Canada Day (Weekend) in Ottawa

(Source: Ottawa Tourism)

The biggest Canada Day party takes place in Ottawa each year on July 1, with live entertainment, family activities and spectacular fireworks! And this year, Canada’s Capital is hosting a weekend-long celebration on Saturday, June 30 and Sunday, July 1, 2018. Take a look at these highlights and plan your long weekend getaway to Ottawa for the 151st Canada Day celebrations. And yes, it’s all FREE!

THREE OFFICIAL SITES

Though celebrations are taking place throughout the Ottawa area over the weekend, official Canada Day weekend events are held at the following three official sites:

Parliament Hill: The centrepiece of Ottawa’s downtown landscape, the political and cultural heart of the city, and the main site for Canada Day festivities.

Major’s Hill Park: Conveniently located just a few minutes’ walk from Parliament Hill, between the Fairmont Château Laurier and the National Gallery of Canada, this beautiful green space features family-friendly programming and performances.

Canadian Museum of History: Enjoy indoor and outdoor live entertainment at Canada’s most visited museum, conveniently located in Gatineau, Quebec, just across the Ottawa River from other official Canada Day sites.

(Source: Ottawa Tourism)

CANADA DAY FIREWORKS

Around 10:00 p.m. on July 1, the 15-minute President’s Choice® Canada Day pyromusical fireworks show will be launched from Nepean Point (near the National Gallery of Canada and the Alexandra Bridge). The accompanying soundtrack is 100% Canadian! (Keep in mind the fireworks show is weather dependent.)

Best viewing spots

Parliament Hill is not necessarily the best place to see the fireworks, as the Parliament Buildings can block part of your view. Consider these alternatives:

The central loop of Confederation Boulevard which runs along Wellington Street, MacKenzie Avenue, Sussex Drive in Ottawa, as well as Laurier Street in Gatineau

Major’s Hill Park, overlooking the Ottawa River

The lawn of the Canadian Museum of History along the Gatineau side of the Ottawa River (note: the Alexandra Bridge, which links Ottawa to Gatineau, is closed to vehicles as of 6:00 a.m. and to pedestrians and cyclists as of 9:00 p.m. on Canada Day—subject to change without notice).

(Source: Ottawa Tourism)

Location: Various

Date: Saturday, June 30 and Sunday, July 1, 2018