Celebrate Canada’s 159th 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 present a full day of free, family‑friendly Canada Day celebrations across the waterfront on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. This year’s festivities include a special national initiative from Canadian Heritage, expanded programming at the Boardwalk Amphitheatre at Ihtoli‑maqahamok – The Gathering Space, and a full slate of entertainment and activities at the AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village, all leading up to the fireworks finale. Details
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | 12:00 PM
Bran Van 3000 | 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Fireworks display at Long Wharf | 10:00 PM
Boardwalk Amphitheatre at Ihtoli‑maqahamok – The Gathering Space, Waterfront Container Village, Saint John
Free
Celebrate Canada Day 2026 in Grand Bay-Westfield
The Town of Grand Bay-Westfield invites you to celebrate Canada Day 2026. Live music entertainment by Solid Gold and 4 Amigos, corn boil, cupcakes, cotton candy, bingo, bouncy castles, temporary tattoos, face painting, henna designs, basketball with River Valley Basketball Association, soccer skill games with Saint John Soccer, video game trailer with Mario Kart tournaments, tarot card readings, 360 photobooth, BBQ, treats, prizes, and more. Department of Public Safety/Conservation Officer will be on-site educating the public on safe hunting, angling, and trapping practices. As well as the RCMP, Grand Bay-Westfield Fire-Rescue Department, and Coast Guard units. Details
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
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 159th Birthday on Wednesday, July 1st, from 12-3 pm on the Rothesay Common. Activities will begin at 12:00 pm with a Flag-Raising Ceremony, followed by fun activities, games, BBQ, and more. ADetails
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | 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! All activities are FREE to the public except for the BBQ!
Celebrate Canada Day in Quispamsis
Join us in celebrating Canada Day on Wednesday July 1st from 11am-3pm at the Arts and Culture Park! This year’s event will have 8 NEW INFLATABLES including an obstacle course, a tasty BBQ, prizes, community booths, and much more! Live music by Ray Legere and Acoustic Horizon, High Tide, & Dram and A Draw! Don’t miss the chance to enjoy public swim times at the qplex for $5!Details
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | 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
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Various locations, Hampton
Free
II. Things to do on Canada Day
5th Annual Canada Day Waterfront Festival
Join us for the 5th 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
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
47 Charlotte Street, Saint John
Free
III. Things to do during Canada Day Weekend
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 27, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
4 Market Lane, Kingston
Outdoor Concert Series: Pretty in Pink!
That 80’s Band PRETTY IN PINK returns to Hampton Brewing! 2 Shows – Pick the night you’d like or both for TWICE THE 80s ACTION!! Details
June 26 – 27, 2026 | 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Hampton Brewing Company, 64 Robertson Road, Hampton
$49.05
North Pro Wrestling: Rogue Wave 2026
North Pro returns to Area 506 for ROGUE WAVE! Be sure to bring the family and enjoy some amazing entertainment from all your favourite North Pro Stars! Details
Saturday, June 27, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village, 85 Water Street
$20 – $30
Celebrating 40 Years of Sharing Stories, 1986-2026
Join the Saint John Historical Museum for special greetings, the launch of a revamped video history of the Saint John Jewish community and light refreshments. Details
Sunday, June 28, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Saint John Jewish Historical Museum, 91 Leinster Street, Saint John
Saint John City Market
Monday – Friday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
47 Charlotte Street, Saint John
Free
The Boardwalk Amphitheatre Concert Series – Classified
Juno Award winner Classified is taking over The Boardwalk Amphitheatre for its inaugural show and 2026 Summer Kickoff. Grab your friends and a drink, settle in on the Boardwalk, and experience an unforgettable night of live music, food and beverage offerings, and celebrate steps away from the highest tides in the world.
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village, 85 Water Street
General Admission is Free; VIP $49.30
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 19 to September 7, 2026
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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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