Canada Day on the Waterfront 2026 
July 1, 2026
Marina Park, Thunder Bay
3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
FREE ADMISSION – Everyone Welcome!
Walk Together. Experience Together. Celebrate Together.
Celebrate Canada Day on the Waterfront, presented by Ontario Power Generation, in Thunder Bay with an unforgettable day at Marina Park!
This free to attend, family-friendly event features:
- Sunrise Ceremony – Led by Elder Tony DePerry approximately 5:45 am (Spirit Garden).
- Sacred Fire – Will begin during Sunrise Ceremony and continue until approximately 12:00 pm (Spirit Garden).
- Live Performances – There will be live performances by musicians, bands, dance groups and more at our three stages – Mainstage, Community Stage & Celebration Circle Stage.
- Food Vendors – Satisfy your cravings with delicious eats from a variety of local food trucks and vendors.
- Pedal Forward - Take part in this free fix-a-bike program and ride away with an upcycled bicycle!
- Community Groups & Artisans – Explore booths from local organizations, artists, and makers.
- Indoor & Outdoor Activities – This event features art activities, science displays, interactive exhibits, lawn games, face painting, temporary tattoos, and so much more! With activities for all ages, everyone will find something fun to do!
- Cupcakes – Free cupcakes will be available at the Baggage Building Arts Centre, while quantities last.
- Special Exhibit: Bi-Giwen: Coming Home – Truth Telling from Sixties Scoop Exhibit in Baggage Building Arts Centre – "This exhibition explores the experiences of Survivors of the Sixties Scoop, which began in the 1960s, where Indigenous children were taken from their families, often forcibly and fostered and/or adopted out to non-Indigenous homes often far away from their communities and some across the globe. Developed with input from the National Indigenous Survivors of Child Welfare Network, this innovative and challenging Exhibition features the first-person Oral Testimonies of 12 Indigenous Survivors of the Sixties Scoop, and reflects upon not only their pain and loss, but also their enduring strength, courage and resilience." – Legacy of Hope Foundation
- Shuttle Service – Shuttle buses will be available from the Canada Games Complex (420 Winnipeg Ave) to the Tourism Pagoda for easy access to the park via the pedestrian overpass.
- Buses will leave the Canada Games Complex approx. every half hour, starting at 2:30 pm.
- Buses will leave the Tourism Pagoda approx. every half hour, starting at 3:00 pm.
- Last shuttle leaves the Tourism Pagoda at 10:00 pm.
- Accessible Parking
- Accessible parking is available, please use the Pearl Street entrance to Marina Park to receive parking accommodation.
- 3 PM – Phil Drost & Band
- 4 PM – Gravel Road Band
- 5 PM – Loughlin
- 6 PM – 9 PM – Cultural and Dance Performances
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- Zhuravli Ukrainian Folk Ensemble
- Filipino-Canadian Association
- African Praise Choir
- Arabella Middle Eastern Dance Academy
- Badanai Theatre
- World Cultural Dance
- 3 PM – 5 PM – Cultural and Dance Performances
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- Italian Touch Latin Dance School
- Thunder Bay Chinese Music and Dance Group
- Art in Motion
- Badanai Theatre
- Naadmaagewin Miikaanhs Dance Group
- 5 PM – Opening Ceremonies
- 6 PM – Throwback
- 7 PM – Jessica Hayes & The Selfies
- 8 PM – The Band Destiny
- 3 PM – 8 PM
- All the DAZE Productions
- Mackinley's Delusions
- African Praise Choir
- Cambrian Players Improv
| Bike Valet |
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Free Bike Valet!
Active Transportation's free and secure Bike Valet offers monitored bicycle parking so you can enjoy all the Canada Day festivities without the hassle of locking up or finding a spot.
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| Walk 'n' Roll Routes |
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We encourage active transportation to all City run events.
Walk, bike or bus to Canada Day on the Waterfront with ease by using the following routes:
City Hall Bus Terminal to Marina Park. City Hall Terminal to Marina Park - Google Maps
Water Street North Bus Terminal to Marina Park Waterfront Terminal to Marina Park - Google Maps
Lakehead University to Marina Park Lakehead University to Marina Park - Google Maps
Confederation College to Marina Park Confederation College to Marina Park - Google Maps
County Fair Plaza to Marina Park County Fair Mall to Marina Park - Google Maps
Intercity Shopping Centre to Marina Park Intercity Shopping Centre to Marina Park - Google Maps
Boulevard Lake to Marina Park Boulevard Lake to Marina Park - Google Maps
Fort William First Nation to Marina Park Fort William First Nation, ON to Marina Park - Google Maps
Transit App Transit App - City of Thunder Bay
Transit Maps and Schedule via the Website Schedules and Maps - City of Thunder Bay
Visit Active Transportation for more information
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Are you a community group, artisan, or vendor looking to be part of Canada Day on the Waterfront or other exciting events in Thunder Bay? We’re always looking for interactive activities, cultural programming, and unique experiences to make our celebrations even better! Visit our Be Part of It page to learn more and apply today!
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