Canada Day

Celebrate Canada Day at the parade and with other activities throughout the day!

Register a Float

Decorate big, win big!

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.

Canada Day 2026 Parade Rules and Requirements

Fundraising Opportunities

Local non-profit organizations and community groups are invited to take part in a unique fundraising opportunity on July 1, 2026. 

There are 8 paid fundraising opportunities available for groups that meet participation requirements. Organizations may also partner together to fulfill commitments. 

Successful applicants will be selected at the organizer’s discretion based on demonstrated experience and capacity. Where applicants are equally qualified, final selection may be made at random using an automated system. 

Application Deadline: June 16, 2026 at 11:59 PM (MST)

To apply, your organization must: 

  • Be a local non-profit organization, or a group fundraising on behalf of one  

  • 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:  
    • 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  
  • Participants Required: Minimum 10 (for the entire duration indicated) 

  • Time: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM (approx.)  

Responsibilities: 

  • Help ensure spectator safety along the parade route  

  • Walk parade route to their assigned locations  

Requirements: 

  • Lead and Secondary Lead must be 18 years or older

  • Participants must be at least 16 years old

Swag Squad (1 opportunity available) 

  • Fundraising Amount: $1,500  

  • Participants Required: Minimum 20 (for the entire duration indicated) 

  • Time: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM (approx.)  

Responsibilities: 

  • Distribute Canada Day giveaway items to children along the route  

  • Walk the full parade route  

  • Prepare giveaway items in advance  

Optional: 

  • Provide a suitably decorated support vehicle to restock giveaway items along the parade route (proof of insurance required)  

Requirements: 

  • Lead and Secondary Lead must be 18 years or older

  • Youth groups are welcome:  

  • Minimum participant age: 10 years old

  • Must meet fit for duty requirements  

  • Adult-to-youth supervision ratio required (based on age group)

  • Application Deadline: June 16, 2026  

  • Selected Groups Notified: June 17, 2026  

  • Participant Waivers Due: June 23, 2026  

  • Orientation Session: June 25, 2026 at 12:00 PM

Please be prepared to provide the following details: 

  • Organization Name  

  • Lead Contact Name, Email, and Phone Number  

  • Secondary Lead Contact Name, Email, and Phone Number  

  • Number of Guaranteed Participants 

FAQs

Register by 4 p.m. on June 16 under Register a Float. There is no cost to register a float.

Float registration is open May 20 – June 16.

First, review the float Rules and Regulations, then complete the online application. Be sure to submit the required insurance documentation with your application.

No, there is no cost to register to be in the Canada Day 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.

There are eight fundraising opportunities available for local non-profit community organizations and groups. Positions include barricade monitors, safety walkers and members of the Swag Squad.

Apply for a fundraising opportunity by June 16.

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.

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. 

  • Take time to listen and learn from Elders and Knowledge Keepers. 

  • Participate in community events and programs that honour, celebrate and share rich Indigenous cultures.  

  • Read and reflect on the Truth and Reconciliation report and the 94 Calls to Action. 

  • Take the free online Indigenous Learning Series. 

  • 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. 

There will be more free family events and activities happening: keep an eye out for updates from MacDonald Island Park, Multicultural Association of Wood Buffalo and other community organizations like Fort McMurray Youth Soccer Association. Full schedule of activities will be posted here.

No, there is no cost to attend.


Canada Day 2025 Recap

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Phone780-743-7000
Toll free1-800-973-9663

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