MacDonald Island Park – SMS Equipment Stadium: Free Community Concert featuring Canadian artists, Derina Harvey Band, Tyler Whelan, Shantelle Davidson, and Matty Parlee.and fireworks from 7:00 - 11:00pm.
Learn more at macdonaldisland.ca.
Get ready to celebrate Canada Day on July 1, at 10:30 a.m.!
Get ready to celebrate Canada Day on July 1, at 10:30 a.m.!
The parade starts at the corner of Main St. and Franklin Ave. After heading south on Franklin Ave., the parade will end at the corner of Riedel St. and Clearwater Dr.
When viewing the parade, remember to stay on the sidewalk and behind any barricades.
Please follow instructions from officials and volunteers and refrain from crossing the road once it’s been closed. After the parade, please be patient and wait for the road to reopen.
Don't forget to wear your best red, white and orange!
Parade Route
Schedule of Events
kiyam Park: Pancake and Bannock Breakfast from 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Learn more at mcawb.org.
Franklin Ave: Canada Day Parade starting at 10:30 a.m.
MacDonald Island Park – SMS Equipment Stadium: Free Family Fun Activities from 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Learn more at macdonaldisland.ca.
New this year: The Fort McMurray Youth Soccer Association (FMYSA) is hosting a day of soccer fun for a variety of ages!
Howard Pew Park: This portion of the day is designed for younger players, siblings, parents, and families to enjoy soccer in a relaxed and welcoming environment from 1 – 4 p.m. Get ready for:
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Little kickers zone, mini obstacle courses, face painting and photo opportunities, and more!
Syncrude Athletic Park: This portion of the day is designed for more experienced soccer players from 4:30 – 8:30 p.m. Get ready for:
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Kickathon challenges, pre-registered 5-A-Side Games, accuracy shooting, fastest shot competition, and more!
Learn more and register for 5-A-Side Games at fmysa.ca
Temporary lane and road closures
Plan your route in advance and expect minor delays during the parade. The following lane and road closures will be in place on July 1:
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Clearwater Dr. from Main St. to Riedel St. (city side southbound lanes only) will be temporarily closed for float marshaling from 6:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
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Clearwater Dr. from Main St. to Riedel St. (river side northbound lanes only) will become 2-way traffic lanes from 6:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
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Father Mercredi St. at the intersection of Father Mercredi St. and Clearwater Dr. will be temporarily closed for float marshaling from 6 a.m. – 1 p.m.
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Hardin St. at the intersection of Hardin St. and Clearwater Dr. will be temporarily closed for float marshaling from 6 a.m. – 1 p.m.
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Main St. from Clearwater Dr. to MacDonald Av. will be temporarily closed from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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Franklin Av. from Morrison St. to Alberta Dr. will be temporarily closed from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
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Riedel St. from Franklin Av. to Clearwater Dr. will be temporarily closed from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Intersections will reopen as the parade passes. To help reduce traffic congestion, please do not follow the parade. Turn in the opposite direction when leaving.
RMWB Transit detours
Temporary transit detours will be in place between 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. for Route 1 and 2.
RMWB Transit will service temporary stops along MacDonald Ave., with no service from Main St. to Riedel St. along Franklin Ave.
Transit On Demand is still available, except for stops along Franklin Ave. that are temporarily closed for the parade. Plan ahead at rmwb.ca/transit.
Parade Floats
Based on community vote, there are prizes to be won as well! The best decorated float in each category will be rewarded $1,000. Commercial group winners will donate their prize winnings to a non-profit organization of their choice.
Award Categories:
- Best in Commercial
- Best in Youth Group
- Best in Social Service
- Honorable Mention
Thank you for your interest in being part of Wood Buffalo’s Canada Day Parade.
The application deadline was on June 16.
Canada Day 2026 Parade Rules and Requirements
Fundraising Opportunities
Applicants have been selected for 8 paid fundraising opportunities based on demonstrated experience and capacity.
Thank you to all who applied!
To apply, your organization must:
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Be a local non-profit organization, or a group fundraising on behalf of one
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Provide both a Lead Contact and Secondary Lead Contact to act as liaisons with the Canada Day Parade planning committee
Ensure both leads:
- Are present on parade day (July 1)
- Assist with participant check-in and check-out
- Attend a mandatory orientation session prior to the event
Submit participant names and completed waivers at the orientation session
Ensure all participants:
- Arrive on time (as indicated on available opportunities) and remain for the full duration of the parade (ending approximately 12:30 PM)
- Are fit for duty, including:
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- Ability to lift up to 15 lbs
- Ability to stand or walk for extended periods
- Wearing appropriate clothing for outdoor conditions
Fundraising compensation will be provided after the parade, once all responsibilities and requirements have been successfully completed.
Organizations are encouraged to apply for all roles they are able to fulfill.
Only one opportunity will be awarded per organization. However, additional opportunities may be offered at the organizer’s discretion if program needs require.
Barricade Monitors (5 opportunities available)
- Fundraising Amount: $1,000
- Participants Required: Minimum 10 (for the entire duration indicated)
- Time: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM (approx.)
