The GO Transit Guide to 2025 Canada Day Activities
Published: Jun 16, 2025
Celebrate the vibrant festivities of Canada Day with GO Transit. Proudly embrace Canadian identity and experience the rich diversity that makes the nation unique. As families and friends gather from both near and far, this holiday presents an excellent opportunity to dive into many exciting events throughout the beautiful region. From the spectacular fireworks illuminating the night sky to exhilarating experiences at Canada's Wonderland, whether it is your first time or your 100th, there is something for everyone to be proud of!
Utilizing GO Transit to explore local events, attend parades, join community gatherings, see fireworks, or simply explore your region has never been easier. It's time to embark on this adventure and show the world what it truly means to be Canadian - GO, Canada!
Spend Canada Day near me in the community
Take advantage of the newly enhanced GO Transit services this Canada Day, offering exciting travel options for your holiday festivities. Notably, the brand-new Route 17B connects the University of Waterloo to Burlington GO, stopping at Wilfrid Laurier University and Kitchener GO along the way, with weekend service operating from April 5 to August 24—perfect for day trips to Niagara Falls via GO Bus Route 12. Additionally, Routes 47W and 52X will provide direct service to Canada's Wonderland from May 10 to August 24, making it easy to enjoy all the park's attractions. With affordable options like Kids GO Free and the $10 One-Day Weekend Pass, celebrating Canada Day has never been more convenient!
Not sure where to start? Let us take you through some of the highlights to help make your Canada Day the best it can be.
Celebrate Canada Day in Burlington
To kick off your Canada Day celebration, hop on the Lakeshore West GO Train and arrive at Burlington GO, where your adventure begins! Start your day right by participating in the Free Yoga in the Park at the Compass near the West Lawn. It's the perfect way to stretch and enjoy the beautiful scenery before diving into the festivities.
Afterwards, head downtown Burlington for a delicious coffee or a snack to fuel your exploration. Once you're energized, walk along the picturesque waterfront and then stroll through the vibrant Canada Day Festival from noon to 10 PM on July 1st, 2025. Here, you'll find a variety of vendors offering tasty treats and unique crafts, allowing you to soak in the local culture.
Don't miss the chance to grab a bite from one of the fantastic local vendors! As the sun sets, find a good spot to unwind and enjoy the spectacular lineup: at approximately 9:40 PM, look up for the breathtaking Drone Show, followed by the awe-inspiring Fireworks Finale at around 10 PM. It's the perfect way to end your day before heading home, filled with memories from a fantastic Canada Day celebration in Burlington!
Celebrate Canada Day in Hamilton
As the sun rises on July 1, excitement fills the air in Hamilton, ready to kick off a memorable Canada Day. Start your day by hopping onto the GO Transit train, which makes the journey to West Harbour GO. The anticipation builds as you near your destination, knowing that the celebration at Bayfront Park is just a short walk away.
The scent of delicious food from various food trucks wafts through the air, tempting your taste buds and welcoming you to the festival. Grab a bite from the Food Truck Rally, indulging in various local and international flavours that make for the perfect picnic by the waterfront. Looking for a break from the festivities? Why not walk up to downtown Hamilton and enjoy the many eateries and artisanal shops Hamilton is known for? It's a great way to support local and Canadian businesses!
After satisfying your hunger, you head to the live music stage, where local musicians set the tone for a festive day. Families and friends gather together, enjoying the rhythm and spirit of the celebration.
As the sun sets, the anticipation for the grand fireworks display builds. The park is excited as everyone finds their perfect spot to witness the evening's finale. When the first firework explodes in the sky, you look around at the smiling faces of fellow attendees—it's a moment of unity and joy.
With easy access to GO Transit, getting to and from this incredible celebration has never been easier. After a day filled with memorable moments, you return to the station, already reminiscing about the perfect Canada Day spent in Hamilton.
Celebrate Canada Day in Niagara Falls
Nothing is more picturesquely Canadian than Niagara Falls - and boy, are they ready to celebrate Canada Day in style.
Simply catch the GO Transit train along the Lakeshore West line to Niagara Falls GO and enjoy a scenic ride as you go to the festivities. Once you arrive, the anticipation builds as the stunning Niagara Falls will be illuminated in red and white, showcasing the beauty of Canada every hour on the hour.
Fireworks, Illumination, and Extended Hours make this celebration even more special. With extended hours, you can enjoy extra fun after the fireworks show. All attractions will be open for extended hours during the summer holiday season. Don't miss the fireworks show starting at 10 PM; the Falls will be illuminated in red and white to celebrate Canada Day at the top of the hour, every hour. The night view will be exceptional!
Make sure to stick around for the grand finale: a spectacular fireworks show at 10:00 PM that lights up the night sky. With a 2-Day GO WE+GO Combo Ticket, your journey to witness this incredible celebration becomes even more convenient. Book an overnight stay in advance, as this is a busy time in the region!
Celebrate Canada Day in Barrie
Celebrate Canada Day in the most Canadian way possible - outside! On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, Barrie will burst to life with a full day of family-friendly fun. Join residents and visitors for a fantastic celebration packed with excitement and great memories!
As you arrive, stunning waterfront views instantly greet you. With beach access and the beautiful waterfront trail just a hop away from Allandale Waterfront GO, it's a golden opportunity to soak up the sun and the breathtaking Ontario scenery. Whether you're leisurely strolling the trail, enjoying a delightful picnic on the beach, or taking a refreshing dip in the lake, nature's playground is all yours!
Throughout the day, Barrie will be buzzing with energy and brimming with activities for everyone. The atmosphere will become even more electric as evening approaches, building towards a spectacular night. Grab your friends and family as you reflect on a day filled with laughter, adventure, wonderful moments, and awe as you witness the fireworks show!
Get ready to celebrate all the wonderful things that make being Canadian so special, all while basking in the great outdoors in Barrie.
Celebrate Canada Day in Toronto
Try a different spin on celebrating Canada Day by going to a baseball game. Catch the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre where they take on the Yankees. Since its Canada Day, there’s a very special giveaway too, a red replica Vladimir Guerrero Jr. jersey! Just a short walk to the ballpark from Union Station, it's a perfect way to celebrate the holiday if you are in the city!
Families or friends can also consider going to the Toronto Islands, from the Jack Layton Ferry terminal which is a 10-minute walk from Union Station. On the island there are tons of activities to keep everyone engaged, from fun rides at the Centreville Theme Park to delicious food options, or you can go biking on the trails and boating along the beachfront, either way, it’ll be a memorable day out for the whole family!
Keep the Canadiana going with Celebration Canada at Canada's Wonderland
As we conclude our journey through Canada Day in the Greater Golden Horseshoe, we're excited to remind you about the Celebration Canada Festival happening at Canada's Wonderland. This spectacular festival is filled with live performances, delicious Canadian cuisine, fireworks on June 30th at 10 PM, and many fun-filled activities for everyone to enjoy all week from June 27th to July 13th.
To make your visit even easier, the seasonal weekend bus service running to Canada's Wonderland is back for the season! Check out routes 47W and 52X, designed to ensure you can conveniently reach the festivities without hassle.
Gather your family and friends, and immerse yourselves in a day full of adventure, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
Land Acknowledgement
Metrolinx acknowledges that we connect communities by building and operating transit within the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee and the Huron-Wendat peoples, for whom these lands continue to have great importance.
Treaties between First Nations and governments cover these lands, and the promises contained in these Treaties remain relevant to this day.
Metrolinx and its employees are committed to understanding the history of these lands and the continued impacts of colonization and take responsibility for actions to advance reconciliation.
Metrolinx will continue to seek the knowledge, expertise and experience of Indigenous partners and commits to doing business in a manner that is built on a foundation of trust, respect, and collaboration.