Update to 2025 Canada Day Parade

There will be a Canada Day parade in the City of Peterborough this year. 

It was initially called a “procession” when the call for entries went out a couple of weeks ago as a way to reflect that the parade would be a bit different than previous years. The community was invited to not only watch the parade, but to join in by walking down George Street alongside their fellow community members. Community groups, businesses, and performers were still invited to put in entries. 

The planning for Canada Day festivities is in full swing as the community gets ready to celebrate the country’s birthday. The plans have been informed by community feedback following last year’s event. The City heard the feedback over the last week on the plans for this year’s parade and has updated the plans to once again include vehicles in the parade. 

Applications for parade entries need to be submitted by end of day on Sunday, June 8, 2025. The parade entry form is available at peterborough.ca/CanadaDay. 

Canada Day 2025 – Roll, Stroll and Celebrate 

Residents and visitors and invited to roll, stroll and celebrate at Canada Day 2025, a family-friendly celebration taking place on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at Millennium Park, 130 King St. 

This year’s festivities will begin with a parade from City Hall, 500 George St. N., to Millennium Park starting at 10 a.m., featuring a decorated bike contest for participants of all ages. Prizes will be awarded for the most creative and playful designs. 

Floats and participants will roll, bike and stroll along George Street North to King Street. Floats will then exit the parade at Water Street, while participants on non-motorized vehicles are welcome to continue straight to Millennium Park, where a water station will be available.

The parade is open to individuals, families, and local organizations that wish to walk, bike, or roll from City Hall to the park together. Community groups, clubs, and businesses are welcome to join and are encouraged to register using the Performer/Participant form available at peterborough.ca/CanadaDay. 

The celebration continues at Millennium Park from noon until 6 p.m. with an afternoon of music, performances, food, cultural activities, and family programming. The event will conclude with Peterborough Musicfest concert at Del Crary Park, 100 George St. N. and fireworks over Little Lake at 9:30 p.m. 

As a lead-in to the festivities, there is a free outdoor movie night at Quaker Foods City Square starting at dusk on Monday, June 30, 2025. 

Both events are free to attend, and everyone is welcome. 

Event highlights include: 

• Parade with bike contest 

• Live performances by local artists and entertainers 

• Kids’ activities and family zones 

• Food and beverage vendors hosted by the Downtown Business Improvement Area 

• Interactive cultural displays and information booths 

• Evening concert presented by Peterborough Musicfest 

• Fireworks finale over Little Lake 

Forms are now available online at peterborough.ca/CanadaDay for those interested in participating as Performers, Arts and Crafts Vendors, or Food and Beverage Vendors.