Canada Day fireworks light up Edmonton's river valley Wednesday
Festivities run across the city July 3; fireworks at 11 p.m. from central river parks.
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Canada Day celebrations are coming to Edmonton on July 3, with the city unveiling a full day of festivities and a fireworks display over the North Saskatchewan River.
Fireworks will light up the sky at 11 p.m., weather permitting, launched from Kinsmen Park. The best viewing spots are Queen Elizabeth Park and Hill, River Valley Road Shared Pathway, Victoria Park, and Ezio Faraone Park at the west entrance to the High Level Bridge on 109 Street. Those wanting indirect sightlines can head to the Alberta Legislature Grounds, Walterdale Hill Road sidewalks, the east Promenade, Government House Park, or 109 Street between Saskatchewan Drive and the High Level Bridge.
Road closures will be in effect, and pedestrian access across the North Saskatchewan River will be unavailable from 9:45 p.m. until 30 minutes after the fireworks along the High Level Bridge, Southbound 109 Street (from 97 Avenue to 87 Avenue), and Menzies Bridge. Kinsmen Park will be completely closed to pedestrian access.
ETS will operate on regular Sunday schedules with additional service for the fireworks display. Capital Line trains will run every 15 minutes until approximately 9:30 p.m., then every 10 minutes until 1:30 a.m. on July 2. Valley Line Southeast trains will run on their regular Sunday schedule, every 15 minutes throughout the day.
Watercraft owners may view fireworks from the river, but the section north of the launch zone—from approximately Menzies Bridge to Walterdale Bridge—will be blocked off to all watercraft. Life jackets are mandatory, and officials are urging extra caution due to elevated water levels and flow rates from recent rainfall.
Drones are forbidden within and around fireworks zones. Recreational drones launched from public land are prohibited; takeoffs from private property require the landowner's explicit permission and must comply with Transport Canada regulations. Violators face fines and drone confiscation.
Illegal fireworks outside of certified professionals with an approved permit from Edmonton Fire Rescue Services are prohibited; those caught face fines up to $10,000 and criminal charges.
Various attractions around the city will host festivities: Edmonton Valley Zoo (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Muttart Conservatory (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Prince of Wales Armouries (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), Fort Edmonton Park (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Alberta Legislature (noon to 5 p.m.), Mill Woods Park at 66 Street and 23 Avenue (2 p.m. to 11 p.m.), and the Arts District (opens at 11 a.m.). FIFA World Cup matches will be shown at the Ice District with three games starting at 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 6 p.m.