A Red-and-White Day to Remember: Canada Day in Thunder Bay

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Every year on July 1, Canada Day in Thunder Bay lights up in celebration of Canadian pride and unity. This year, the lineup is more exciting than ever — from meaningful Indigenous ceremonies to family fun, concerts, and cultural experiences. Here’s a full-day guide curated for EveryAna readers who love discovering community events with heart.

Sunrise Ceremony at Marina Park

Begin your Canada Day with the Sunrise Ceremony at Marina Park, led by Elder Anthony “Tony” DePerry. Starting at 6:00 a.m., this inclusive Indigenous-led ceremony welcomes the day with peace and gratitude.

Step Back in Time at Fort William Historical Park

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fort William Historical Park hosts a full day of living history. You’ll find fur-trade re-enactments, traditional Ojibwa camps, and live music. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for youth and seniors.

Check out more historic Canadian sites to visit.

Get Moving with the TBME Trail Run

Start your morning with the TBME Canada Day 5K Trail Run near Trowbridge Falls. The event runs from 10:15 a.m. to noon and requires advance registration here.

Learn Through Play at Thunder Bay Museum

The Thunder Bay Museum will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with engaging exhibits, including a special feature on the 150th anniversary of the Canadian Pacific Railway and a fun colouring contest for kids.

Midday Fun Around the City

Visit the Thunder Bay Country Market for fresh foods, crafts, and local makers.
Head to Port Arthur Stadium for a Thunder Bay Border Cats baseball game starting at 1:35 p.m.
Walk the deck of the St. Lawrence II tall ship from 3–6 p.m. at the waterfront.

Canada Day on the Waterfront

The city’s main event, Canada Day on the Waterfront, runs from 3 to 9 p.m. at Marina Park. It features:

Live music across three stages
“Around the World in Thunder Bay” cultural zone
Citizenship ceremony
Food trucks, family games, vendors
Art installations and interactive experiences

Browse more Family-Activities .

Cruise Over to the Murillo Car Show

From 3 to 7 p.m., head to the Murillo Fairgrounds for the “Show & Shine” classic car display. Free for spectators, $20 entry per vehicle for participants.

After-Hours Fun: Live Music, Food & Trivia

Choose your vibe from these festive spots:

Royalton Hotel: BBQ, beer, and prize draws
The Foundry: Day-long party with karaoke at 8:30 p.m.
Black Pirates Pub: Metal night with Born of Osiris, The Browning & more
The Hodder Tavern: Trivia and drink deals until 2 a.m.

Urban Hip Tribute: A Musical Finale

Cap the day with a powerful live performance by Urban Hip, a tribute to The Tragically Hip, at Marina Park starting at 8 p.m.

A Fireworks-Free Canada Day with Meaning

Thunder Bay has chosen to skip fireworks again this year, in respect of Indigenous communities and to create a more reflective celebration. Instead, the city focuses on unity, heritage, and music.

Final Thoughts

From a peaceful sunrise to an electrifying concert — and everything in between — Thunder Bay’s Canada Day has it all. It’s more than a party; it’s a community coming together to celebrate, remember, and move forward. Whether you’re exploring the fort, clapping along to live music, or just enjoying lake views with friends, you’re part of something special.

Bookmark this guide and share it with anyone heading to Thunder Bay this July 1!