Canada Day 2025

April 04, 2025

Get ready for a bigger, better and more accessible Canada Day in Lethbridge!

Beginning in July 2025, the City of Lethbridge and Lethbridge District & Exhibition (LDE) will combine forces to host Canada’s birthday. Some activities will stay at Henderson Lake Park (including the popular Kid Zone) while others will shift across the street to LDE.

The event’s growing popularity was on display in 2024, with an estimated 12,000 attendees. As the crowds have grown, so have some of the challenges, like overcrowding, park damage and security. These are just a few concerns to be addressed starting in 2025.

“Moving part of the event to LDE brings a lot of benefits,” says Travis Grindle, Recreation Services Manager. “There’s more parking for food trucks, better security sightlines and we’re creating more open space to enjoy the celebrations and the park. It’s about improving the visitor and vendor experience, now and as the event continues to grow into the future.”

Paul Kingsmith, Director of Community Engagement at LDE, adds, “We’re thrilled to be involved in this celebration and give back to the community. Our large outdoor spaces are perfect for hosting the food trucks and main stage. The indoor amenities at the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre, like washrooms and concession areas, will also contribute to the atmosphere.”

This new partnership also brings significant financial benefits for both organizations. Shifting some events away from the park will help reduce the City’s operational costs and provide LDE more revenue opportunities.

“This partnership is truly a win-win for everyone involved,” says Mayor Blaine Hyggen. “It preserves the beauty of Henderson Lake Park and allows LDE to showcase their amazing spaces. I applaud our Administration and LDE for making Canada Day a more enjoyable event.”

Weather permitting, the event will end with an exciting display in the sky.

Traffic, Parking and Transit Info

The 2025 Canada Day celebration includes slightly different traffic impacts than previous years.

Traffic flow

With a new setup this year, including both Henderson Lake Park and Lethbridge & District Exhibition (LDE), road closures have changed slightly.

Exhibition Way South from the south lot entrance to Parkside Drive South: closed at 6 a.m. on Monday, June 30 and reopen at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2.
Parkside Drive South from 29 Street South to 34 Street South: closed at 6 a.m. on July 1 and reopen after the fireworks.
31 Street South from 6 Avenue South to Parkside Drive South: closed at 6 a.m. on July 1 and reopen after the fireworks.
Parkside Drive South from Spitz Stadium access to 28 Street South: closed during the fireworks to comply with setback requirements.
Fire lane and through traffic access is available through the LDE parking lot, along the racetrack, through the east lot (east of the old pavilions) and along the fence of the north lot.

Parking

The parking lot at Henderson Outdoor Pool will be closed.

Public parking is available at LDE.

There is free parking in both the north and south lots. Note: The Western Canada Rib Fest Tour is taking place in the south lot, so available parking will be reduced.
Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
North lot access will only be available by coming south off 34 Street South.
South lot access will only be available by coming north off Exhibition Way South.

Transit

Ridership on Canada Day is free on all routes from 8 a.m. – midnight. There is also extended service for routes 3 Green and 4 Orange, and service offered after the fireworks display.

Main Stage Performers

Food Vendors

Activity Zone Vendors

Traffic, Parking and Transit Info

Main Stage Performers

Food Vendors

Activity Zone Vendors

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