Stratford, Ontario, will mark Canada Day on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, with a packed schedule of free family activities, a community parade, and fireworks, but residents should prepare for road closures and the closure of most retail stores.
The City of Stratford’s main celebration runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Market Square, featuring live music from acts including SDSS Jazz Combo A, Jeffrey “Red” George, Nora Joy, Quique Escamilla, and Mutual Mind. Families can also enjoy face painting, a sensory space, a photo booth, a balloon artist, and information from 13 community partners.
Free public swims are offered at the Lions Pool from 2:30 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 8:30 p.m. The evening continues with the Kinsmen Club of Stratford hosting food vendors at 7 p.m., a concert at 8 p.m., and fireworks at dusk at the Stratford Education and Recreation Centre. The Kinsmen have organized the fireworks for over 30 years.
The Canada Day parade kicks off at 6 p.m. from Lakeside Drive and Waterloo Street, heading to the Rotary Complex. Organized by the Stratford and District Saddle Club and Bethel Pentecostal Church, the parade expects 50 floats under the theme ‘The Future is Bright in Red & White!’ Participants include Stratford Police Services, the Stratford Fire Department, MP John Nater, MPP Matthew Rae, and many community groups.
Several road closures will affect traffic throughout the day. The Market Square area, including parts of Wellington Street, Downie Street, and Market Place, will be closed from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lakeside Drive from Waterloo Street to Queen Street will close from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Waterloo Street, Mornington Street, and McCarthy Road will close from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Roads near the fireworks venue, including Oakdale Avenue and Matilda Street, will be closed from 5 to 11:30 p.m.
Under Ontario’s Retail Business Holidays Act, most stores in Stratford must stay closed on July 1, with exemptions for small pharmacies, gas stations, flower shops, and certain craft and book stores. Residents are encouraged to plan ahead for shopping and parking.
