Canada recorded 1,052 UFO reports in 2025, with approximately 3% of cases remaining unexplained after analysis, according to the annual Canadian UFO Survey. The data was released ahead of World UFO Day, celebrated annually on July 2.
World UFO Day and the Roswell connection
July 2 is designated as World UFO Day, a 24-hour period for skywatchers to observe for unidentified flying objects. The event aims to raise awareness about UFOs and encourage governments to declassify related files. The date coincides with the purported UFO crash near Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947.
According to historical accounts, debris from a UFO crash was discovered by a rancher near Roswell. The U.S. military quickly secured the site, and initial statements from the U.S. Air Force claimed a flying disc had been recovered. However, the narrative was changed the following day, with the object described as a military balloon. Under the direction of U.S. President Donald Trump, the Department of War has released three file dumps related to Unidentified Flying Phenomena (UAP).
Canadian UFO sightings by province
The Canadian UFO Survey, compiled by researchers, tallied reports from across the country. Ontario recorded the highest number of sightings at 307, followed by Quebec with 210, Nova Scotia with 131, Alberta with 117, Manitoba with 111, Saskatchewan with 55, New Brunswick with 34, Prince Edward Island with 29, Newfoundland and Labrador with 24, Yukon with 23, Northwest Territories with 5, and Nunavut with 3.
Notable Canadian incidents
One significant event occurred in North York, Ontario, in July 2014, when a series of unexplained lights appeared over the Yonge Street and Sheppard Avenue area. A video posted to YouTube by Sarah Chum captured the phenomenon. Multiple police officers from Division 32 reported observing the lights for several hours. One officer speculated the lights might have originated from a 'quadcopter.' Sergeant Barry White stated that several officers saw the lights and considered the possibility of a toy helicopter but could not locate anyone operating such a device.
NORAD reported no unusual radar activity over Toronto and received no calls regarding the incident, according to spokesperson Julie Roberge.
UFO awareness and government transparency
World UFO Day serves as a platform to advocate for greater transparency from governments regarding UFO sightings. The release of UAP files by the U.S. Department of War under the Trump administration has been cited as a step toward declassification. The Canadian UFO Survey continues to document and analyze reports, contributing to the broader understanding of unidentified aerial phenomena.
