This Canada Day, instead of sitting around in your favorite international hostel and playing xbox on the BoD flat screen TV and munching snacks from the kitchen, why not go out and join in on the many many Canada Day celebrations happening this July 1st, 2009.

The Toronto worker strike is affecting some of the planned activities, so I’ve tried to confirm that the ones I’m listing are still going ahead. To be extra sure, why not check out the great activities happening in and around Toronto. I have kept the list to those accessible by bus (from TTC, nearby Union Station or the GO).

Event: Ontario Place Festival of Fire
When: Wednesday July 1st – 9 pm – 11 pm
Where: 915 Lakeshore West (along the lake)
Price: Free if you get near Ontario Place, $17.75 for grounds admission only; $30 for play all day including access to the waterpark and rides.

On Canada Day Ontario Place (open from 10am to 11pm) is smack in the middle of the themed fireworks displays set to music. If you are in the park, the music will be playing on the loud speakers but you can still hear them if you’ve opted for the totally great cheap seats (the grass) outside of Ontario place – just bring blanket and a radio and tune into fm 98.1 (there are actually 3 nights for fireworks, including Saturday June 26th and Saturday, July 4th). You can also buy a ticket for reserved bleacher seating during the fireworks displays.

Event: Fireworks and Festivals in the Beach
When: Wednesday, July 1st – all day, all evening!
Where: The Beach, between Queen Street East and Woodbine Beach
Price: Free
This day in the Beach, with 3 great events happening, it is a great place to be. Use the TTC and take either the Queen Street East streetcar across to Coxwell or Woodbine and head a bit east along queen, or south to the lake. All 3 are within wandering distance of each other once you’re at The Beach, so enjoy!
The Beach events: