Free Canada Day Events in Ottawa, ON
No-Cost Family Activities Include Museums, Fireworks, and Concerts
Jun 2, 2009
Canada Day means a grand celebration in Ottawa, Ontario and the neighboring city of Gatineau, Quebec. Around the two cities, parks promise free entertainment, museums open their doors offering free admission, and a free fireworks show caps off the evening.
Parliament Hill is certainly the center of the party, with the Prime Minister and Governor General in attendance at a free concert, but there are many other options for free family activities on Canada Day.
Free Admission to Museums on Canada Day in Ottawa
Many Ottawa Museums waive admission fees on Canada Day and offer free entrance. For families in particular, this is a great way to see such exhibits as the demonstration farm at the Canada Agriculture Museum and the Grand Hall at the Canadian Museum of Civilization. Museums offering free admission on Canada Day include:
- Canada Agriculture Museum, Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa. 613-991-3044, 1-866-442-4416.
- Bytown Museum (admission to temporary, main floor exhibits), 1 Canal Lane, Ottawa. 613-234-4570
- Canadian Museum of Civilization, 100 Laurier St., Gatineau. 819-776-7000
- National Gallery of Canada (free admission to the permanent collection only), 380 Sussex Dr., Ottawa. 613-990-1985, 1-800-319-2787
- Currency Museum of the Bank of Canada (free admission year-round), 245 Sparks St., Ottawa. 613-782-8914
- Mackenzie King Estate, Gatineau Park. 819-827-2020, 1-800-465-1867
Free Concerts on Canada Day in Ottawa
Free concerts fuel the Canada Day party. The largest concert happens on Parliament Hill as thousands gather in view of the Peace Tower and the Ottawa River to celebrate Canada’s birthday. More than a dozen performers entertain the Parliament Hill crowds from 12 noon to 1:30pm on Canada Day.
In Confederation Park (off Laurier Ave. West), the National Capital Commission organizes a free show as part of the Ottawa Jazz Festival. Across the Rideau Canal in Major’s Hill Park (1 Rideau St.), CBC hosts a daytime show and songwriter circle.
Free Canada Day Fireworks Show in Ottawa
For many, the highlight of Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa remains the impressive fireworks show that illuminates the skies above Gatineau and Ottawa. The show starts at 10 pm. Great views of the Canada Day fireworks can be gained from the banks of the Ottawa River, Parliament Hill, and Jacques-Cartier Park.
Planning Free Canada Day Activities
There is no-shortage of Canada Day events in Ottawa—both free and with a small cost. This means that on July 1, downtown Ottawa becomes difficult to navigate with road closures and extra pedestrian traffic, particularly during the fireworks. Public transportation (OC Transpo, 613-741-4390) offers the easiest options for getting to and fro the festivities. Alternately, visitors can plan to stay at a downtown hotel to be within an easy stroll of most Canada Day celebrations.
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