As July 1st rolls around, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) comes alive with celebrations, fireworks, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the holiday, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy Canada Day. Here’s your guide to what’s open, what’s closed, and where to find the best events across the region.

Major Attractions Open on Canada Day

Many of the GTA’s top attractions are open on Canada Day, offering special hours and events for visitors:

• Canada’s Wonderland: Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with Splash Works available from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Casa Loma: Explore the castle from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• CN Tower: Open 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Note: some services may be affected by strikes or maintenance.)
• Ripley’s Aquarium: Visit from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): Open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Toronto Zoo: Open 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO): Open 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Shopping Centres Open on July 1

If you’re looking to shop or grab a bite, several major malls are open with special holiday hours:

• Eaton Centre: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Pacific Mall: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Square One Shopping Centre: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Vaughan Mills: Open with holiday hours (check for specifics)
• Hillcrest Mall: Open (check for specifics)

Note: Some malls, including Yorkdale, Sherway Gardens, and Scarborough Town Centre, will be closed for the holiday.

Can’t-Miss Canada Day Events

Canada Day in the GTA is packed with free and ticketed events for all ages. Here are some highlights:

• Nathan Phillips Square: Enjoy live music, performances, face painting, and more from 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Queen’s Park: Festivities run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring entertainment stages, midway rides, crafts, and guided tours.
• Amesbury Park: Flea market, inflatables, food trucks, live music, and fireworks at 10 p.m.
• Ashbridges Bay Park: Spectacular fireworks at 10 p.m.
• Harbourfront Centre: Marketplace, live music, dance, comedy, and fireworks at 10:45 p.m.
• Mel Lastman Square: Live performances, kids’ zone, food fair, and fireworks at 10 p.m.
• Downsview Park: Free entry, games, inflatables, food trucks, and fireworks.

Regional Highlights Across the GTA

Beyond Toronto, communities throughout the GTA are hosting their own celebrations:

• Mississauga (Celebration Square, Port Credit): Live performances, kids’ zone, street festival, and fireworks at 10 p.m.
• Brampton (Chinguacousy Park): Inflatable rides, games, live music, vendors, and fireworks at 10 p.m.
• Ajax (Ajax Downs Racetrack): Cultural and musical performances, community marketplace, and fireworks at 10 p.m.
• Burlington (Spencer Smith Park): Festivities all day, drone show at 9:40 p.m., and fireworks at 10 p.m.
• Oakville (Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park): Community performances, food trucks, and fireworks at 10 p.m.
• Hamilton (Bayfront Park): Food truck rally, kids’ zone, performances, and fireworks at 10 p.m.
• Niagara Falls: Illuminated falls and fireworks at 10 p.m.

What’s Closed on Canada Day

Keep in mind that some services and businesses will be closed:

• Federal and provincial government offices
• Canada Post (no mail delivery, post offices closed)
• Some major malls (Yorkdale, Sherway Gardens, Scarborough Town Centre)

Make the most of your Canada Day in the GTA! With so much to see and do, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re exploring local attractions, enjoying community events, or relaxing with family and friends.

Plan ahead, check event times, and don’t forget to support local businesses as you celebrate!