On July 1 Canada celebrates its birthday. Although Canada Day events are held at many locations around Ottawa and neighboring Gatineau, most entertainment and activities are centralized at Parliament Hill and Major's Hill Park in Ottawa, and Jacques-Cartier and Confederation parks in Gatineau.
From free concerts to chicken barbecues, Canadians and visitors alike will appreciate the festive atmosphere and free activities at the Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa.
Canada Day on Parliament Hill
Set against Canada’s most iconic buildings, a noon-time show livens up Parliament Hill with music, a flypast by Canada’s Snowbirds, and honored guests such as the Prime Minister and Governor General.
Guests at the 2009 Canada Day celebration include Sarah McLachlan, Shane Yellowbird, Cirque Fantastic Concept, and DRUM!—just to mention a few of the dozen performances and appearances during the Parliament Hill party. Special to the 2009 celebration are athletes from the upcoming Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Canada Day Fireworks on Parliament Hill
At about 10pm, an impressive fireworks show illuminates the skies above the Peace Tower. The Canada Capital Commission recommends the best fireworks viewing points in Ottawa as Major's Hill Park and along the Ottawa River. In Gatineau, the best fireworks views can be found at Jacques-Cartier Park and the Canadian Museum of Civilization.
Canada Day Events in Ottawa
In addition to the concert and fireworks at Parliament Hill, many Ottawa museums and attractions hold Canada Day celebrations. Canada day events in Ottawa and Gatineau include:
- Free tours at the Royal Canadian Mint. 320 Sussex Dr., 613-993-8990.
- A free jazz concert as part of the Ottawa Jazz Festival. Confederation Park.
- A CBC-hosted daytime concert (free) at Major's Hill Park. 1 Rideau St.
- Also in Major’s Hill Park, enjoy the tastes of the annual Great Canadian Chicken BBQ.
- The Canadian Museum of Civilization offers free admission. 100 Laurier, Gatineau, 819-776-7000.
Thanks to the celebration spirit, these are just some of the free Canada Day events in Ottawa.
Canada Day Family Activities in Ottawa
On Canada Day, Ottawa makes the perfect destination for families. With free activities, sporting events, entertainment, and food, families will enjoy the endless diversions and low costs. Great Canada Day family activities include:
- Canada Day run at Jacques Cartier Park
- Kids activities at the National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin St., Ottawa, 613-947-7000, 1-866-850-2778.
- Eating cake at the Mackenzie King Estate. Gatineau Park, 819-827-2020, 1-800-465-1867.
- Enjoying outdoor exhibitions including the demonstration farm at the Canada Agriculture Museum. Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa, 613-991-3044, 1-866-442-4416.
- Admiring vintage aircraft and the Canadian Snowbirds at the Canada Aviation Museum. 11 Aviation Parkway, 613-993-2010, 1-800-463-2038.
Planning Canada Day Activities in Ottawa
The National Capital Commission organizes many of the Canada Day events in Ottawa. Due to the large crowds that assemble in Ottawa and Gatineau on Canada Day as well as road closures, check with OC Transpo (613-741-4390) for routes and public transportation options. Alternately, booking a downtown Ottawa hotel puts most Canada Day activities in walking distance.
As Canada Day is a national holiday visitors are advised that services and shops, such as post offices and banks, are closed on Canada Day.
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