View Firework pictures here>>>
Toronto celebrated Canada's 141st birthday with a number of events around the city on Tuesday, and the holiday is going out with a bang with a number of extravagant fireworks displays scheduled.
More than 50,000 residents had attended the family day event at Downsview Park by 6 p.m., marking its largest ever turnout. Organizers spent much of the weekend putting on the final touches for the big party, which included midway rides, food and fireworks.
The weather co-operated for those who spent the day reflecting on their patriotic roots.
"My parents came here as immigrants, but they came here for a better life and they did do that ... and I'm so proud to be Canadian," said one woman.
"It's nice to know wherever you go in the world, if you put a little Canada flag on your bag, everybody wants to pretend to be Canadian," said another woman.
"We've got the Rockies, we've got the Maritimes, we've got the Prairies -- it's all a great country," said one man.
Queen's Park hosted a Canada Day party to honour newcomers to the country. Thirty new Canadians from 20 different countries were sworn in on the front lawn of the Ontario legislature.
"It's a perfect day... I can't forget this day," beamed Annes Saboor, who also turned 26 on Canada Day. "I'm proud to be a Canadian."
It was a memorable day for the Rubinov family, whose five members officially become Canadian citizens.
"We came from a hot climate, from Israel, and now there are four seasons and winter sports," Stanislav Rubinov said with a chuckle.
"We came here to fulfill our dreams, so we are happy," added Janet Rubinov.
About 500 people attended the event, which also included traditional pipes and drums and dancing.
The party continues on Tuesday night with a number of fireworks shows:
- The annual celebration at Ashbridge's Bay begins at 9:45 p.m.
- The fireworks shows at Canada's Wonderland, Downsview Park and Milliken Park begin at 10 p.m.
- The latest fireworks display is at 10:15 p.m. at Mel Lastman Square in North York.
With reports from CTV Toronto's Naomi Parness and Chris Eby