As our Nation’s Capital, Canada Day is one of the biggest days of the year for Ottawa. Not only do people come from across the country to celebrate here, but Ottawans love to get out and enjoy everything their wonderful city has to offer on this momentous day! Whether you’re an Ottawa resident, or simply a visitor this weekend, we’ve made a list of the top Canada Day events you won’t want to miss out on!
National Arts Centre
The NAC will be open from 10:00am until 5:00pm on Canada Day, offering a host of fun free activities for all the family! There will be musical and dance performances, as well as crafts for the kids to do. From 11:00am until 5:00pm the NAC will be hosting its annual Canada Day BBQ with plenty of hot dogs and burgers to fill all the hungry bellies!
Bank of Canada Museum
This year’s theme at the Bank of Canada Museum is Women on Currency. Rain or shine, enjoy family-friendly activities including origami money folding, striking your very own coin, entertainers, crafts balloons, and free frozen treats!
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
If you’re interested in aircraft, then you’ll want to head to the Canada Aviation and Space Museum this Canada Day! Many visiting aircraft will be flying in for museum visitors and you’ll have the opportunity to speak with the pilots of these amazing machines. Admission is free all day long! Donations welcome.
National Gallery of Canada
Celebrate Canada Day at the National Gallery, which is offering a whole host of fun family activities all day long! There will be plenty of artistic crafts for keep the kids entertained, as well as a scavenger hunt the whole family will enjoy! Free admission.
Canadian Museum of History
The Canadian Museum of History has an epic list of activities and live entertainment to delight the whole family all weekend long! On Canada Day, the museum will be open from 9:00am to 9:00pm with free admission all day long. You can find the full list of activities HERE.
Major’s Hill Park
In the heart of Ottawa’s downtown, Major’s Hill Park is one of the best places to be on Canada Day in the capital. All weekend long there will be fun festivities including up-and-coming musical and cultural talents, unique circus performances, innovative public engagements activities, a community culinary experience, and creative and playful games. You can also enjoy a ride around the park on a miniature VIA Rail train!
Parliament Hill
What would Canada Day in Ottawa be without a trip to the capital’s most iconic location? Join the party on the hill to celebrate Canada’s birthday in style! At noon on Canada Day, there will be live music performances by Canadian artists, including Arkells, Lights, Iskwé, Brigitte Boisjoli and Rose Cousins! Children will be in awe as Canada’s Snowbirds soar overhead. The evening show will start at 7:00pm.
President’s Choice® Canada Day Pyro-musical Fireworks
Last but not least, make sure not to miss the Canada Day fireworks! The show will begin at 10:00pm and the best viewing locations are Canadian Museum of History, Major’s Hill Park and along the Ottawa River. The fireworks will be launched from the Astrolabe at Nepean Point and this year will feature 1,300 aerial shells and 150 of the largest shells allowed in Canada.
However you celebrate this Canada Day, we hope you enjoy everything the wonderful city of Ottawa has to offer! We love our country and are proud to be Canada’s leading real estate company, helping thousands of Canadians find their dreams homes in Ottawa and beyond. Happy Canada Day!
