What to do on Canada Day: Fireworks to free shows

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It may be a wet Canada Day celebration according to the meteorologists, with possible rain and even thunderstorms forecast that could cancel the many fireworks shows planned for this evening around the greater Ottawa area, including big musical pyrotechnics set to go off from the Nepean Point Astrolabe at 10 p.m.

Thinking positively, heres an interactive map indicating the best viewing locations to catch the big display downtown and along the river.

Keeping with good news, Rideau Street is expected to be open to pedestrians only by July 1, after a sinkhole led to its protracted closure.

Plus, as always, events are free at the three official sites: Parliament Hill, Major’s Hill Park and at the Canadian Museum of History. There will be information booths set up at each of these locations.

Scroll down to the bottom of this list for the numerous community events, many holding evening fireworks (if the weather cooperates).

HELPFUL CANADA DAY TIPS

• Roads will be closed in the downtown core around Parliament Hill, Alexandra Bridge, Sussex Drive and Jacques-Cartier Park — the list is extensive, so do not even think of driving downtown unless you want to be very frustrated.
• Make use of the free OC Transpo service, including Para Transpo, all day (though no buses will stop on Mackenzie King Bridge after 7 p.m.). STO is offering free rides after 10 p.m.
• Ride your bike, leave the car at home: There will be supervised bike stations for locking up.
• A free shuttle bus will run between the Museum of History and Major’s Hill Park, with stops on Laurier Street at Jacques-Cartier Park and on St. Patrick Street between the National Gallery and Major’s Hill Park.
• Bring a water bottle to refill at stations, sunblock, a hat (and rain poncho given the forecast) and wear all the red and white you’ve got.
• Carry cash: In previous years, debit machine networks have become overwhelmed as thousands of thirsty people descend on the downtown core on July 1. Also, ATMs often run out of money by early evening. Stock up the day before or before heading to The Hill.
• Think toilet paper: Just as ATMs run out of cash, so too do the public restrooms and loos around the hub of activity as the day and night march on. It may seem silly now, but pack a small wad now or rue the omission later.

ON PARLIAMENT HILL

Happy Birthday Canada!

• Changing of the Guard, 10 a.m., including marching band and military drills by the Governor General’s Foot Guards.
• A Carillon concert will peal over the hill, 10 to 10:30 a.m., with performance by Dominion Carilloneur Andrea McCrady on the Peace Tower’s 53-bell carillon
• The noontime musical show includes a sky-high air display by Canada’s Snowbirds and CF-18s.
  Canadian musicians performing include Polaris Prize-nominated Coeur de Pirate, new wave rockers Metric, Latin soul man Alex Cuba, indie folk fun from Les Hay Babies, Indian City and Coleman Hell with hosts Kardinal Offishall and Rebecca Makonnen. This show will be broadcast on CBC TV and Radio, and CPAC.
• The evening musical show and fireworks, 7:30 to 10 p.m., include the same eclectic and energetic musical performers as at noon, but ends with a pyrotechnic musical performance at 10 p.m., best viewed from Major’s Hill Park, Museum of History lawn and along the Ottawa River.

ON MAJOR’S HILL PARK

• Lots of free, family-friendly activities from 9 a.m. including a science carnival courtesy the Canada Science and Technology Museum, slackline balancing, circus tricks and parkour to try, face painting, miniature train to ride, cooking demonstrations and more. Plus, there is entertainment from roving street performers and acrobats, cultural shows including First Nations, the Middle East to Brazil and live music.
• The MH Park evening show begins at 7 p.m., with Shawn Hook, Andie Duquette and DJ Ilon, and may be the best spot to view the fireworks at 10 p.m.

AT THE CANADIAN MUSEUM OF HISTORY

• Free activities outside on the museum lawn and inside (free admission all day) from 9 a.m.
• There will be inflatable structures set up for toddlers and up to play on, a giant puppet show, circus acrobatics, stilt performances and face-painting, plus hands-on craft activities (including making Canada Day kites and streamer wands) and percussion. Also, Hinterland’s Who’s Who is bringing Canadian wildlife to meet and there will be live music suitable for all ages, from French Canadian folk to a one-man comedic musical show from Violon Dingue.
• Also, its possible to catch the Parliament Hill shows from this side of the river, including the fireworks at 10 p.m.
  See more at canadaday.gc.ca

Photos: What to do Canada Day


Unlike some years, there are many fireworks planned for the greater Ottawa region, including a big show downtown at 10 p.m. on our nation's 149th birthday.

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  The Ceremonial Guard leave Parliament Hill after the first Changing of the Guard ceremony for the 2015 season today in Ottawa, June 29. (Jean Levac/ Ottawa Citizen) ORG XMIT: POS1506291047404701 Jean Levac / Ottawa Citizen
  
  
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  Metric play the noon and evening shows on Parliament Hill on Canada Day.
  
  
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  There's rain forecast for Canada Day, but that rarely dampens revellers spirits (but may lead to fireworks being cancelled). Fred Chartrand / The Canadian Press
  
  
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  DJ Grandtheft plays the all-Canada electronic Escapade Canada Day parking lot concert in the ByWard Market.
  
  
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  Cultural events including a showcase of Algonquin culture can be enjoyed at Major's Hill Park on July 1.
  
  
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  Dominion City Brewing Co 's two-session Dominion Day Party has become one of the hot tickets in town. Julie Oliver / Ottawa Citizen
  
  
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  Marié Pierre Couture was at Blanchet Beach at Meech Lake enjoying hot weather. All beaches will be open in Ottawa on Canada Day, but not all wading pools will be. Ashley Fraser / Postmedia
  
  
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  Almonte has an antique car show as part of its regular Canada Day events.
  
