No matter the size of your display, a great fireworks show combines a variety of effects, balanced pacing, and a powerful grand finale. The best backyard fireworks displays feature a mix of fireworks types—from ground effects to aerial fireworks—creating excitement that builds throughout the show.

We recommend designing your fireworks display from the ground up (literally). Start with eye-catching ground fireworks like fountains or a large spinning wheel to capture attention. Then transition into aerial fireworks, beginning with smaller bursts and gradually increasing size, height, and intensity for maximum visual impact.

To end your fireworks show with a bang, finish with one or more high-impact multi-shot cakes for a dramatic grand finale. A strong finish is what turns a good fireworks display into an unforgettable fireworks show your guests will remember.

During a fireworks display, it’s important to store unused fireworks safely and well away from your lighting area. While it may seem convenient to keep extra fireworks close by for quick access, placing them too near active fireworks creates a serious safety risk. A stray spark or aerial shot can ignite your unused fireworks all at once, potentially causing a dangerous chain reaction, property damage, or injury.

To maintain safe backyard fireworks practices, always keep unused fireworks covered and protected. Store them in a closed cardboard box or under a non-flammable tarp, and position this storage area at a safe distance from where you are lighting fireworks. Proper fireworks storage and separation help prevent accidental ignition and keep your fireworks display running safely and smoothly.

Enjoy your fireworks responsibly—following simple fireworks safety guidelines ensures a safer, more enjoyable celebration for everyone.

In Canada, consumers cannot legally purchase extra fireworks fuse, Visco fuse, cannon fuse, or wick unless they hold a valid Pyrotechnic Supervisor certification issued by Natural Resources Canada’s Explosives Regulatory Division (ERD) in Ottawa, Ontario. The sale and distribution of fireworks fuse in Canada is strictly regulated and not available to the general public due to safety and legal requirements.

These restrictions exist because altering or modifying fireworks—such as adding fuse or changing ignition methods—can create serious safety hazards and is prohibited for unlicensed users. For safe and compliant fireworks use in Canada, consumer fireworks should always be ignited exactly as designed and labeled by the manufacturer.

If you’re looking for a safer way to control ignition timing or fire multiple fireworks, consider using an approved remote firing system for consumer fireworks instead of adding fuse. Remote firing systems allow you to ignite fireworks at a distance without modifying the product, helping you stay within Canadian fireworks regulations while improving display control and safety.

Consumer fireworks have a long shelf life and can remain safe and effective for many years when stored properly. The most important factor in how long fireworks last is protection from moisture, humidity, and temperature fluctuations. When kept dry, most fireworks will perform normally even after several seasons of storage. Over very long periods, minor chemical aging may slightly reduce colour brightness or shooting height, but this change is usually subtle and not noticeable in typical backyard fireworks displays.

For best results, store fireworks in a cardboard box in a cool, dry location with stable temperatures—such as an indoor closet or storage room. Always keep fireworks out of reach of children and away from ignition sources. Proper fireworks storage ensures that leftover fireworks from Canada Day, Victoria Day, Diwali, New Year’s, or other celebrations remain safe and ready for future use.

Avoid storing fireworks in sealed plastic containers, coolers, or tubs. These airtight materials can trap moisture and create condensation, which may damage fireworks and affect performance.

If you’re buying fireworks in advance, consider scheduling delivery closer to your event date. Many suppliers can hold your order until needed, helping maintain ideal storage conditions and ensuring your fireworks are in peak condition for your display.

No—fireworks are not illegal in Canada. Consumer fireworks are legal for personal use across most provinces, but they’re regulated to ensure safety. That means when and where you can buy and use fireworks depends on your province and municipality.

Fireworks laws in Canada: what you need to know

• Legal to purchase & use: Consumer (low-hazard) fireworks are permitted for adults in most of Canada.

• Age restrictions: Typically 18+ to purchase or ignite fireworks (some areas allow supervised minors).

• Municipal bylaws: Cities often limit use to certain holidays—most commonly Victoria Day and Canada Day—and may require permits outside those dates.

• Location rules: Fireworks are usually banned in public parks, near buildings, or during fire bans/dry conditions.

• Professional fireworks: Display (high-hazard) fireworks require certified operators and permits.

Ontario fireworks rules

In Ontario, consumer fireworks are legal for adults 18 years or older. Most municipalities allow backyard fireworks only on Victoria Day and Canada Day (and sometimes the days immediately before/after) without a permit. Outside those dates, you may need municipal approval. Always check your local city bylaw before lighting fireworks.

Safe & legal fireworks tips

• Buy from licensed Canadian retailers.

• Follow all label instructions and safety distances.

• Never relight a dud; soak it in water.

• Respect local curfews and neighbors.

Bottom line: Fireworks are legal in Canada when used responsibly and in accordance with provincial laws and local bylaws. If you’re unsure, check your municipality’s fireworks regulations before celebrating.

No—firecrackers are illegal in Canada. Unlike consumer fireworks (which are legal for adults in many provinces), firecrackers are classified as prohibited explosives under Canadian law. This means you cannot legally buy, sell, import, or use firecrackers anywhere in Canada.

Firecrackers vs. fireworks: important difference

• Consumer fireworks: Legal low-hazard items like fountains, Roman candles, and aerial repeaters—allowed for adult use where local bylaws permit.

• Firecrackers: Small explosive devices designed to produce a loud bang with minimal visual effect—banned nationwide.

Why are firecrackers banned in Canada?

Firecrackers pose a higher risk of injury, fire, and misuse compared to regulated consumer fireworks. Because they’re explosive rather than display-oriented, Canadian regulations prohibit them to protect public safety.

Can you ever legally buy firecrackers in Canada?

No. There are no legal retail sales or permits for consumer firecrackers in Canada. If you see them for sale locally or online, the seller is operating illegally, and possession or use can result in fines, confiscation, or charges.

In Canada, the loudest legal consumer fireworks are large multi-shot cakes (repeaters)—especially 250-gram finale cakes, which are the maximum size permitted for consumer sale. Unlike the U.S., reloadable aerial shell kits aren’t standard consumer products in Canada, so big 250-g cakes deliver the strongest booms you can legally buy for backyard use.

Loudest legal options in Canada

• 250-gram finale cakes: Rapid-fire aerial bursts with layered thunder and crackling finales—engineered for maximum sound and sky-fill within Canadian limits.

• Large aerial repeaters: Multi-shot cakes that fire higher and break louder than smaller fountains or Roman candles.

• Thunder & crackle effects (consumer-legal): Added sharp bangs or sizzling crackle inside aerial bursts (not true salutes).

Why 250-g cakes are the loudest in Canada

Canadian consumer fireworks are regulated as low-hazard devices with limits on composition and effect size. Professional salute fireworks (pure flash-bang reports) are restricted to licensed display operators, and U.S.-style consumer shell kits aren’t standard here—so 250-g aerial cakes represent the maximum legal sound level for consumers.

Tips for the biggest bang (within Canadian rules)

• Choose 250-g finale cakes from licensed Canadian retailers.

• Look for effect descriptions like “thunder” or “crackle finale.”

• Set up in an open area and follow label distances and local bylaws.