Montreal celebrates Canada Day with fireworks, family fun, and unique local flavour
As most of you know, Quebec’s national holiday (and blue and white party) just happened on June 24 (Saint-Jean-Baptiste), but on July 1 out comes the red-and-white Canadian national spirit across Montreal’s diverse boroughs. From classic waterfront fireworks at the Old Port to vibrant celebrations in Pierrefonds, Beaconsfield, and Montreal West, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the day. Whether you’re looking for kid-friendly fun, live music, or a scenic boat cruise, this list has you covered!
1. Pierrefonds‑Roxboro Canada Day Celebration (Pierrefonds)
This West Island extravaganza is a full-day family festival featuring rides, a festive daytime parade, and a lively evening concert with crowd-pleasers like Simple Plan and Marco Calliari. The day wraps up with a spectacular fireworks display at 10 pm over Pierrefonds High School grounds.
- When: July 1, 10 am–10:15 pm
- Where: Starts at École de l’Altitude → Pierrefonds Comprehensive High School, borough hall grounds
- Highlights: Amusement rides (tickets), 10 am parade, food trucks, live shows from 6–10 pm, fireworks at ~10 pm
2. Old Port Family Celebration – Quai de l’Horloge (Downtown Montreal)
A classic civic event for all ages with interactive children’s activities, military salutes, a citizenship ceremony, and Canada Day cake. As the sun sets, friends and families gather for a lively musical atmosphere and fireworks over the water.
- When: July 1, daytime through evening
- Where: Quai de l’Horloge, Old Port
- Highlights: 21-gun salute, face painting, workshops, cupcakes, live music, fireworks
3. Canada Day Fireworks Boat Party – St. Lawrence River
Dress in white and step aboard a floating party with rooftop DJs, dancing, and premium views of the Old Montreal fireworks. It’s a festive adult-friendly cruise that turns Canada Day into a chic lakeshore celebration.
- When: July 1, boarding ~8:30 pm, cruise until midnight
- Where: Departures from Longueuil or Old Port docks
- Highlights: 3-hour cruise, licensed bar, skyline fireworks
4. Tam-Tams & Mount Royal Picnic
While not officially Canada Day-specific, the iconic Tam-Tams drum circle at Mount Royal is buzzing extra brightly on July 1. Come for the spontaneous drumming, picnic setup, street vendors, and sunlit summer magic.
- When: Sundays from ~10:30 am through evening (including July 1)
- Where: Near Cartier Monument, Mount Royal Park
- Highlights: Drum circles, dancing, community art & vendors
5. Beaconsfield Celebration – Centennial Park
Just west of Montreal island, Beaconsfield hosts a family festival complete with inflatables, mini-golf, cultural dance, and percussion performances. The day culminates in a waterfront fireworks show at 10 pm. In case of rain, the activities will take place at the Recreation Centre, 1974 City Lane.
- When: July 1, from ~1 pm to fireworks at 10 pm
- Where: Centennial Park, Beaconsfield
- Highlights: Cross-Canada mini-golf, Celtic & international dance acts, fireworks
6. Montreal West Parade & Picnic – Strathearn Park
Southwestern Montreal comes alive with a community parade down Westminster Ave, followed by picnic games and a family-centric BBQ. The night ends with fireworks above Hodgson Field. his is an intimate celebration with a down home local vibe.
3 PM Contests at Davies park
- bling your bike
- snazzy stroller
- parading pets
3:30 PM Parade departs at the corner of Ainslie & Westminster S.
4:30 PM Festivities begin at Strathearn Park
- Music by Dusty Brass Band
- Music by The Fundamentals
- BBQ food ($)
- Fun for the whole family; inflatables, pony rides, petting zoo, cotton candy.
No glass containers in the park / No outside alcohol
5 PM MAGI Le Grand Alexandre presented as part of CAM en Tournée.
When magic plays a trick on him, Le Grand Alexandre needs the audience’s help to pull off his show. The whole family will be charmed by this talented magician!
10 PM Fire show by Mystika Circus at Percival Park
- When: July 1, parade mid‑day; fireworks ~10 pm
- Where: Westminster Ave → Strathearn Park + Hodgson Field
- Highlights: Parade floats, water games, kids’ activities, fireworks
7. Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue Legion Party
For a cozy small-town feel, join the Legion’s celebratory bash with flag-raising, live music, face painting, and a community BBQ. A warm, local way to mark the holiday close to the water.
- When: July 1, from ~1 pm; supper/dance at 6 pm
- Where: Royal Canadian Legion Churchill Branch 91
- Highlights: Family-friendly, live music, kid-focused fun
8. Dorval Concert + Fireworks
Dorval lights up with incredible live music from The Rumble Dogs, DJ Cat, Boy Band Story, and Sonic 5. They’re even giving you the chance to have your own success on stage thanks to some karaoke with a live band!
Let the kids bounce and play on inflatable games or enjoy fantastic family activities offered on site. Satisfy your cravings with delicious food trucks and offerings from local restaurants and associations! Lastly, the night will end with a bang with our amazing fireworks.
Shuttle buses available. See details here.
Detailed schedule:
- Noon to 6 p.m.: Outdoor activities, roaming entertainment, inflatable games, climbing wall, small cars, face painting, photo booth, and more…
- 2:45 p.m.: Balancing on bottles show
- 3 p.m. / 4:30 p.m. / 6:30 p.m. / 8 p.m.: DJ Cat
- 3:30 p.m.: Rumble Dogs (rock ‘n’ roll from the 50s and 60s)
- 5 p.m.: Boy Band Story (tribute to the greatest boy bands in history)
- 7 p.m.: Karaoke with Sonic 5 (become a star by singing with a live band)
- 8:30 p.m.: Official ceremony
- 8:45 p.m.: Sonic 5
- 10:15 p.m.: Spectacular fireworks
Hot tips for Montreal Canada Day Celebrations
- Moveable Holiday Consideration: In Quebec, moving day (July 1) coincides with Canada Day, so residents can expect extra activity in neighbourhoods, but events remain strong
- Fireworks Views: Waterfront sites (Old Port, Beaconsfield, Pierrefonds) and Mount Royal vantage points offer premium views—arrive early!
- Transportation: West Island events may be easier via STM bus or driving; bridge crossings can fill quickly.
- Family-friendliness: Most events feature inflatables, food trucks, crafts, and cultural programming. Canada Day truly is a great day out for all ages in the Montreal area.
As you can see, even though our city is still glowing in the revelry of our Quebec celebrations, there has never been a more important year to get out and celebrate our nation. Elbows up Montreal!
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