Gathering in Honor: A Guide to Remembrance Day Ceremonies Across Durham Region

UPDATED for 2026: Durham Region Remembrance Day Events 2026: Honoring Our Heroes

Every year on November 11th, communities across Durham Region gather to observe a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. and honor the brave men and women who have served and sacrificed for our freedom.

If you are looking to pay your respects locally, here is a guide to the 2026 Remembrance Day parades, services, and ceremonies happening across Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, and Clarington.

Oshawa

• Location: Memorial Park (110 Simcoe St. S, Oshawa)

• Parade Starts: 10:25 a.m. (marching from the Armoury/RCSCC Sir Francis Drake to Memorial Park)

• Ceremony Starts: 10:45 a.m.

• Details: Hosted in coordination with the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 43), the parade leads into a full wreath-laying ceremony at the cenotaph, followed by the two-minute silence at 11:00 a.m.

Whitby

• Location: Whitby Cenotaph (Dundas St. E & Centre St. S)

• Parade Starts: 10:30 a.m. (marching down Dundas St. from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 112)

• Ceremony Starts: 10:45 a.m.

• Details: The service includes laying of official wreaths, poetry recitations, and local cadet formations. Note: Dundas Street surrounding the cenotaph will be closed to vehicle traffic during the service.

Ajax

• Location: Legion Park Cenotaph (4 Hunt St, Ajax)

• Ceremony Starts: 10:45 a.m.

• Details: Presented by Royal Canadian Legion Branch 322, this annual service honors veterans and active military personnel with standard wreath presentations and a parade formation.

Pickering

• Location: Pickering City Hall – Main Council Chambers / Esplanade Park Cenotaph (1 The Esplanade, Pickering)

• Ceremony Starts: 10:45 a.m.

• Details: Hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 606, community members gather at the Esplanade Park Cenotaph for the service and wreath-laying. In the event of extreme inclement weather, proceedings shift indoors to the City Hall Council Chambers.

Clarington (Bowmanville & Newcastle)

• Bowmanville Cenotaph (Town Hall Square, 40 Temperance St): Service begins at 10:45 a.m. organized by Legion Branch 178.

• Newcastle Memorial Park (King St W): Morning service and parade at 10:30 a.m. organized by Legion Branch 178.

City of Toronto Civic Ceremonies

All official City of Toronto civic ceremonies begin at 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, November 11:

• Old City Hall Cenotaph (Downtown): 60 Queen St. W. (Major road restrictions on Bay St. and Queen St. W. near the cenotaph).

• North York Cenotaph / York Cemetery: 160 Beecroft Rd.

• Scarborough War Memorial: 2190 Kingston Rd.

• Etobicoke Civic Centre Cenotaph: 399 The West Mall.

• East York Civic Centre Memorial Gardens: 850 Coxwell Ave.

• Fort York National Historic Site (Garrison Common): 100 Garrison Rd.

• York Civic Centre Cenotaph: 2700 Eglinton Ave. W.

Tips for Attending Local Ceremonies

1. Arrive Early: Parking near downtown cenotaphs (especially in Oshawa and Whitby) fills up quickly due to road closures. Plan to arrive by 10:15 a.m.

2. Dress for the Weather: All primary ceremonies take place outdoors, rain or shine.

3. Get Your Poppy: Support your local Royal Canadian Legion branch by purchasing a poppy from local campaign tables prior to November 11.

Take a moment this Remembrance Day to honour those who served and continue to serve. Together, let's remember and reflect on the courage and dedication of our veterans and active service members.