There’s no better place to celebrate Canada Day than the nation’s capital—with official ceremonies, star-studded concerts, and stunning fireworks over Parliament Hill.
Ottawa and Gatineau transform into the epicentre of Canada’s birthday festivities. National museums open their doors for free, the Royal Canadian Air Force soars above, and LeBreton Flats hosts some of the country’s biggest artists.
From riverside cruises to peaceful family zones and neighbourhood beach parties, the capital region offers a full spectrum of ways to take part in the celebration.
1. National Celebration – LeBreton Flats & Parliament Hill
On Canada Day, Ottawa shines even brighter than usual as hosts of the official national showcase with daytime ceremonies, a star-studded evening concert, and signature spectacular fireworks. At LeBreton Flats there will be Top-tier Canadian performers (see below), kid-friendly activities, and military displays—all reflecting national pride.
The celebrations begin with the National Noon Ceremony, also taking place at LeBreton Flats Park. This official event features performances by Amanda Marshall, Garou, Thompson Egbo-Egbo, Rafaëlle Roy, Alli Walker and will be hosted by Sonia Benezra.
The national noon ceremony will officially kick off the celebrations live from Ottawa’s LeBreton Flats Park starting at 12 pm (ET) and will be broadcast on CBC, CBC News Network, CBC Gem, CBC Radio, the CBC News YouTube channel and CBC News streaming channels as well as ICI RDI, ICI TÉLÉ and ICI TOU.TV.
2. Five Exceptional Canadians to Join Order of Canada
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, will take part in the National Noon Ceremony, where she will deliver remarks and preside over a special Order of Canada investiture ceremony, one of the country’s highest honours. The following appointees will be invested into the Order of Canada: Heather Rankin, Ryan Reynolds, Deantha Rae Edmunds, Scott Oake and Kim Thúy Ly Thanh.
Broadcast coverage begins at 12:00 p.m. ET on the same national platforms as the evening show.
To get into the spirit, explore the official Canada Day playlist and discover more about the artists lighting up the stage on July 1.
Free Events at Parliament Hill
Iconic site featuring Canadian traditions: the Ceremonial Guard Band, bagpipes, demonstrations by the Snowbirds and a live broadcast of the national noon ceremony and evening show on a giant screen.
Old Hull, Quebec
Additionally in Old Hull There will be a festive atmosphere with family activities during the day and captivating evening performances by famous artists.
Watch for afternoon performances at Le Breton by:
- Amanda Marshall
- Garou
- Thompson Egbo-Egbo
- Rafaëlle Roy
- Alli Walker
- Sonia Benezra (host)
Evening concerts broadcast across Canada
Roch Voisine, Randy Bachman, Édith Butler, TALK, Dumas & Ivan Boivin-Flamand, Fredz, Aasiva, Muzion, Billie du Page, and Morgan Grace accompanied by dancers under the direction of Alex Francoeur, as well as Les Sœurs Bégin and Enola Bedard.
Hosted by Isabelle Racicot, the evening show will broadcast live on CBC, CBC News Network, CBC Gem, CBC Radio, the CBC News YouTube channel and CBC News streaming channelsas well as ICI RDI, ICI TÉLÉ and ICI TOU.TV and Radio-Canada.ca.
Live performances from Ottawa, with special performance segments from Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories and Vancouver, British Columbia, the following Canadian artists and special guests will take to the stage:
- Sarah McLachlan
- Muzion
- Cœur de pirate
- Billie du Page
- Josh Ross
- Morgan Grace
- Tom Cochrane
- Blue Rodeo (Summerside)
- Mitsou
- Alex Wells (Vancouver)
- Amanda Marshall
- Dear Rouge (Vancouver)
- Roch Voisine
- Crook the Kid (Yellowknife)
- Randy Bachman
- Brenda Montana (Yellowknife)
- Édith Butler
- Jeff Douglas (special guest)
- TALK
- Katherine Levac (special guest)
- Dumas & Ivan Boivin-Flamand
- Les Sœurs Bégin (special guests)
- Fredz
- Enola Bedard (special guest)
- Aasiva
- When: Day: 12 pm – ? (ceremony starts 12 pm ET); Evening show 8–10 pm; fireworks at ~10 pm
- Where: LeBreton Flats and Parliament Hill
- Highlights: Ceremonial Guard Band, RCMP, big-screen national broadcast
Supreme Court Family Zone
A fresh addition for Canada Day 2025: the Supreme Court grounds will host family-focused free events, including yoga, drumming workshops, and live streaming of national ceremonies. Kids and adults alike can enjoy interactive fun in a peaceful urban setting.
- When: July 1, concurrent with main sites
- Where: Supreme Court of Canada
- Highlights: Wellness workshops, crafts, live broadcast
Ottawa River Queen Fireworks Cruise
Celebrate from the water aboard a party boat for a spectacular nighttime cruise. DJs are on board, the dance floor is open, and the city skyline and fireworks dazzle overhead.
- When: July 1, boarding ~8:30 pm; cruise 9 pm–midnight ticketgateway.com
- Where: Departing Quai des Artistes, Gatineau
- Highlights: Licensed bar, rooftop music, dancing, waterfront views
- Website: https://ottawaboatparties.com/
Canada Day Orléans – Petrie Island
Looking for a community vibe with a beach twist? Petrie Island hosts a family-focused celebration with cultural performances, water games, crafts, and lakeside ambience.
- When: July 1, all-day
- Where: Petrie Island, 717 Tweddle Rd, Orléans
- Highlights: Beachside setting, multicultural programming, kid-friendly activities
- Website: https://canadadayorleans.ca/
Ottawa Yacht Fireworks Nights (Luxury Yacht Private/Shared)
For an intimate and upscale experience, set sail on a private yacht with curated cocktails and deluxe fireworks viewing from Gatineau waters.
- When: July 1, departure at 8:00 pm (3‑hour duration)
- Where:
- Boarding point: Le Pirate Marina, 1067 Jacques‑Cartier St, Gatineau, QC
- Parking: 1089 Jacques‑Cartier St, Gatineau, QC
- Bookings and Website: Ottawa Yacht Fireworks Nights ottawayacht.ca
Insider Tips & Insights
- Planning: Central Ottawa locations close to traffic—arrive early or use transit.
- Free Access: Many national museums (e.g., Canadian Museum of Nature, War Museum) offer free admission on July 1
- Fireworks Viewing: Wellington Street and LeBreton Flats provide excellent vantage points.
- Weather & Comfort: Expect warm, potentially humid weather—bring water, sunscreen, and bug repellent.
For pages and pages of other things to do in the Ottawa region on Canada Day, Visit the Canada Day website to discover all the activities.
by Terry Lankstead
lead photo by Venkatesan P on Unsplash
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