Ottawa Set to Party as Canada Celebrates its 157th Birthday

Ottawa is preparing to celebrate Canada Day in style on 1st July with events taking place throughout the city. The Canadian capital will play centre stage for the national celebrations with visitors from across the globe expected to gather for what will be an unforgettable day for all.

Canada Day, or la Fête du Canada in French, commemorates the anniversary of the enactment of the British North America Act of 1st July 1867. Today called the Constitution Act, it united three colonies into a single country called Canada. The 1st July became known as Dominion Day and in 1982 it officially changed its name to Canada Day. Today it is a country wide patriotic holiday that celebrates all things Canadian, with the biggest party of them all taking place in Ottawa.

The epic celebration features a variety of free programming at official sites in Ottawa and Gatineau, including interactive activities, appearances by dignitaries and special guests, live performances by top and emerging Canadian musicians, and impressive fireworks show (weather permitting)!

Programme highlights include:

• The 75 & 742 Air Cadets Squadrons Band Programs (from 9:00 am to 9:30 am – Parliament Hill). One hundred cadets from the Brass & Reed band and the Pipes & Drums ensemble as well as Scottish dancers will perform for Canada and the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
• Ottawa Senators Activation Zone (from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm – 1 Vimy Place). Meet the Ottawa Senators Street Team! Pop by their activation to take part in fun, family-friendly activities and win prizes including a signed Sens jersey.
• The Royal Canadian Air Force Pipes & Drums (from 9:30 am to 10:00 am – Parliament Hill).
• Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Centennial Flypast (from 1:00 pm to 1:15 pm – Parliament Hill). Don’t miss this impressive demonstration in the skies over Ottawa-Gatineau.
• The SkyHawks, the Canadian Armed Forces Parachute Team (from 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm – Parliament Hill). The SkyHawks team will perform parachute manoeuvres and land on Parliament Hill!
• Evening show – Canada Day: Feel the Rhythm! (from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm – 1 Vimy Place). A variety of iconic and emerging artists will share the stage.
• Tim Hortons Canada Day Fireworks (from 10:00 pm to 10:15 pm – 1 Vimy Place). Don’t miss the majestic fireworks display!

For more information visit: https://ottawatourism.ca/en/see-and-do/canada-day