What’s open, what’s closed, what’s up in Winnipeg on Canada Day 2026

This Canada Day, the Free Press has you covered, whether you’re looking to celebrate this country’s Indigenous heritage, participate in some hoser-style patriotism, to have some fun in the sun or stay cool in the shade.

The Free Press is not publishing a print or e-edition on July 1, but readers can visit our website for the latest news and information.

Here’s a roundup of hours of business for services and other things to do on Canada Day.

SPECIAL EVENTS

All across the country Canada Day parties will celebrate the country’s 159th birthday with food, fun and, in many cases, fireworks.

At The Forks, family-friendly festivities between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. include dance workshops and battles, skateboarding demonstrations, a basketball tournament and a fashion show, food trucks and a handmade market, cultural demonstrations and crafts, and live music. See a schedule on The Forks website.

Princess Auto Stadium has live music as well as kids activities and food vendors. The event is free, but they ask attendees bring a non-perishable food item for Harvest Manitoba.

No ticket is required to access the tailgate stage, open from noon to 5 p.m. Mainstage events starting at 5 p.m. — including headliner Down With Webster and a fireworks show at 10:30 p.m. — are also free, but require a ticket. More details, performance schedule and ticket information on the Blue Bombers website.

In eastern Winnipeg, Transcona BIZ will close down Regent Avenue on July 1 for the Transcona BIZ Canada Day Street Festival. From 10 a.m. to – 6 p.m., visitors can enjoy a community market, food trucks, activity tents and a splash pad  party with Bulldog Music at the Transcona Centennial Square.

There’s also the Transcona BIZ Summer Classic, a ball hockey tournament with four age groups from U13-Adult. Also new this year, is the adult doubles Cornhole Tournament hosted by Otterburne Cornhole Club.

Those living in north Winnipeg can start celebrating Canada Day early at Canada Fest at the Tyndall Park Community Centre (2255 King Edward St.) from 3 to 11 p.m. on Canada Day.

The event will feature food trucks and stalls, live entertainment, free zumba classes, prizes and fireworks after dark.

In the west end of the city, Assiniboine Park’s Summer Entertainment Series continues with a range of Canada Day activities taking place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Entertainment on the Lyric Stage includes Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, The Winnipeg Steel Orchestra, Tommyphyll, Andrina Turenne and Begonia. See full details here.

(For those desperate to catch some fireworks in west Winnipeg, Assiniboia Downs will be lighting up the sky with pyrotechnics after dark.)

For more Canada Day events in other communities in and around Winnipeg, check out our community calendar.

WHERE TO WATCH FIREWORKS

In Winnipeg, July 1 fireworks displays are scheduled at Princess Auto Stadium and Assiniboia Downs.

GOVERNMENT SERVICES

Civic, provincial and federal offices are closed July 1.

There is no mail delivery on Wednesday. Canada Post offices are closed, but post offices operated by the private sector will be open according to the hours of service of the host business.

All city cemetery grounds are open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The administration office at Brookside cemetery will remain closed all day.

Winnipeg Transit will operate on a Sunday schedule on July 1.

RECYCLING AND TRASH

Recycling and garbage will be collected as usual.

The Brady Road landfill is open 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The 4R Winnipeg depot at the Brady landfill will be open until 8 p.m. and the Pacific Winnipeg 4R depot and the Panet 4R depot are closed Wednesdays.

RECREATION AND LEISURE

Winnipeg Public Library branches will be closed. (Find your great next read in our Books section.)

Arenas and leisure centres will be closed.

City of Winnipeg indoor swimming pools will be closed July 1. All outdoor pools, including spray pads, will be open. Wading pools will begin opening on a staggered basis starting July 1. See more information on wading pool schedules here.

Major movie theatres will be open. (Not sure what to see? Find news and reviews in our Movies section.)

The Assiniboine Park Zoo will be will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Leaf will be open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. A full slate of Canada Day festivities is planned at Assiniboine Park from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. See the Canada Day schedule of events here.

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is offering free admission July 1. See current exhibits and events.

The Manitoba Children’s Museum will be open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Check out their featured events.

The Manitoba Museum will be open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Upcoming events at the museum and planetarium.

The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Upcoming events.

The Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq will be open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Current exhibitions.

FortWhyte Alive is open every day of the year except Christmas Day. Calendar of events.

The Crescent Drive, Canoe Club, Kildonan Park and Windsor Park golf courses will be open, weather permitting.

SHOPPING

Most larger chain grocery stores are open, but some may have reduced hours, so you might want to call ahead to check the hours at your preferred shop.

CF Polo Park, Garden City Shopping Centre, Kildonan Place and Outlet Collection Winnipeg will be open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Grant Park Shopping Centre will be closed.

Portage Place will be open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., but some tenants and areas of the mall may be closed because of the ongoing redevelopment of the mall.

St. Vital Centre will be closed.

The Forks Market will be open. Canada Day festivities will be held inside and outside at The Forks from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. See The Forks’ Canada Day programming here. 

Most Liquor Mart stores in Winnipeg will be open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., except for the True North Square location, which will be closed. Check hours at your preferred store.

Beer vendors and private wine stores set their own hours for holidays, so call ahead.

webnews@freepress.mb.ca