Happy Canada Day, eh? There’s nothing like celebrating Canada Day in Ottawa. Fireworks, free events, and Canadian artists are just a few of the annual festivities held.
Canada Day in Ottawa is arguably the city’s biggest event of the year. With that…there is A LOT going on! Here is a complete map of the best events, when they happen, and where you can enjoy them.
Canada Day in Ottawa Fireworks
Fireworks will be lighting up the skies all weekend long. Contrary to previous years, the main fireworks display takes place at Lebreton Flats, not Parliament Hill. You can catch the 10:00 pm show from the following viewing spots across Ottawa and Gatineau:
- Lebreton Flats Park. Although busier, the shooting-off location itself is definitely the best spot to catch the annual show. This is a 19-minute walk from Parliament Hill.
- Portage Bridge. Perfect for those from both Ottawa and Gatineau, the bridge is a great spot to view the fireworks and the beautiful water reflections. This is a 17-minute walk from Parliament Hill.
- La place des Festivals Zibi. Located just across the Portage Bridge in Gatineau, this is a more spacious place to watch the display. This is a 22-minute walk from Parliament Hill.
Firework times are approximate and weather-depending so be sure to arrive with time to spare.
Canada Day Festival Grounds in Ottawa
The all-day Canada Day festivities will be taking place at three locations across Ottawa and Gatineau this year.
Lebreton Flats Park
Where: The main entrance can be found near the intersection of Wellington Street and Booth Street.
When: From 9:00 am to 10:00 pm.
All day fun! Enjoy interactive installations, play games, and get your face painted all while being surrounded by Canadian cheer. Live concerts take place at Lebreton Flats Park from 11:45 am to 1:30 pm and from 7:15 pm to 10:00 pm. Scheduled acts for Canada Day in Ottawa include Jann Arden, Tyler Shaw, and other talented Canadian performers.
Parliament Hill
Where: Wellington Street.
When: From 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Enjoy live bagpipe and drum performances, marching bands, and more on the iconic grounds of Parliament Hill. This area also puts you just steps away from local restaurants and bars on both Sparks Street and in Byward Market. The perfect way to keep the good times rolling.
Old Hull
Where: Old Hull, Quebec.
When: From 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Celebrate with live music on the pop-up stage and enjoy unique shows as a family including a wrestling match! Old Hull also places you steps from various eateries and terraces to relax and enjoy the day.
Museums on Canada Day
What better to celebrate Canada than to learn about it? These museums in Ottawa offer free admission on Canada Day:
- Canadian War Museum
- Canada Aviation and Space Museum
- Canada Science and Technology Museum
- Canadian Museum of History
- National Gallery of Canada
Advanced tickets are recommended in order to secure your space. You can do so via the official museum websites.
Planning for Canada Day in Ottawa
Getting to Canada Day in Ottawa
Transit is free on Canada Day on both the OC Transpo (Ottawa red and white buses) and the Société de transport de l’Outaouais (Gatineau blue and white buses). With this, bus and LRT travel is the easiest and most affordable way to get into the city. If you are visiting from out of town, most Downtown Ottawa hotels are located just steps from the festival sites. In this case, walking is definitely the best way for you to get to and around the events.
What to Bring?
Along with the fun and excitement, is also a lot of time outdoors in the warm July weather. Small bags are allowed on festival grounds, so be sure to bring along with you:
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Hat
- Comfortable walking shoes
Canada Day in Ottawa Accessibility
Lebreton Flats Park has offered reserved areas for those with special needs. This has included a reserved viewing area, accessible washrooms, and more. You can learn more about this here.
Animal and Pets Allowance
Pets and animals, with the exception of assistance dogs, are not permitted on the official festival grounds. Although they are welcome in the downtown core off of festival grounds, it’s important to keep in mind that it will be a hot day. The pavement and humidity may be okay for you, but not your four-legged friends.
Follow along on my daily travels on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.