Destinations Canada More to Explore Things To Do How to Celebrate New Year's Eve in Canada By Jane McLean Jane McLean Jane McLean is an Ontario-based travel writer who has covered Canada for more than 10 years. Travel's editorial guidelines Updated on June 13, 2019 Photo: franckreporter / Getty Images Canadians are a diverse group, but one thing they stand united in is their devotion to whooping it up every December 31st to usher in the new year. For the most part, people gather together at homes or in restaurants and bars, drink champagne, dance, and socialize until the countdown at midnight. Many communities stage fireworks displays. Here are some of the most notable events taking place across the country this New Year's Eve. 01 of 08 Vancouver, British Columbia British Columbia welcomes in the new year a full four and a half hours after St. John's, Newfoundland, on the other side of the country. See a full listing of New Year's events in Vancouver. Vancouver Harbour Cruises offers a four-hour cruise on New Year's Eve with a three-entree catered buffet dinner, live music, and more. 02 of 08 Alberta The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel puts on a gala New Year's event. (Discover other New Year's events in Banff.) The Calgary Zoo is aglow with its annual Zoolights family tradition. Lake Louise, Canmore, and Jasper all offer cozy, scenic Rocky Mountain getaways to celebrate New Year's Eve. In Edmonton, Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation gets wrapped up in Churchill Square. This free event is alcohol-free and family friendly. 03 of 08 Ottawa, Ontario The nation's capital always has plenty of ways to celebrate ringing in a new year. Check out Ottawa Insider for a list of New Year's Eve activities. 04 of 08 Niagara Falls, Ontario Tens of thousands gather outside at Queen Victoria Park, in front of the Falls to whoop it up on New Year's Eve. Festivities include a free, live concert and fireworks 9 PM and midnight. See Clifton Hill Events Calendar for details. 05 of 08 Toronto, Ontario Toronto's public transit is free New Year's Eve, so leave the car at home. Also free is an open-air concert at Nathan Phillips Square, in front of Toronto City Hall, which caps off the season's Cavalcade of Lights. Get that resolution to get in shape underway with Midnight Run Toronto, which hosts a 5K run at 12 a.m. and post party. See a complete rundown of New Year's Eve events in Toronto. 06 of 08 Quebec Old Montreal hosts Merry Montreal, a grand affair that features fireworks, musical performances, and more at the Old Port. Club Zone has a complete listing of Montreal New Year's Eve events. The Montreal Casino has fine dining, shows, and of course, gambling. Quebec City's Grande Allée is staging special New Year's activities, including traditional and contemporary music, a Ferris wheel, urban zip line, heated terraces, and outdoor bars, and a pyrotechnic show. 07 of 08 Nova Scotia Yuk Yuk's Halifax will have you roaring with laughter as you ring in the new year, complete with a buffet plus headlining acts. Find other Yuk Yuk's comedy clubs across Canada. Club Zone has a listing of Halifax nightclubs hosting New Year's Eve events. 08 of 08 Newfoundland & Labrador While West Coast Canadians are still lining up to buy champagne, those in Canada's most easterly province of Newfoundland & Labrador are popping corks and exchanging New Year's kisses. The fun in St. John's begins with a free family skate at the Loop in Bannerman Park, followed by music, fireworks, and festivities in front of City Hall. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit