Canada Day returns to LeBreton Flats with concerts and fireworks

Canada Day festivities return to LeBreton Flats on Wednesday, July 1, with celebrations expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors throughout downtown Ottawa and across the river in Gatineau.

LeBreton Flats will open at 9 a.m. with family-friendly activities, interactive exhibits, food vendors and live entertainment. The National Noon Ceremony begins at noon with musical performances, cultural celebrations and appearances by special guests.

The festivities continue into the evening with the National Evening Show from 8 to 10 p.m., featuring performances by Alessia Cara, Barenaked Ladies, Isabelle Boulay, Loud, TOBi, Adrian Sutherland and Naomi. The celebration concludes with the Tim Hortons Canada Day Fireworks lighting up the sky over the Ottawa River at approximately 10 p.m.

For those wanting to avoid the largest crowds, the lawn in front of the Supreme Court of Canada will host free activities throughout the day, including outdoor yoga, live entertainment, interactive games and cultural performances. Parliament Hill will serve as another official celebration site with large viewing screens.

Across the river, Old Hull hosts its own concerts and family programming. Throughout downtown, visitors can expect pop-up performances, cultural demonstrations and photo installations. Many national museums, including the Canadian War Museum and Canadian Museum of History, will offer free admission.

The City of Ottawa recommends taking OC Transpo, which is offering free service all day, or walking and cycling. Visitors should bring reusable water bottles and wear sunscreen—temperatures are expected to climb into the 30 C range. Road closures and security screening will be in effect throughout the downtown core.