It’s finally here! A proud moment for all Canadians, Canada Day marks the joining of the British North American colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the Province of Canada, which now we know as Ontario and Quebec. This year it arrives on a Friday so its more exciting as Canadians move out with their friends and families to spend quality time and have fun in celebrating the joyous and free spirit of Canada.
At Simply Laundry, we believe that this day is meant to signify acceptance, tolerance, respect towards others, and a sense of peace with oneself. We respect the cultural diversity that Canada represents and appreciate the beauty with which all cultures interact with each other to make Canada one of the world’s top places to joyfully live in.
Having wished all Canadians (including ourselves ;D), we’d like to quickly let our readers know what they should look forward to on Canada Day.
Open
- City-run parks, beaches, golf courses, outdoor pools, wading pools, and splash pads.
- Movie theaters
- Tourist attractions such as the CN Tower, Toronto Zoo, The Ontario Science Centre, Ripley’s Aquarium, the Harbourfront Centre, The Art Gallery of Ontario, and the Royal Ontario Museum.
- The TTC and most other municipal transit authorities will run on a Sunday schedule.
- GO Transit will be operating on Saturday hours and schedules.
- The CF-Eaton Centre, Square One, Vaughan Mills are all running on reduced hours. Pacific Mall will be open regular Friday hours.
- Toronto Premium Outlets in Halton Hills between 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.
- All RABBA Fine Foods will be open their regular 24-hour schedule.
- Bloor Street Market grocery store at the Manulife Centre will be open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Closed
- All government offices, including most services.
- Indoor pools and community centers.
- Libraries
- Banks
- Post offices (as well as no mail delivery)
- All LCBO and The Beer Store locations.
- Most Loblaws (Maple Leaf Gardens location will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
- No Frills, Valu-mart, Costco, Walmart, Highland Farms.
- Most malls and shopping centers, including Yorkdale, Dufferin, East York Town Centre, Scarborough Town Centre, Sherway Gardens, and Fairview Mall.
The Harbourfront Centre takes Canada Day very seriously. From July 1-3 they take over the waterfront with a 149th birthday like no other. A great big fireworks show after 10 p.m., and Sharon & Bram and Cowboy Junkies during the day. Oh, Canada.
Ashbridges Bay is a tried and true option, with one of the best locations for fireworks in the city. The show will begin after 9:30pm (it's a family zone after all!) and will feature 2,000 blasts as well as a "a grand finale of pyrotechnic wonders.”
Centennial Park
Canada Day conveniently falls on the final day of Ribfest in Centennial park, so if you want dinner and a show, this is ideal. The fireworks will start at 10pm. Oh! and also don’t forget to attend the Toronto Ribfest 2016!
Alert North Yorkians! Downsview Park has recommended two spots for optimal viewing: The Meadow and Festival Terrace. Head there early if you want to snag a prime viewing location, the show begins at dusk (10-ish).
Lots of family friendly activities go down at this Canada Day bash, including performances from Turbo Street Funk, Hoop Dancer Lisa Odjig, The Soul Motivators and Emmanuel Jal. Fireworks at 10:30 p.m.
Spend your day on the 200 rides, and then stay 'till the sun goes down for an epic fireworks show over Wonder Mountain. There will be 6,000 explosions of light in the sky starting at 10 p.m.
Stan Wadlow is where to go if you're in the east end and don't want to make the pilgrimage to the Beaches. The day will offer a parade and music from the Scouts Light Orchestra, the S.P.A.C.E. Performing Group, East York Concert Band and Jen and the Men Band, climaxing with the fireworks display around 10:15pm.
This Scarborough park and community centre found at McCowan Road and Steeles Avenue hosts their annual fireworks show at dusk… just before 10p.m.
This park on the east bank of the Humber River in Etobicoke blasts all shades of colour into the sky starting at 10 p.m. Be warned, parking is tight.
Mississauga Celebration Square
Mississauga Celebration Square is throwing a day long event featuring The Strumbellas and folk princess Ria Mae. Cheryl Hickey is even hosting. This one is major and fireworks will being around 10pm.
We will be closed from 1st July to 4th July for the Independence Day weekend. You can still place an order, however pick up will happen after the holidays.
From all of us at Simply Laundry we wish you a laundry-free, safe & fun-filled Canada Day!