How to celebrate Canada Day 2024 in Ottawa
6 Minute Read
As the vibrant hues of fireworks illuminate the Ottawa skyline, Canada Day in the capital promises to be unforgettable. While the evening show downtown with Metric, Neon Dreams, and Kiesza promises to be incredible, we have other options if you want to celebrate closer to home.
From free incredible concerts to activities the kids will love, here are fun ways to celebrate July 1 in Ottawa this year.
Daytime Ceremony and Evening Show
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When: July 1, 2024
Celebrate Canada Day with daytime and evening performances in the city's center. Enjoy live concert performances under the sun as you deck out in your best red and white attire. Artists performing at the evening show include Metric, Neon Dreams, and Kiesza, among others, and the day ends with spectacular fireworks across the night sky.
Canada Day Concert
When: July 1, 2024
Dance your heart out at the NAC's free event. YAO, a slam poet and songwriter, will host the musical event, which features a choir with voices from across Canada.
Ottawa Titans Pre-Canada Day Fireworks
When: June 28, 2024
Take your family to the ball game and celebrate Canada Day early with a special event match. The game will end with a grand finale of fireworks, plus CAA will have a kiosk set up giving away free popcorn, and the Ottawa Titans will be wearing special Canada Day-themed jerseys.
CAA Members save 30% off home game tickets.
REDBLACKS Game featuring Big Wreck
When: June 30, 2024
Get outside and soak in the atmosphere of a REDBLACKS football game on the eve of Canada Day. The band Big Wreck will hit the turf before kickoff and at halftime for a show.
Have your CAA Membership handy when buying Ottawa REDBLACKS home game tickets for a 30% discount.
Fireworks at Rideau Carleton Casino
When: July 1, 2024
The Rideau Carleton Casino hosts an annual Canada Day bash with striking fireworks. Tunes will play as the fireworks show paints the sky. Admire the view from the spacious outdoor grounds, where you are welcome to bring your lawn chairs to relax.
OHHH Canada Kids Festival Jeunesse
When: July 1, 2024
Experience a new Canada Day event in Orléans. This lively party has a kids' area with bouncy castles, slides, face painting, games and more. There will be lots of food available, both sweet and savoury, but you're also welcome to bring your own and have a picnic.
RCMP's Canadian Sunset Ceremonies
When: June 27 – 30, 2024
Watch the RCMP Musical Ride Mounties perform a free and family-friendly Canadian Sunset Ceremony. On four evenings, at 7 p.m., send off the month of June with a showcase of horse-riding skills. A troop of officers will delight audiences by showcasing formations and cavalry drills set to music. Get there early to secure a good spot and enjoy some food vendors.
Canada Day in Kanata
When: June 30 and July 1, 2024
Spend an afternoon or two playing games in the family fun zone and seeking thrills on midway rides. With activities for all ages, this year boasts more food vendors, an outdoor marketplace to browse and live music throughout the festival. Stay for the grand finale of fireworks at 10 p.m. on July 1.
Canada Day in Barrhaven
When: July 1, 2024
Clarke Fields Park will transform into bustling festival grounds for Canada Day. Excite your inner child on midway rides, discover many activities in the kids' zone, such as life-sized games and face painting and watch multicultural shows on the main stage. Indulge in treats from food vendors, including BBQ chicken, donuts, Asian street food and BeaverTails. The celebration closes with a display of fireworks at 10 p.m.
Canada Day in Stittsville
When: July 1, 2024
The tradition of fireworks and fun in Stittsville will continue for 2024, so look forward to a free, family event. The festivities will begin at 6 p.m., where you can find your ideal viewing spot, shake it to DJ tunes, enjoy a food truck dinner and chase bubbles as the sun sets. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and check out as fireworks decorate the sky around 9:45 p.m.
Canada Day in Carleton Place
When: July 1, 2024
Sport your best red and white to celebrate along the Mississippi River. Live entertainment will play throughout the afternoon as your family participates in games, crafts, and inflatables geared toward the little ones. There will be food vendors to grab some sustenance and lifeguards on duty at the nearby beach and splash pad. Fireworks begin at 9:45 p.m., and the show will be about 15 minutes long.
Riverside South Community Association Canada Day
When: July 1, 2024
Enjoy daytime activities at Claudette Cain Park, including a mini train ride, laser tag, mini putt, live DJ, Little Ray's Nature Centre show, and more. New food trucks will be on-site this year. Evening festivities, including live music, begin at 8 p.m., and fireworks will light up the sky at dusk, around 10 p.m.
Pre-Canada Day Pig Roast
When: June 30, 2024
Enjoy the annual pre-Canada Day patio party and pig roast hosted by Moose McGuire's Hunt Club. Live music will play as you eat and socialize.
Visit a museum for free in Ottawa
When: July 1, 2024
On July 1 each year, you can visit certain national museums for free. Museums that offer free admission include the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of Nature, the three Ingenium Museums, the Canadian War Museum, and the Canadian Museum of History. Some of the museums will also announce special activities for Canada Day, such as themed crafts and guest aircraft flying in (weather permitting) at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum.
Kids' Night Out: Canada Day Edition
When: June 28, 2024
If your kids are between the ages of 5 and 11, bring them to Art Haven in Kanata for a fun evening of festivities. They can express their creative side with Canadian-themed arts and crafts projects. Pizza and juice are also included with admission. There are limited spots available, so book online if interested.
Canada Day Fireworks with Palapa Tours
When: July 1, 2024
Get tropical and experience the Canada Day fireworks from the Ottawa River with a Palapa Tours boat cruise. Book the 8:30 p.m. evening tour to watch the sunset before the spectacle of fireworks goes off above you. Drinks are offered on board the Hawaiian hut-styled boat, and you're welcome to bring snacks.
Canada Day Sunset & Fireworks Yacht Tour
When: July 1, 2024
Escape the crowded shore and delight in a sunset cruise along the Ottawa River before anchoring to watch the Canada Day fireworks. The entire boat tour is a three-hour experience, and you can pre-order food if you want to enjoy a sandwich, tapas or charcuterie on board.
SOLÉ
When: July 28 – July 1, 2024
Music lovers can enjoy a festival of tunes and dance their way into Canada Day celebrations. This outdoor party in the Byward Market will feature fun beats, good eats and nearby shopping. You can reserve tickets for a specific day or buy a weekend pass.
Celebrate Canada with your CAA Membership
Starting at just $30 a year, CAA Members can enjoy discounts on everything from sports tickets to museum admissions. You can view the list of 126,000 partner locations worldwide and compare Membership plans online.
