Where to watch the fireworks on Canada Day in Toronto

If the first thing on your list of Canada Day 2016 celebrations is a hot seat at the fireworks, know that the city is hosting some next-level light shows from the Lakeshore to North York. Whether you’re in search of a comfy spot on the beach or a patio-side view of festivities, here are the top spots to catch the fireworks on July 1, 2016. [Image credit: iStock.com/Harvey8]

Where to watch the fireworks on Canada Day in Toronto
Alexandra Caufin By

Ashbridges Bay Park

1
1561 Lake Shore Blvd E, Toronto, ON M4L 3W6

Make your way to this east end park, at the foot of Coxwell Avenue, for a first-row seat to fireworks on the water (you might even find yourself dipping your feet). Festivities start at 10 pm sharp and your best bet is to find a spot on Woodbine Beach – they say it’ll be the best area to view the light show.

HTO Park

2
339 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5V 1A2

If you’re hitting the Redpath Waterfront Festival, hang around ‘til sunset and get a prime view of the Harbourfront Centre fireworks starting at 10:45 pm. Hot tip: If you can’t make it to fireworks on Friday, you can be comforted by the fact that the festival, which will host the world’s largest Viking ship among other nautical treasures, runs all weekend.

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Centennial Park

3
256 Centennial Park Rd, Etobicoke, ON M9C 5N3

If you’re already in the west end, mosey on over to Etobicoke and catch the fireworks starting at 10 pm on July 1 proper. Best of all, Ribfest is happening at the park during the day, so you can get your barbecue fix from competitors that journey from across Canada and the US for the title of rib master, and stick around for a light show that’s sure to impress.

Mel Lastman Square

4
5100 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M2N 5V7

Starting at 5 pm on Canada Day, you’ll find a party (family friendly) at this North York park just a hop-skip from Yonge and Sheppard. Early evening festivities include live music, dance performances and a slew of other activities. Fireworks will close off the fête at 10:15 sharp and will be choreographed to music.

The Roof Lounge

5
4 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 2E8

Torontonians know well that when the fireworks are on, your best bet to is to head north – a few storeys north, to a rooftop patio. The Roof Lounge at Yorkville’s Park Hyatt Hotel is one of the best views in TO. 18 floors up, the stunning heated patio and its array of craft cocktails make it one of the city’s most romantic spaces to take in the Canada Day fireworks.

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Amsterdam Brewhouse

6
245 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2K9

Looking to catch a front-row view of the fireworks on the lake, cold one in hand? Stop in to the Amsterdam BrewHouse and take your position on the sprawling patio facing the water. You’ll be able to see the fireworks put on by nearby Harbourfront Centre. If you’ve got out-of-towners in tow, be sure to have ‘em sample TO’s famed brews Amsterdam Blonde and Amsterdam Boneshaker.

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Fleck Dance Theatre

7
235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2G8

Take in the fireworks on the boardwalk of Toronto’s Lakeshore with a light show put on by The Harbourfront Centre. If you’re thirsty, grab a spot at the Harbourfront’s patio bar, The Slip. The 2016-new spot hosts picnic tables and fairy lights in addition to buckets of Corona and margaritas. Is there a better way to say Happy Birthday, Canada?

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More from Alexandra Caufin Alexandra Caufin
Alexandra is a writer and was formerly YP's Toronto City Editor. She will most likely be found playing pool in dives, eating one too many tacos, or hanging with the Highland cattle (to which she is probably overly attached) at the High Park zoo. Alexandra is also at work on her first novel via her Master's at the University of Toronto, and if you ask her how it’s going, she’ll bite your head right off.
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