The country celebrates its 159th birthday on Wednesday, with a wide range of events and fireworks displays taking place across the nation. In Toronto, residents and visitors can expect a spectacular fireworks display at Ashbridges Bay, which will take place on Wednesday night at 10 p.m. The display can be seen from the boardwalk, stretching from Emdaabiimok Avenue to Victoria Park Avenue.
For those planning to attend the fireworks, the City of Toronto recommends taking public transit, if possible. The TTC will be adding additional buses to routes 22 Coxwell and 92 Woodbine to accommodate the expected crowds. Further information about fireworks rules, safety tips, and proper disposal is available at Toronto.ca/fireworks.
In addition to the fireworks display, there will be several other events taking place in Toronto on Wednesday. The 2026 Canada Day Celebrations at Mel Lastman Square will feature a 4-minute-long fireworks display, starting at 10 p.m. The event will take place at 5100 Yonge Street, and Hillcrest Avenue will be closed between Yonge Street and Doris Avenue from 7 p.m. to 11:59 p.m., with local traffic only accessible through Doris Avenue. Yonge Street will be fully closed from Park Home Avenue to North York Boulevard (north and southbound lanes) from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., with TTC buses on detour around the affected area.
The 2026 Canada Day Celebrations will also take place at Queen's Park, with a 21-gun salute at 12 p.m. A number of road closures will be in effect between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., including Hoskins Avenue from Tower Road to Queens Park Circle West, and Wellesley Street West from Queens Park Crescent East to Queens Park Crescent West. Bus routes on Avenue Road and Wellesley Street will be using modified routes, with further information available at ttc.ca.
For those looking to celebrate Canada Day in style, several businesses will be open on Wednesday, including grocery stores like Pusateri's, Rabba Fine Foods, Summerhill Market, and T&T Supermarket. The Wine Rack, select Shoppers Drug Marts, and Rexall locations will also be open, as well as several popular attractions, including the Aga Khan Museum, Arcadia Earth, and the Art Gallery of Ontario.
However, some businesses will be closed on Wednesday, including all banks and government-run offices, including libraries, and the LCBO. There will be no mail delivery, and a number of shopping malls, including Dufferin Mall, Fairview Mall, and Lime Ridge Mall, will be closed. Residents should also check the schedules for TTC and GO Trains, as some lines will not be operating on a regular schedule.
