Celebrate Canada’s 158th birthday with fun events and activities. Here is a short list of things to do this Canada Day long weekend in and around Saint John.
I. Official Canada Day Celebrations
Canada Day on the Waterfront
The City of Saint John is proud to host a spectacular Canada Day celebration on July 1, bringing residents and visitors together for an unforgettable day of festivities. With a lineup of free, family-friendly events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
At 1:00 p.m., everyone is invited to gather at the boardwalk stage in Ihtoli-Maqahamok for official remarks and the ceremonial cake cutting. As night falls, the celebrations will conclude with a fireworks display at Long Wharf, lighting up the sky at 10:00 p.m., weather permitting. Details
Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | Gates 11:00 AM
Fireworks display at Long Wharf | 10:00 PM
Waterfront Container Village, Saint John
Free
Canada Day Kick-off Fireworks in Grand Bay-Westfield
Fireworks will be launched from Westfield Wharf located adjacent to the Westfield Ferry Landing and Brundage Point River Centre. The Brundage Point River Centre located at 4 Ferry Road, Grand Bay-Westfield, is a designated viewing area for the fireworks display.
The Westfield ferries will be stationed on the Kingston Peninsula side of the ferry crossing for the duration of the fireworks display. Details
Monday, June 30, 2025
Fireworks | 10:00 PM
Brundage Point River Centre, 4 Ferry Road, Grand Bay-Westfield
Donations accepted: Non-perishable food items for the local food bank as well as eyeglasses for the River Valley Lions Club.
Celebrate Canada Day 2025 in Grand Bay-Westfield
The Town of Grand Bay-Westfield invites you to celebrate Canada Day 2025. There will be Live music entertainment by Solid Gold, corn boil, bingo, bouncy castle, obstacle course, temporary tattoos, face painting, basketball, BBQ, photobooth, treats, prizes and more. Department of Public Safety/Conservation Unit Enforcement Trailer will also be on-site educating the public on safe hunting, angling, and trapping practices. Details
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
10:50 AM – 11:00 AM | National Anthem, Land Acknowledgement, Opening remarks by Mayor Brittany Merrifield. Random draw of River Valley Lions Club bursaries
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Live music entertainment and fun activities
River Valley Community Centre at 749 River Valley Drive, Grand Bay-Westfield
Donations accepted: Non-perishable food items for the local food bank as well as eyeglasses for the River Valley Lions Club.
Celebrate Canada Day in Rothesay
Come out and celebrate our Nation’s 158th Birthday on July 1st from 12-3pm at the Rothesay Common. Activities will begin at noon with a flag-raising ceremony. A new addition this year is the Big Bubble Energy Show by Benny Bubblz. Details
Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Rothesay Common, Gondola Point Road, Rothesay
Rain location: Rothesay Arena, 65 Hampton Road
Bring a donation of a non-perishable food item for the Kennebecasis Valley Food Basket
Celebrate Canada Day in Quispamsis
Come Celebrate Canada Day on July 1st from 11am-3pm at the Arts and Culture Park! The pirate-themed event will have bouncy castles, axe throwing, a foam pit, tasty treats, live music and more! FREE fun for ALL AGES! Also check out the public swims at the Qplex for $5!! Details
Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Swim times | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, 2:15 PM – 4:15 PM & 4:30 – 6:30 PM
Arts and Culture Park, 12 Landing Court, Quispamsis
Rain location: Quispamsis Memorial Arena
Free; Kennebecasis Valley Food Basket contributions will be accepted.
Canada Day at Hampton
Join us for a fun-filled Canada Day in Hampton! Enjoy an action-packed lineup of exciting activities you won’t want to miss, including Free Swim, Vendor market, games, crafts, food trucks, and more. Details
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Fireworks | Dusk @ Hampton Middle School, 11 School St
Various locations, Hampton
Free
II. Things to do on Canada Day
Celebrate Canada Day at Carleton Martello Tower
Show your love for Canada and celebrate on July 1 at Carleton Martello Tower! 1 – 4 pm, rain or shine. There will be cake and refreshments, a family scavenger hunt, and prize giveaways. Free admission all day to the Visitor Centre! Details
Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Carleton Martello Tower National Historic Site, 454 Whipple Street, Saint John
Free admission to the Visitor Centre
Celebrate Canada Day at Place Fort La Tour
This Canada Day, Nova Hollandia reenactment will be taking over Place Fort La Tour and bringing its history to life. Come along and discover the lives of French settlers and fur traders at the mouth of the Wolastoq river in the 1640s. They’ll be discussing life in the early 17th century, the food they would have eaten and the weaponry they would have been equipped with. In addition to populating the fort, there will be dedicated weapons display and a 30min talk with ‘Arms and Armour of the 1600s’ at 11:00 am and 2:00pm!
Details
Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Place Fort La Tour, 10 Fort Latour Drive, Saint John
Free admission
4th Annual Canada Day Waterfront Festival
Join us for the 4th annual Canada Day Waterfront Festival in the Village. You’ll enjoy magic, face-painting, kids’ circus school, aerial acrobatics, Canadian Music Bingo and free live music until the fireworks show at 10 PM. Details
Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM
47 Charlotte Street, Saint John
Free
Goss Walks with David Goss
Join David Goss for Canada Day at Fernhill to honour Fathers of Confederation from Picnic Pavilion. Walks are about 1.5 hours and are 2 km or less. There are frequent stops for the stories. Details
Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Fernhill Office, 120 Westmorland Road, Saint John
Canada Day at Inside Out Nature Centre
Come celebrate Canada with the team at Inside Out Nature centre on July 1st, 2025. Meet up at Inside Out Nature Centre in the Lily Lake Pavilion at 10am (down on the boardwalk, next to the dock) and join us for a free guided walk. Learn about rockwood park and celebrate our beautiful country on this casual but active active.
On Canada Day all boat rentals will be at the discounted rates. Details
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Canada Wild and Free walk | 10:00 AM
Inside Out Nature Centre, 55 Lake Drive South
Special rental rates – half-hour $15; full-hour $20
III. Things to do during Canada Day Weekend
Ukrainian Legends
A powerful journey through Ukraine’s past and spirit — from Cossack glory and wartime sacrifice to folk songs, dance, and mysticism. Guided by Nestor the Chronicler, this unique performance blends history, music, and tradition into a vivid celebration of cultural memory. Featuring iconic Ukrainian folk songs, Ukrainian Legend brings the soul of Ukraine to life on stage. Details
Friday, June 27, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
BMO Studio Theatre, 112 Princess Street, Saint John
$30
Smokehouse at Yip
Kingston’s own Smokehouse is bringing the party home! This six-piece country/rock band from right here in Kingston will take the stage in the dome for a fun night of live music and dancing. It’s the perfect chance for our Line Dancing crew to hit the floor and show off their moves, and for everyone else to join in! Details
Saturday, June 28, 2025 | 8:00 PM
Yip Cider, 3015 Route 845, Fundy Rural District
$10.50
Saint John Rapids
Come cheer on the Saint John Rapids vs St. Margaret’s Bay Rebels. Details
Saturday, June 28, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Sunday, June 29, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Lord BeaverBrook Arena, 536 Main Street, Saint John
$30
Waterfront Concert Series: Hawksley Workman
Kick off your long weekend on the waterfront and catch Canadian singer-songwriter Hawksley Workman (and his brand new EP) on the Village stage. Details
Friday, June 27, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village, 85 Water Street, Saint John
$36 and up
Waterfront Concert Series: The Grapes of Wrath
Kick off your long weekend on the waterfront and catch Canadian singer-songwriter Hawksley Workman (and his brand new EP) on the Village stage. Details
Saturday, June 28, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village, 85 Water Street
$32 and up
Kingston Farmers Market
Located along Route 845, the Kingston Farmers Market is on the picturesque Kingston Peninsula, just 20 minutes including a short ferry ride from Rothesay, or a 20 minute drive from Hampton. It is a hub of activity with vendors of various agricultural, food and artisan products. Details
Saturday, June 28, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
4 Market Lane, Kingston
Free
The Artificially Hip at Yip
The Artificially Hip will be returning to Yip Cider for a night of live music celebrating one of Canada’s most iconic bands. As a dedicated Tragically Hip tribute band, Artificially Hip delivers powerful performances that capture the spirit, sound, and storytelling the Hip. From fan favourites to deep cuts, expect a high-energy show that pays authentic homage to a legendary Canadian rock band. Details
Monday, June 30, 2025 | 8:00 PM
Yip Cider, 3015 Route 845, Fundy Rural District
$30.50
The Yip Fondo 2025
The Yip Fondo is a fun, scenic, and challenging cycling event on the beautiful Kingston Peninsula! Join fellow riders for an epic endurance ride, followed by great food, craft beverages, and live music at Yip Cider—all while supporting trail development at Yip! Details
Monday, June 30, 2025 | 8:00 AM
Yip Cider, 3015 Route 845, Fundy Rural District
$60.50 – $100.50
Hampton Canada Day Market
Shop local produce vendors, artists, and crafters. Details
Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Town Hall and Town Square lawn, Hampton
Free
Saint John City Market
