By Susan Kelly
Photography By George Pimentel
When it comes to Canadians voicing pride in their country, Canada’s Walk of Fame (CWOF) gives them a chance to walk the talk. They can stroll along King Street West in Toronto’s Entertainment District, where distinctive maple leaf-shaped stars are embedded in sidewalks, each bearing the name of one of the nation’s most influential figures.
“These stars serve as lasting reminders of Canadian excellence and inspire both locals and visitors alike,” says CWOF board chair Nick Di Donato, who has been involved with the national non-profit organization since its inception in 1998. “And they are just one of many ways our organization celebrates great Canadians and their many accomplishments.”
Modeled after the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Canadian version has unique variations: It is open to notable figures across diverse fields who excel in not only music, film and television, but also athletics, literature, scientific innovation and philanthropy. All have inspired others with their dedication, creativity and perseverance.
The energy was electric as this year’s inductees, which include the Toronto International Film Festival, golfer Mike Weir and humanitarian Dr. Samantha Nutt, among others, were lauded at the annual gala for Canada’s Walk of Fame 2025, held in June and broadcast on CBC and CBC Gem on Canada Day. The star-studded special featured powerful tributes and electrifying performances, plus surprise video tributes from big names including Ryan Reynolds, Col. Chris Hadfield, Alex Lifeson and more. “Inductees, performers and presenters all had amazing stories to tell,” Di Donato says. “There were so many emotional and unexpected moments.”
More stories of notable Canadians will be told as other CWOF programs roll out later this year, including the winners of the National Hero Honour and the Community Hero program. A separate program, Canada’s Walk of Fame Hometown Stars, in partnership with Cineplex and with support from Air Canada, honours inductees in ceremonies held locally with a plaque mounted at a special location chosen by them or their families. “It’s an initiative that encourages volunteerism and resilience and recognizes it is something to celebrate across this great country,” Di Donato says.
Autumn will also see the presentation of the 2025 Allan Slaight Music Impact Honour, celebrating Canadian musicians who have used their voices and talents to both inspire and drive positive impact in the music industry, and the winners of the RBC Emerging Musician Program. Open to Canadian artists between the ages of 15 and 35, recipients of the latter will gain mentorship from established professionals and forge industry connections, as well as a chance to showcase their talent through performance and promotional opportunities. Thanks to a new partnership with Stingray, these rising stars will gain national exposure, with a dedicated Canada’s Walk of Fame music channel launching this fall.
Shawn Levy
Nadia and Nick Di Donato
“I find it deeply gratifying that people are so proud to be part of this country and stand strong in support of other Canadians,” Di Donato says. “It’s a message we’ve been putting out there for over 25 years, and we’ll continue to find new ways to get the word out.”