Responsibilities:
- Set up barricades along the parade route
- Secure parking lots and alleyways from traffic
- Remove barricades after the parade
Requirements:
- All participants must be 18 years or older
Safety Walkers (2 opportunities available)
- Fundraising Amount: $1,000
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Participants Required: Minimum 10 (for the entire duration indicated)
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Time: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM (approx.)
Responsibilities:
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Help ensure spectator safety along the parade route
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Walk parade route to their assigned locations
Requirements:
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Lead and Secondary Lead must be 18 years or older
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Participants must be at least 16 years old
Swag Squad (1 opportunity available)
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Fundraising Amount: $1,500
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Participants Required: Minimum 20 (for the entire duration indicated)
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Time: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM (approx.)
Responsibilities:
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Distribute Canada Day giveaway items to children along the route
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Walk the full parade route
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Prepare giveaway items in advance
Optional:
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Provide a suitably decorated support vehicle to restock giveaway items along the parade route (proof of insurance required)
Requirements:
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Lead and Secondary Lead must be 18 years or older
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Youth groups are welcome:
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Minimum participant age: 10 years old
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Must meet fit for duty requirements
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Adult-to-youth supervision ratio required (based on age group)
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Application Deadline: June 16, 2026
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Selected Groups Notified: June 17, 2026
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Participant Waivers Due: June 23, 2026
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Orientation Session: June 25, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Please be prepared to provide the following details:
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Organization Name
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Lead Contact Name, Email, and Phone Number
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Secondary Lead Contact Name, Email, and Phone Number
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Number of Guaranteed Participants
FAQs
How can I register to be in the Canada Day Parade?
Registration has closed. There is no cost to register a float.
When does registration open to submit a float in the Canada Day Parade?
Float registration is open May 20 – June 16.
What is the process of registering a float in the parade?
First, review the float Rules and Regulations, then complete the online application. Be sure to submit the required insurance documentation with your application.
Is there a cost to register in the Canada Day Parade?
No, there is no cost to register to be in the Canada Day Parade.
Is proof of insurance required to be in the parade?
Yes, all parade registrations in the parade are required to provide a Certificate of Insurance. Please view the Insurance Requirements under Register a Float.
How else can community organizations and groups get involved?
All eight fundraising opportunities have been filled by local non-profit community organizations and groups. Positions include barricade monitors, safety walkers and members of the Swag Squad.
What is required to apply as a Fundraising Organization?
If you have a group of 10 people or more that are part of a non-profit, or raising money for a non-profit, you can get involved with a fundraising opportunity!
The parade will start on Main Street, head south on Franklin Avenue and end at the corner of Riedel Street and Clearwater Drive. Main Street is the location of the sensory friendly block.
See the parade map.
What is a sensory-friendly block?
The Sensory Friendly Block is a section of the parade route (Main St.) from 10:15 to 10:30 a.m. During this time, floats and walking groups will turn off their music and sirens to allow those with varying sensory needs to enjoy the parade in a quieter and more relaxed environment.
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Take time to listen and learn from Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
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Participate in community events and programs that honour, celebrate and share rich Indigenous cultures.
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Read and reflect on the Truth and Reconciliation report and the 94 Calls to Action.
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Take the free online Indigenous Learning Series.
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Sign up for the It’s Time to Read Book Club to learn more about Indigenous history, culture and local Indigenous communities.
Learn more at rmwb.ca/TRC.
What other events and activities are happening on Canada Day?
There are lots of ways to celebrate Canada Day this year!
MacDonald Island Park are hosting two days of free live entertainment and family-friendly activities to bring the community together to celebrate Canada Day. Visit SMS Equipment Stadium for a variety of activities, including:
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Fireworks and a free Community Concert, featuring Canadian artists, Derina Harvey Band, Tyler Whelan, Shantelle Davidson, and Matty Parlee. (June 30)
-
Face painting, live entertainment, community programming, and more! (July 1)
Learn more at macdonaldisland.ca.
The Multicultural Association of Wood Buffalo is hosting a free pancake and bannock breakfast at kiyām Community Park from 8 to 10 a.m. on July 1.
Learn more at mcawb.org.
New this year: The Fort McMurray Youth Soccer Association (FMYSA) is hosting a day of soccer fun for a variety of ages! (July 1)
Howard Pew Park, 1 – 4 p.m.: This portion of the day is designed for younger players, siblings, parents, and families to enjoy soccer in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Get ready for:
-
Little kickers zone, mini obstacle courses, face painting and photo opportunities, and more!
Syncrude Athletic Park, 4:30 – 8:30 p.m.: This portion of the day is designed for more experienced players. Get ready for:
-
Kickathon challenges, pre-registered 5-A-Side Games, accuracy shooting, fastest shot competition, and more!
Learn more and register for 5-A-Side Games at fmysa.ca
Is there a cost to attend the Canada Day Parade?
No, there is no cost to attend.
Canada Day 2025 Recap
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