So many amazing Canada Day events are planned to celebrate Canada's Birthday. Here's a round up of where, when and what you need to know! Wear plenty of sunscreen and a hat, take lots of water and be prepared to wait in line. Don't forget to wear your red and white and have fun!
New Locations for Canada Day
Parliament Hill has been the official Canada Day site for over 50 years. This year, the Centre Block Rehabilitation project means the Canada Day main stage is moving to a new location just 1.5 kilometre (less than one mile) to the west. Canadian Heritage is pleased to announce two new sites: LeBreton Flats Park and Place des festivals Zibi. The iconic Parliament Hill remains a wonderful place for photos on Canada Day and any day. Visit the official Canada Day website for details on 2022 programming.
Lebreton Flats Park *New*
From 9 am to 10:30 pm
With family or friends, head to this Canada Day site located in downtown Ottawa. See the many Canadian artists and participate in various activities. The Tim Hortons Canada Day fireworks will also be held near this site.
Place des Festivals Zibi *New*
From 9 am to 10:30 pm
This site is located on the Gatineau side, just a few steps from LeBreton Flats Park. Invite your friends and family to see emerging artists and participate in various activities. At Place des festivals Zibi, visitors will be able to discover emerging artists including Lisa LeBlanc, Jonathan Roy, ALLDAYJAM aka Mike Clay, Mélissa Ouimet, Geneviève et Alain, Marie Clo, Mia Kelly, Double Magnum and Gurdeep Pandher, watch BMX demonstrations, admire urban artwork, and take part in a bunch of activities.
Parliament Hill
Parliament Hill is among our country’s most iconic landmarks. Like every other day of the year, visit the Hill on July 1 and take part in the activities offered on-site. Come down to the heart of the National Capital and take in the aerobatic feats of the world-famous Canadian Forces Snowbirds or watch a thrilling acrobatic parachute descent by the internationally renowned Canadian Armed Forces Parachute Team, the SkyHawks.
Daytime Ceremony
11:30-1:30
LeBreton Flats Park
The daytime ceremony highlights who we are as a people as well as the anniversaries and themes that are important to us. It’s an opportunity to recognize Canada’s diversity and showcase its talented artists. From coast to coast to coast, you can watch the daytime ceremony on Canadian Heritage’s YouTube channel, CBC News Network, ICI RDI and other national news networks.
Evening Show
8:00-10:00 PM
LeBreton Flats Park
The evening show brings us together and allows us to witness the path chosen by Canadian artists. Live from Canada’s capital, this 2-hour show takes us on a cross-country journey through a variety of artistic performances. To watch it live visit the 'evening show' link above for all the broadcasting sites.
The National Canada Day Contest Presented by VIA Rail Canada
What a joy to finally be able to reconnect with friends and family! The national Canada Day contest presented by VIA Rail Canada offers you the chance to travel by train to the Canadian destination of your choice. Travel through the beautiful Canadian landscapes and create memories with those who are dear to you. On July 1 and year-round, celebrate what makes you proud. Until July 3, enter the contest for a chance to win one of two train trips, for 4 people, to the Canadian destination of your choice (a maximum value of $15,000 each).
Canada Day Activity Kit
Whether you’re celebrating Canada Day with family and friends, at home, at the campground or at the beach, browse through the activity kit to create a day of celebration that will you truly enjoy. The kit includes an origami Canada Day lantern, crafts, hide and seek, 3D model of Parliament Hill, colouring your own Canadian flag, and much more!
Fireworks
Times are approximate and please verify with the group.
- Tim Hortons Canada Day Pyromusical Fireworks (Main fireworks by Canadian Heritage) – July 1, 2022 | 10:00 PM @ Best views from LeBreton Flats Park, Ottawa/Place des festivals Zibi, 3 Eddy St, Gatineau Details
- Ottawa REDBLACKS – June 30 after the game @ The Stadium at TD Place, 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa
- Riverside South Community Canada Day Fireworks– July 1, 2022 | 10:00 PM @ Claudette Cain Park, Ottawa
- Orléans Canada Day Fireworks – July 1, 2022 | 10:00 PM @ Petrie Island, Ottawa
- Barrhaven Canada Day Fireworks – July 1, 2022 | Dusk @ Clarke Fields Park, 93 Houlahan St, Nepean
- Greely Canada Day Fireworks – July 1, 2022 | Dusk @ Greely Community Centre, 1448 Meadow Dr, Greely
- Stittsville Canada Day Fireworks – July 1, 2022 | 10:00 PM @ Cardel Rec Centre., 1500 Shea Rd, Stittsville
- Munster Canada Day Fireworks – 2022 TBA (2019 from Munster Dogwood Park, 2890 Munster Road, Ottawa)
- Kanata Canada Day Fireworks – July 1, 2022 | 10:00 PM from Walter Baker Park off Terry Fox Drive, Kanata
Confederation Park
Check out a variety of family-friendly activities running throughout the day including the TD Jazz Festival Performances (festival happening over 10 days- see the festival website for specific lineups).
