2026 arrives with celebrations from coast to coast

Steven Levine, left, and Ben Kamino take a polar plunge in the St. Lawrence River in Montreal, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

Canadians in Newfoundland were the first to ring in 2026, including residents of St. John’s.

The city hosted a series of New Year’s Eve celebrations culminating in a classic midnight countdown and fireworks.

In Montreal, the night was billed as “Le Grand Minuit,” featuring lights, music and what organizers described as a whole lot of winter magic in the city’s historic Old Port.

In Toronto, pop-up performances and entertainment could be found in every neighbourhood, with the festive countdown and fireworks taking place on the city’s waterfront.

Across the Prairies and territories, major cities and small towns rang in the new year, including Calgary, with a slew of family-friendly activities, live entertainment, local food trucks, fireworks and more.

And with the stroke of midnight, Pacific time, revellers in most corners of British Columbia will have welcomed 2026, as well.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan.1, 2026.

The Canadian Press