The Saint John City Market offers a unique shopping experience for locals and visitors alike. Experience a traditional “farmers market” while shopping for such a wide selection of goods and services, ranging from dulse to hand-made local crafts, and enjoy a delicious meal from one of the numerous restaurants, featuring local and international foods. Details
Monday – Friday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Canada Day, July 1 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (To be confirmed)
47 Charlotte Street, Saint John
Free
IV. More Things to Do
Visit Attractions
Indoor Attractions in Saint John
- Cobalt Art Gallery, 111 Prince William Street
- Inside Out Nature Centre, 55 Lake Drive South
- Bowlarama, 248 Lancaster Avenue
- Fit Rocks Climbing Gym, 40 Ashburn Lake Road
- Oasis Trampoline Park, 213 Parkway Mall
Experience the Thrill of the Outdoors
‘Go Wild’ for up to 3 hours on an adventure containing up to 12 courses with over 115 obstacles including over 25 zip line challenges! Details
Weekends | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday-Friday | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Closed July 1
TimberTop Adventures, 730 Dominion Park Rd, Saint John
$32.99 – $48.99 + HST
Explore Rockwood Park
There is always something fun to do at this natural space with multiple trails and lakes. Swim, fish, hike, picnic, ride, golf, and more. Details
Rockwood Park, 10 Fisher Lakes Drive, Saint John
Go on a Road Trip
- Acadian Coastal Drive: Following the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Acadian Coastal Drive showcases New Brunswick’s rich Acadian heritage. The Acadian Coastal Drive can be started at any point in the approximately 750km scenic route.
- River Valley Scenic Drive: The River Valley Scenic Drive explores two of New Brunswick’s largest cities and takes you to the western edge of the province along Saint John River. Take in the views of Eastern Canada’s longest river and experience why this drive is one of the best ways to discover New Brunswick.
- 7 Day Road Trip Itinerary to New Brunswick – Fundy Coast: Moncton, Saint John, St Andrews and Fredericton: Experience the tidal waves that leaves the sea shores sprinkled with sea urchins and periwinkles, travel to most southernly of Fundy Isles, and cover three of New Brunswick’s most populous cities.
Visit Carleton Martello Tower National Historic Site
Overlooking Saint John, the British-built Carleton Martello Tower dates from the War of 1812 and played a pivotal role in conflicts leading up to World War II. The tower was the heart of Saint John defenses until 1944. Details
Daily | 10 AM – 5:30 PM
454 Whipple Street, Saint John
Free admission from June 20 to September 2, 2025
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Queen Square Farmers Market
On Saturday mornings, Queen Square is home to a popular Farmers Market. Spend some time relaxing in the park and check out what the local farmers and artisans are offering.
Details
Sundays from 9 am – 2 pm
Queen Square South, Saint John
Can you Beat the Clock?
Pick from themed rooms and test your problem-solving skills. The rooms are more fun with a few people, so bring some friends and family along with you to test your teamwork skills. Details
Breakout, 212 McAllister Drive, Saint John
Camp Out
Pack up your sleeping bag and tent and get ready for an exciting adventure in your own backyard, or you can go explore somewhere new without going too far from home.
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Hike the Blueberry Hill Nature Preserve
Located on the easterly shoreline of St. John River, Blueberry Hill Nature Preserve is one of the last undeveloped properties in the city being 19.8 hectares. The Nature Preserve is home to a variety of animal and plant species that can be spotted from the trail. Details
3 Bayview Road, Grand Bay-Westfield
For more Free Things to Do this Summer in Saint John, see our article here.
Ride the MTB Trails at Poley Mountain
Poley Mountain Trails are open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm. These are great trails to check out. Details
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Explore Irving Nature Park
Just minutes from downtown Saint John, the Irving Nature Park is 600 acres of gorgeous green space to explore on the Bay of Fundy coastline. Take a hike on the boardwalk out to the lookout points where you can take in the views and spot local wildlife. Stay tuned to their Facebook page for trail updates. Details
1790 Sand Cove Rd, Saint John
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Plan a Staycation
A vacation doesn’t have to include hours of travelling or even leaving New Brunswick. Get out and explore your own back yard, and see what this beautiful province has to offer.
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