Canada day is almost upon us. As the capital of Canada, Ottawa is always on centre stage during Canada Day. This year is no different. There are plenty of incredible events happening this year in Ottawa. From the east to the west end, downtown and more, there is something for everyone to enjoy this year in Ottawa. Whether you are looking for a Canada Day party, a great museum to explore or live music there are so many options in Ottawa. 

Ottawa is alive with vibrant excitement, here are 5 Ideas For Canada Day! 

Canada Day in Orleans (July 1st) - Petrie Island 

Bright lights and a beautiful setting. Petrie Island holds one of the largest Canada Day events in Ottawa. Canadians gather in community fashion to celebrate our country's birthday. 

The event will host a ‘Kid Zone’ and a ‘BeerZone’ - with live music, live animals, and lots of fun. The variety of options means that there is something for everyone at Petrie Island. Enjoy some awesome music and a cold drink as you lounge or party on one of Ottawa's most beautiful beaches. Feet in the sand and a cold drink in your hand, it does not get much better than that. 

Of course, the main attraction of Canada Day will also be there...

BEACHFRONT FIREWORKS! Enjoy the bright lights as they reflect across the Ottawa River. This fireworks spectacular cannot be missed. This gathering and celebration of our Nation's existence will be filled with FREE activities and tons of family fun!

Boston Levi (July 1st - 8:00pm) - OverFlow Brewing Company

BOSTON LEVI - CANADA DAY

“Our biggest Canada Day concert yet.

BOSTON LEVI, BROTHER ELSEY & KASADOR.

Canada Day festivities all day... and one rocking concert at night.

Let's celebrate Canada in the most epic way!”

You need a ticket to get into this show so visit overflowbeer.com to buy yours.

The Overflow Brewing Company is one of the newer breweries in Ottawa. This fantastic brewery is located in the Alta Vista / South Keys area. Known for their tasty beers across all of Ottawa. This is one event that you definitely need to check out if you love good music and good drinks. 

Location: 2477 Kaladar Ave, Ottawa, ON

National Art Centre (July 1st - 2:00pm to 9:00pm)

The National Arts Center Orchestra shares the stage with a stellar lineup of young homegrown vocalists and musicians. This hits different! Celebrate Canadian talent from across the country this Canada Day at the NAC. 

A chance to enjoy some of our nation's best musicians… for FREE! This orchestrated event will be filled with talent.  

Artists will be performing music by great Canadian composers like “Violet Archer, John Estacio, Dinuk Wijeratne, and Oscar Peterson. As we reflect and celebrate this wondrous country we call home, composed of caring communities built by strong, proud, free, diverse, inclusive, and empathetic people, this all Canadian concert will touch the tenderness in your heart one moment and send your mind and dreams soaring to new heights the next.”

Location: 1 Elgin St Ottawa, ON

Canada Day Fireworks (July 1st 10:00pm)

Where can you see Canada Day Fireworks in Ottawa?  On July 1, you will see a fantastic 15-minute pyro-musical show that you will never forget. The fireworks ignite the Ottawa sky at 10 p.m and are launched from LeBreton Flats Park in Ottawa. Thousands of spectators watch a dazzling, synchronized fireworks show with a soundtrack composed of Canadian music. 

Location: Designated sightseeing areas include - LeBreton Flats, Confederation Park & Major’s Hill Park

Run Ottawa (July 1st) 

This is the 34th edition of the traditional Run Ottawa event. If you are not familiar with this event, understand that Ottawa might just have the best running landscape in our nation, there’s a reason this city additionally hosts our nation’s largest marathon (Ottawa Race Weekend)

 But this day, you can celebrate our country’s capital landscape in the freest way possible, outside practicing Terry Fox’s favourite pastime, at your own pace. 

All participants in the 5K and 10K receive a medal, timing bib, and post-race snacks & beverages. All participants in the Kids 1K Run will receive timing and a cotton race shirt! The option to purchase a commemorative ASICS race shirt is available.

Online registration is now closed. You will be able to register at race kit pick-up (see location/times below)—space is limited for regular registration that includes a medal; Green Bib registration is unlimited (no medal). 

10K and 5K:

Adults: $65 + applicable fee + hst

Youth (25 and under): $25 + applicable fee + hst

1K (6-12 years):

$15 + applicable fee + hst 

*CREDIT CARD ONLY. NO CASH.*

Start times:

• 10K: 8:00 a.m.

• 5K: 8:10 a.m.

• 100 Metre Tot Trot:  9:30 a.m.

• 1k: 9:45 a.m.

Race kit pick-up:

• Wednesday, June 29, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Bushtukah Westboro, 203 Richmond Rd

• Thursday, June 30,  4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Bushtukah Stittsville, 5607 Hazeldean Rd

• On-site kit pick-up Friday, July 1, 7 a.m.

Bag check will be available on-site.

Prizes:

Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers for both the 5K and the 10K

• First place $300

• Second place $200

• Third place $100

Location: Earl of March Secondary School, 4 The Pkwy, Kanata, ON.

Museums will be open!

• The Canadian Museum of Nature is open and admission to the permanent collection is free on Canada Day.

• The Canadian War Museum and Canadian Museum of History are open and admission is free.

• The National Gallery of Canada is open and admission is free.

• Ingenium museums — the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum and the Canada Science and Technology Museum — are open with free admission on Canada Day.

• Most City of Ottawa art centres and museums will be closed on Friday — check with them directly for details.

• All Ottawa Public Library branches are closed on Friday.

Canada Day In Ottawa

However, you choose to spend July 1st there is so much to do and so much to see. What to do on Canada Day in Ottawa? From Fireworks and beach parties to live music at breweries and exploring unique museums. There is a wealth of opportunities to enjoy and celebrate Canada Day in Ottawa.