Destination: Georgian Bay
MIDLAND (FREE!)
At one of the most unique Canada Day lineups in the province (with the exception of its completely ordinary fireworks display), Midland’s Little Lake Park lets visitors travel back in time with a medieval jousting show, take out their frustrations over rising real estate prices by playing a round of Dunk Your Favourite Realtor, and watch local singers compete in Midland Idol. 11 a.m. Little Lake Park, Little Lake Park Rd. (between King St. and Yonge St.), Midland.

Destination: Muskoka
GRAVENHURST (FREE!)
This little bash (1,200 people are expected) allows visitors to relax and enjoy the friendly country atmosphere, which includes performances by the Muskoka Country Cloggers and children’s entertainer Jam Sandwich. Noon. Gull Lake Rotary Park (Brock St. and Bethune Dr.); Kilworthy Park (Kilworthy Rd. and Post Office Rd.), Kilworthy.

Destination: Muskoka
BRACEBRIDGE
Fireworks are the main attraction here, and this year the town’s rotary club will need to prove it’s up to the challenge as it takes control of the display for the first time. Arrive early for live music, a wake boarding show and a paintball shooting gallery. 6 p.m. Donation of $15 per family encouraged. Kelvin Grove Park, Bracebridge Falls.

Destination: Lake Simcoe
BEAVERTON (FREE!)
A small community nestled on the eastern shore of Lake Simcoe, Beaverton begins its full day of festivities early with a pancake breakfast at the town fire hall and a street market open to the public. Visitors can expect horse and wagon rides, strawberry shortcake and a parade, as well as an outdoor concert in the evening followed by fireworks. Breakfast, 8:30 a.m. Beaverton Fire Hall, 360 Bay St. Street market, 11 a.m., on Simcoe St. between Mill St. and Main St.

Destination: Lake Huron
KINCARDINE (FREE!)
The vista of the lake from the town’s harbour at the mouth of the Penetangore River makes this event the most picturesque of the lot; it’s also the most kid-friendly. Cake and a performance by local blues trio 10 O’Clock Band are on offer at Tiny Tot Park, as are scavenger hunts, magic shows and clowns. Waterfront fireworks will, of course, cap off the day. Noon, Tiny Tot Park, Kincardine, www.sunsets.com/kincardine/canadaday.html.

Destination: Kawartha Lakes
LINDSAY (FREE!)
There’s a mix of activities for both the kids (radio-controlled tugboats, pony rides and a petting zoo) and their parents. The town’s gymnastics centre will lead cheers in an afternoon performance to pump up the crowd for the evening’s fireworks display. 3 p.m. Wilson Fields, Hwy. 35 and Colborne St. W., Lindsay.

Destination: Prince Edward County
PICTON (FREE!)
The town of Picton gets started with a fashion show featuring Canadian designer April Cornell’s nature-inspired frocks modelled by local residents. A sidewalk fair on Main Street features a zoo exhibit, buskers, and a Buddha Dog–eating contest (the gourmet mini-hot-dogs debuted at last year’s Canada Day festival). Fireworks will be held in Delhi Park after dark. Fashion show 11:30 and 1:30, Kathy’s Collections, 80 Main St., Picton.