July 1st rolls around this week, amid all kinds of controversy. Wherever you stand on the Cancel Canada Day debate, you may be looking for ways to spend your time off during the statutory holiday. Some will be spending the day reflecting and remembering those lost and those who suffered in the residential school system. While others will be focused on celebrating the less horrific aspects of the country’s history.
Here are 7 things to do in Toronto this Canada Day.
SIT IN WITH IDLE NO MORE
If you’d like to stand in solidarity with Toronto’s Indigenous communities, you can sit in alongside Idle No More. The organization is hosting an event at the Toronto Legislative Building to honour the lives lost in the residential school system. They will be speaking out against birth alerts, forced sterilization, police and RCMP brutality, and many other violations of human rights. Sit-ins and marches will be happening all over the country on July 1st, but you can learn more about the Toronto version of the event here.
Where: Queens Park, 111 Wellesley St W
SUPPORT CANADA’S INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES
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There are loads of other great ways to support Canada’s Indigenous communities this July 1st. If you’re able to give a donation, you can do that. Or support Indigenous-owned businesses, watch Indigenous-made cinema, read Indigenous-written books, and more.
Where: Find our roundup of ways to support Canada’s Indigenous Communities this July 1st here.
CHECK OUT THE CN TOWER
If you’re going for a walk on the evening of July 1st and look out at the Toronto skyline, you’ll spot the CN Tower glowing orange this year. The move is a symbol of support for the Indigenous communities within the city, in the wake of the devastating news about the 751 unmarked graves and the remains of 215 children at residential schools across Canada in recent weeks.
Where: 290 Bremner Blvd
Related Posts:
10 ways to support Canada’s Indigenous communities this July 1st
The CN Tower will be orange on July 1st in solidarity with Indigenous communities
GO TO THE TORONTO ISLANDS
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A summer day-off classic is a trip to the Toronto Islands. Catch a ferry and explore the many beaches and the boardwalk. Or pack a picnic and spend a day in the sun. It’s important to note, there will not be any fireworks at the beaches or parks this year, but you can still have a fabulous time roaming the islands.
Where: Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, 9 Queens Quay W
SPEND THE DAY AT THE BEACH
Another stat holiday classic is a day at the beach. Once again, we’ve got to remind you that fireworks will be a no-no in public places, but sandy days and sunshine are still a grand old time. Load up on that sunscreen, find the perfect waterfront spot, and dream the day away.
Where: Find your nearest Toronto beach here
PICNIC IN THE PARK
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Or round up all the best snacks and hit one of the city’s many parks or gardens this July 1st. You can spend an afternoon with friends admiring the city’s gorgeous outdoor spaces while you snack. Toronto is home to loads of beautiful green spaces to explore.
Where: Check out our favourite Toronto gardens here
GO ON A WEIRD DAY TRIP
You could even get out of the city for the day. But don’t do a regular day trip, do a weird day trip. These crazy destinations make for memorable out-of-the-box occasions. Just be sure to double-check all COVID-19 restrictions before you leave.
Where: Check out our suggested destinations here
So, there you have it, Toronto. How will you be spending your time this Canada Day?
