Ontario

Parliament Hill in Ottawa will host a big party, just as they have for over 50 years. This year, the main stage will move to a new location just 1.5 kilometre (less than one mile) to the west. Festivities start at 9 a.m. and will run throughout the day. At 10 p.m. Tim Hortons Canada Day fireworks will light up the sky.

The City of Toronto’s annual Canada Day fireworks display will take place at 10 p.m. at the following parks across the Greater Toronto Area:

• Ashbridges Bay Park (1561 Lake Shore Blvd. E)

• Centennial Park Etobicoke (256 Centennial Park Rd.).

• Milliken Park (5555 Steeles Ave. E).

• Stan Wadlow Park (373 Cedarvale Ave.)

Quebec

While there won't be fireworks, Montreal will host a party in the Old Port, which includes performances, a giant playground, inflatable games, and entertainment for the whole family.

Newfoundland

St. John’s will be the first place to start celebrating Canada Day. with a Sunrise Event at 6 a.m. on Signal Hill, children's amusements, a cultural concert, and birthday cake in the afternoon at King George V Park. An outdoor concert followed by fireworks will take place at Quidi Vidi lake from 8-10pm.

New Brunswick

Moncton will be celebrating Canada Day along the riverfront, starting at 11 a.m. Along with a Kids Zone and free music, including a performance by Juno award-winner Colin James, there will be fireworks starting at 10 p.m.

The City of Saint John will host its second annual Canada Day Waterfront Festival from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Container Village at 85 Water Street. Festival activities include face painting, circus school, buskers, arts and crafts, prizes and much more. A fireworks display on the Long Wharf will begin at 10:15 p.m., weather permitting.

Nova Scotia

Halifax will host KANA’TA: Canada Day 2023, a revisioning of Canada Day that includes refreshed cultural, musical, and family-oriented events. The fireworks show will return for the first time since 2019, taking place at the Halifax-Dartmouth Harbor at 10 p.m.

PEI

In Charlottetown, celebrations will take place at Victoria Park, featuring free, family-friendly activities and live music that culminates with fireworks at dusk.

Nunavut

Iqaluit will host a Canada Day celebration that includes a pancake breakfast, A Kids Bike Decorating Contest and the annual parade.

Northwest Territories

In Yellowknife, Canada Day festivities will include free family-friendly activities, local food vendors and artisans, and live performances at Somba K’e Civic Plaza.