Drivers in Aurora will need to find alternate routes on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, as Yonge Street shuts down for most of the morning and midday for the town’s annual Canada Day Parade. The closure runs from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. along Yonge Street between Henderson Drive and Allaura Boulevard up to Orchard Heights Boulevard. Several nearby streets will also be off-limits during the event.
According to the Town of Aurora, the affected side streets include Edward Street, Wellington Street West, Wellington Street East, and Aurora Heights Drive. Northbound Yonge Street from Industrial Parkway South to Henderson Drive and Allaura Boulevard will be closed as well. The parade itself kicks off at 10 a.m., heading north on Yonge Street from Murray Drive and Edward Street to Aurora Heights Drive.
The parade is a cornerstone of Aurora’s longtime identity as Canada’s Birthday Town, a title the town has held since 1969. That year, town council made it official with a proclamation, building on a tradition started in 1967 by local councillor Norm Stewart. He organized a Dominion Day street party for Canada’s centennial, and the celebration grew into the major community event it is today.
This year’s festivities actually span two days. On June 30, Dance in the Park features Canadian band Spoons, and on July 1, the full day of events includes the parade, a pancake breakfast, live entertainment, and a headlining performance by 54-40, followed by fireworks at 10 p.m. The Town of Aurora notes that Aurora Home Hardware is the event sponsor, with extra funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage.
