This post is from 2008.

For a roundup of things to do on Canada Day weekend 2011, including fireworks displays, see the most recent Weekender »

If you want tradition…
OFFICIAL CITY OF TORONTO CELEBRATION (FREE!)
Downtowners will have to journey to the north end if they want to attend the city’s official Canada Day bash at North York’s Mel Lastman Square. This year’s musical act is “death country” artist Eliot Brood, who recently played at the Horseshoe Tavern. Expect a fireworks presentation choreographed to music. Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge St., 416-395-0490, www.toronto.ca.

If you want free concerts…
CANADA DAY AT HARBOURFRONT (FREE!)
Martha Wainwright headlines the evening’s free concert along with folk songstress Basia Bulat. Stick around after the show to watch the Ontario Place fireworks display from the harbour. Too late for the kids? The daytime activities—flag painting, canoe rides and Donut Olympics (kids compete with an inflatable version of the iconic Canadian confection around their waists)—are a better idea. Noon–11. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W., 416-973-4000, www.harbourfrontcentre.com.

If you’re bringing tourists…
QUEEN’S PARK CELEBRATIONS (FREE!)
Those who can’t wait until sundown for celebratory firepower can stop by Queen’s Park at noon, where the festivities begin with a 21-gun salute. In the lineup: free performances by Kobo Town, Bollywood Dance and Russian Acrobats on the mainstage and performances by Dufflebag Theatre on the children’s stage. 11–5. Queen’s Park lawn, www.ontario.ca/canadaday.

If you want a big bang…
CANADA DRY FESTIVAL OF FIRE
No Canada Day evening would be complete without a finale of colourful explosions in the night sky, and no venue in the city seems to agree more than Ontario Place. Toronto Star music critic Ben Rayner will choose a selection of songs by Canadian artists to give the Canada-themed display a musical sync that is sure to impress. 10:30 p.m. Included in Ontario Place admission ($17.75). Reserved grandstand seats from Ticketmaster, 416-870-8000. Ontario Place, 955 Lakeshore Blvd. W., www.ontarioplace.com.

If you want to get lost in the crowds…
CHIN INTERNATIONAL PICNIC (FREE!)
The festivities at Exhibition Place include more than 2,000 performers and international food kiosks, making it a must for anyone interested in a bona fide taste of Canadian diversity. Activities for the kids include a petting zoo, pony rides and amusement park–style rides, and with over 250,000 visitors expected, it’s one of the city’s most popular celebrations. Exhibition Place, west grounds and Better Living Building, 200 Princes Blvd., 416-531-9991, ext. 3900, www.chinradio.com.

If you’re bringing the kids…
TORONTO ZOO NATIONAL BIRTHDAY PARTY
With Soli, Rob and Alistair Ant gracing the zoo stage, this is one of the most kid-friendly events of the bunch. Free face painting and complimentary birthday cake will be on offer in the Canadian Domain from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Courtyard Stage performances 11–4. Included in cost of admission (adults $20, ages 12 and under $12). Toronto Zoo, 361A Old Finch Ave., 416-392-5929, www.torontozoo.com.

If you want action…
CANADA DAY SOCCER SHOWDOWN
For serious soccer fans, no other July 1 event is even worth mentioning. For the first time since the club’s inception, the Toronto FC will play host to the Vancouver Whitecaps in part of a six-game tournament to determine which team will go on to represent the country at this year’s Champions League tournament. $24–$210. BMO Field, 170 Princes Blvd., 416-360-4625, web.mlsnet.com/t280/.

If you’re on a budget…
DOWNSVIEW PARK PARTY (FREE!)
Looking to celebrate Canada’s 141st birthday on the cheap? Look no further than Downsview Park. This event spares no expense to provide a long list of free entertainment and activities for attendees: amusement park rides and a petting zoo for kids, a War of 1812 military re-enactment, a fire-buskers show, music and fireworks in addition to an ample supply of free hot dogs, ice cream and water. 11–11. Downsview Park, 35 Carl Hall Rd., 416-952-2222, www.downsviewpark.ca.

If you live in the 905…
CITY OF VAUGHAN CELEBRATIONS (FREE!)
Juno Award–winning R&B singer Jully Black is the main draw for the City of Vaughan’s Canada Day party, which also includes a kids’ play area complete with inflatable bounce castles, face painting and a water park. 4–8 p.m. Mackenzie Glen District Park, 220 Cranston Park Ave., Maple, 905-832-8585, ext. 8200, www.vaughan.ca.

If you want to give…
HBC RUN FOR CANADA
Support Canadian athletes by competing in either a 10K run, a 3K walk or a 1K kids’ run (proceeds go to a bursary program for aspiring Canadian athletes) and receive a replica of a real Olympic medal by the Royal Canadian Mint upon crossing the finish line. Participants will also be rewarded with a free day pass to Ontario Place. 6:30 a.m.–11 a.m. $21–$45.15. Ontario Place, 955 Lakeshore Blvd. W., 1-866-585-9178, www.hbcrunforcanada.com.