Canada Day Events in the GTA

In honour of Canada Day, The Epoch Times has compiled a mini-guide to events around the GTA in the coming days.
Canada Day Events in the GTA
Revelers celebrate Canada Day in Toronto on July 1, 2011. (Allen Zhou/The Epoch Times)
6/27/2012
Updated:
10/1/2015
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There is a well-worn legend of the Charlottetown Conference, a key moment in the birthing of Canada, that the founding fathers spent most of their time in cheer and drink, rather than the weary work of hammering out a national accord.

Perhaps it is fitting then that there are so many ways to celebrate Canada Day this July 1.

Once known as Dominion day, Canada day was first celebrated in 1867, on the first of July. This was when national status was granted to Canada, turning us from a colony into a country.

But it was only 30 years ago on Oct. 27, 1982, that the holiday became known as “Canada Day” rather than “Dominion Day.”

With this year also marking the anniversary of the war of 1812, that fateful fight that could have seen the United States absorb Canada before it was even born, celebrating our nationhood seems all the more special.

To help you get the most out of the day, The Epoch Times has compiled a mini-guide to events around the GTA in the coming days.

Canada Day Events

Mel Lastman Square - Toronto
July 1, fireworks starting at 10:15pm.
Surround yourself in Canada’s cultural diversity with a celebration of diverse ethnicities in song and dance.
Free admission

Toronto Eaton Centre
July 1st, 11am to 2pm.
Eating a delicious burger, join an official video recording that will encourage Canada’s Olympians and find out who will be named the barbecue master by celebrity chef Ted Reader.
Free admission

Downsview Park - Toronto
July 1, fireworks at dusk.
Travel to Downsview Park and begin the day by participating in a 5 km Fun Run or the Kids’ Run. Then at dusk take in the fireworks in celebration of Canada’s 145th birthday and the opening of the new National Urban Park.
Free admission

Thomson Memorial Park - Toronto
July 1
Taste test some historic treats and and be stuffed with pie from the pie-eating contest at Thomson Memorial Park on Canada Day, presented by the City of Toronto Museums.

Black Creek Pioneer Village - Toronto
July 1, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Celebrate Canada Day like its 1867, back when it was still known as Dominion Day. Witness an official Citizenship ceremony, ride wagons drawn by horses and take in games and activities with the kids.
Admission $11 - $15, kids under 4 free

Richmond Green Park - Richmond Hill
July 1, open at 11 a.m. and fireworks begin at 10 p.m.
Kids can play in the children’s village, with a teen zone for the older ones and local talent on hand to entertain. For the quick of thumb, there will also be a texting competition. Siri wasn’t invited.
Free admission

Mississauga Celebration Square
July 1, open at 1 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.
Celebrate with Carly Rae Jepsen, Dragonette, and take a chance to win some prizes. Visit the largest library in Mississauga.
Free admission

Ashbridges Bay Park - Toronto
July 1, fireworks at 9:30 p.m. over the beach.
Journey slightly east of Coxwell Avenue, on Lakeshore Boulevard East.
Free Admission

Bronte Harbour Heritage Waterfront Park - Oakville
July 1, open at 11:30 a.m., fireworks begin at 10:15 p.m.
Enjoy two stages full of entertainment from start to finish. Let the children meet and greet their favourite creatures brought to the park by Safari Science.
Free admission

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