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Canada Day Celebration Festival
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Festivals Local Flavour Festivals, Local Flavour [Edit]
Parliament HillDowntown Ottawa
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A9
(613) 239-5000
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
3 reviews for Canada Day Celebration Festival
3 reviews in English
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Review from Coy W.
7/18/2011
This is the only day of the year I rarely question where I want to be to celebrate a holiday. The only answer should be in Ottawa. I wish every weekend (or possible everyday) in Ottawa was like Canada Day. The whole downtown core is lively, happening and smiles all around. People are dressed up and proud to show off their love of Canada. To top it off it's a full day full of festivities that include live free concerts on Parliament Hill, vendors out and about in the Market and downtown celebrating Canada Day, people filling up the downtown core to come have a good time, fireworks show at night and continued festivities and parties throughout the night. Everyday should be this lively!
Canada Day in Ottawa is a sight to be seen. I recommend everyone have a chance to see it once. I'd book your hotel or friends couch early as they do fill up quickly. -
Review from Amanda B.
Ottawa, ON
12/31/2010
LOVE Canada Day in downtown Ottawa! Some people aren't fans because of the large crowds, but that's pretty much the point of going downtown. It's the biggest Canada Day festival that I've ever experienced, especially since some people in Toronto don't even know when Canada Day is, much less celebrate it.
The streets are closed off, rammed with people dressed in red and white and donned in Canadian gear. There are extra OC Transpo buses to get you downtown, and fare is free after 10pm.
There is live entertainment, buskers, and all sorts of food stands. There are games and prizes to be won, and activities and shows for people of all ages and interests. You can get your face painted, have a caricature drawn, meet a mountie, watch jugglers and street performers, and enjoy live bands. There are also tons of vendors and shops selling fashion and accessories with the Canadian flag, and restaurants and bakeries selling Canadian flag-shaped goods. During the nighttime festivities, a huge concert is held on Parliament Hill, with Canadian performers like Sarah McLachlan, K'Naan, Blue Rodeo, Joel Plaskett, and the Barenaked ladies. The show ends with fireworks!
If you've never been to Ottawa during Canada Day, you're missing out on a unique experience. Even if some people may not enjoy it as much as others, it's still something you have to try at least once. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and pack water, sunscreen, and a sweater for the nighttime, at the bare minimum. -
Review from Darren M.
Ottawa, ON
12/17/2010 1 photo
Canada Day in Ottawa -- I could probably write a book about the ins and outs and the do's and don'ts of this crazy show.
First off let's break it into two parts..
Part 1 - The ceremonial Parliament Hill stuff. If you like pomp and pagentry and want to get a view of the dignitaries then you'll want to get up early and find a prime spot along the red ropes on Parliament Hill. The area becomes packed and you'll never get to see anyone in person if you show up late. Keep in mind that security is much tighter than most days so avoid bringing big bags and if at ALL possible please don't bring strollers if the kids can manage on their own. Dogs should avoid this crowd too. It's nuts!
The ceremony is pretty good and usually includes the RCMP musical ride (on the west lawn), words from guests and the PM and GG along with concerts and a flyover (usually the Snowbirds) and the peak of the show is the singing of our anthem right around noon. Bring water and sunscreen if it's a nice day. You'll roast in the heat and the crowds are shoulder to sweaty shoulder.
Part 2 - The afternoon and evening fun. Usually I find myself at the noon show on the Hill and then at a bar or pub nearby for the afternoon. The downtown is a mess with street closures and people walking (by 4pm they start stumbling) around looking for anywhere to eat and relax. Sometimes people start to look like zombies because they didn't properly prepare themselves for the crowds, heat and lack of places to enjoy food (it's a Stat holiday keep in mind).
By late afternoon/evening you should have nailed down somewhere to sit for a few hours because it's really hard to get in anywhere if you do plan to bar hop.
Whatever you do make sure you delegate someone in your group to keep an eye on the clock (we failed at this last year!) because at around 10pm the highlight of the day begins - the amazing fireworks.
Most people watch the fireworks from the street or Parliament Hill or Major's Hill park which are OK but super crowded. I found that the hill near Lester B Pearson Building is a good venue as are any rooftops you're able to find open in the downtown area (this requires planning and lots of asking).
Remember. Pace yourself. It's a long but really fun day. Oh and wear red but don't be that person who plans to meet your friend and tells them "I'll be on the lawn at Parliament Hill -- wearing red".