National Arts Centre
Join us for a wide range of FREE Canada Day activities.
Be our guest at a free Canada Day NAC Orchestra concert hosted by Yao, featuring soprano Jonelle Sills and trombonist Hillary Simms. From a Powwow Workout class to Bollywood basics, we’ll keep you moving throughout the day. Stop by the Canal Foyer to see Heather Nicol’s sound and kinetic textile installation titled Mary, Anne, Joan, an homage to the artist’s elderly mother and her two younger sisters.
Canada Day is a day to reflect on what it means to be Canadian, to share what makes us proud, and to learn from one another. However you choose to mark the occasion we’ve got something for everyone.
Take a break and enjoy a meal at our restaurant, 1 Elgin, from 11:30 am to 9 pm.
Events at National and Local Museums
It’s time to celebrate! The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum is highlighting Canada’s birthday with lots of exciting activities for the whole family. Tempt your sweet tooth with maple ice cream making and tasting, or sample a piece of strawberry cake. Watch our special demonstrations and learn about Canadian livestock breeds, then test your knowledge with the Great Canadian Quiz! Little hands can keep busy making a special craft to take home.
Museum admission will be FREE, but advanced ticketing is strongly recommended as capacity will be controlled. Tickets will be available on Tuesday, June 28. For admission details and to book your ticket, see Visitor Information.
Lots of on-site activities throughout the day. My favourite:
Maple Ice Cream Making (10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3 p.m.)
Help us make our delicious maple ice cream, using an old-fashioned hand-crank freezer. The best part? Everyone who helps can taste the end result!
Take family fun to new heights this Canada Day! Join the Canada Aviation and Space Museum for a celebration of Canadian achievements. Explore the museum’s latest exhibition Eyes on the Skies which examines the rapid evolution of air traffic management, as well as the systems, people, and technologies that keep our busy skies safe. Check out the largest surviving pieces of the famous Avro Arrow, marvel at the original Canadarm used on the Endeavour space shuttle and learn about the most extensive aviation collection in Canada.
Museum admission will be FREE, but advanced ticketing is strongly recommended as capacity will be controlled. Tickets will be available on Tuesday, June 28. For admission details and to book your ticket, see Visitor Information.
Canadian Museum of History
Enjoy visiting the History Museum and Children's Museum for free.
Canadian Museum of Nature
Admission to the museum is free on July 1.
Diefenbunker
By reservation only, the Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum will be opening its blast doors with discounted admission on Friday, July 1, 2022.
Date: Friday, July 1, 2022
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., timed entry every 30 minutes
Price: Discounted admission at 50% off the regular ticketed price. We welcome donations to support our unique museum and national historic site. Donations can be made online here or through donation boxes on site.
Science and Technology Museum
Looking to awaken your curiosity and have some fun this Canada Day? Ponder the invention of everyday technologies while watching entertaining animations from the National Film Board, then take in one of the many daily science demonstrations. If you’re up for the challenge, take part in a game of search-and-find as you explore the museum. There really is something for everyone!
Museum admission will be FREE, but advanced ticketing is strongly recommended as capacity will be controlled. Tickets will be available on Tuesday, June 28. For admission details and to book your ticket, see Visitor Information.
Pinhey's Point Historic Site
Spend a relaxing Canada Day near the water and enjoy a sampling of leisure time pursuits that will transport you back in time. Admission by donation.
Events Around Ottawa
Getting Around Ottawa
In-person festivities are returning this Canada Day, Friday, July 1! This will also be O-Train Line 1's first large Canada Day celebration since being in operation.
To celebrate, there will be no-charge service all day (until 3 am) on OC Transpo buses, O-Train Line 1, and Para Transpo.
This year, performances and fireworks will be at LeBreton Flats (Pimisi), with secondary festivities at Parliament Hill. O-Train Line 1 will be the best choice for travel.
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