  
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  Mackenzie King Estate has special events planned, including a birthday cake, for July 1.
  
  
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  Lance Corporal Ernest Kelly (second from the right) was one of the Newfoundlanders and Labradorians wounded at Beaumont-Hamel. The War Museum and the VAC commemorate the 100th anniversary of the battle and that of Somme, which devastated Newfoundland and Labrador of its sons, on July 1. In this photo, taken 4 days after the battle, he poses with fellow survivors at Wandsworth Hospital, London, England. The Royal Newfoundland Regiment Historical Collection, 2007-59 / Canadian War Museum
  
  
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  Alex Cuba plays the Parilament Hill noon and evening shows.
  
  
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  Polaris-prize nominated singer snngwriter Coeur de Pirate plays the Parliament Hill noon and evening shows.
  
  
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  Les Hay Babies play the noon and evening Parliament Hill Canada Day shows.
  
  
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  There are many community Canada Day parades, encouraging bike decorations, some even offering prizes.
  
  
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  Captain Hisso and Sailor Ho are some of the roving performers entertaining at the Canadian Museum of History on Canada Day.
  
  
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  The Peptides headline the Canada Day in Kanata concert lineup.
  
  
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  Thousands are expected to attend the Canada Day in Kanata party.
  
  
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  Andie Duquette plays Major's Hill Park on Canada Day.
  
  
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  The Riot Police plays the free Jazz Festival concert at Marion Dewar plaza on July 1.
  
  
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  Cirque de Soleil's Avatar-inspired show Toruk has two shows at the Canadian Tire Centre on July 1. Errisson Lawrence / supplied
  

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Related

• Canada Day; What's open and what's closed
• What to do the weekend after Canada Day

Other Canada Day events downtown

• Help form the living flag early on July 1 (9 to 10:30 a.m.) at 700 Sussex Drive. Participants must register in advance at www.downtownrideau.com.
• The Voyageur Walking Club is leading a Canada Day Map Walk, offering 50- and 10-kilometre routes through the festivities downtown, from 9 a.m., starting at the Taggart Family Y, 180 Argyle St. Cost: $2. ottawavoyageurs.ca
  • The Dominion Day event, hosted by Dominion City Brewing Co., has quickly become a hot ticket in downtown yet away from the crowds, with themed-games — like maple syrup challenge and peach basket basketball, lots of craft brews to try, and chefs slinging Canadian-inspired tasty treats, plus live music from DJ Acro, Melodrama, Adam Saikaley Quartet, TAPAS and The String Masons. There are two sessions: either noon to 5 p.m., or 6 to 11 p.m., 67 Nicholas St. Tickets: $32/each includes a sausage on a bun, and Dominion City stubby. dominionday.ca
  • Not your Father’s Barber is open for hair cuts and shaves, and is offering hot dogs, burgers and cold drinks with them, 9 a.m to 5 p.m., 91 Murray St.
  • There’s a pop-up makers market, tie-dye station and BBQ with live music for all ages from noon, and taking it up a notch after 8 p.m. with Luigi Fidelia and DJ Mes on the decks, A Vintage Collection, 31 York St.

More music and concerts

• The Jazz Festival has a full, free show from 2 p.m. to after 7 p.m. at the Marion Dewar Plaza. Just wander over to City Hall after the noon show, to catch the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces (2 p.m.), Riot Police (4 p.m.), Les Poules à Colin (6 p.m.), and the NAC Orchestra (7 p.m.). ottawajazzfestival.ca
• The Escapade Festival has an all-Canadian, electronic music lineup outdoors in the ByWard Market, with Grandtheft, Thugli, Ariyan, Draskil and even Mika Zibanejad of the Ottawa Senators on the decks from 6 p.m. to midnight, parking lot, 95 York St. Tickets: $17.17 in advance, www.escapademf.com)
• Possible Worlds has local and guest DJs spinning from noon to 6 p.m. in Chinatown, with food and art also close to hand, 708G Somerset St. W.
• Canada Day Clarence Street Dance party, outdoors, with DJ Breakthru, from 7 p.m. to late, starting at Lowertown Brewery, 73 York St.
• We the North dance party has an all-Canadian soundtrack — from Bieber to Drake, Sloan and A Tribe Called Red — with DJs Jimmy C and Adam Saikaley at Babylon, 317 Bank St. Door: $5, beginning after the fireworks. babylonclub.ca
• Can-Con Canada Day Bash to benefit CHEO has dozens of musicians playing favourite Canadian hits — we really hope someone resurrects The Zit Remedy, 10 p.m. at House of Targ, They’re also hosting a pickled egg eating contest, encouraging all to beat the world record for eating three the fastest. Tickets: PWYC, money will go to donate a classic arcade machine to CHEO. www.houseoftarg.com
• It’s Canada Day on Another Planet with DJ Emmett at Zaphod’s starting early at 5 p.m. No cover. zaphods.ca
• Le Party du Bas-Canada at the Minotaure with free entry, and a chance to try their first craft beer, 9 p.m., 3 Kent St. Gatineau.
• Canada Day with Pleasure Craft, a mix of late-70s to early 80s soft-rock gold, 9:30 p.m., The Rainbow, 76 Murray St. Tickets: $15. therainbow.ca
• Higher Level hip-hop/soca Canada Day, with DJs Select, Magnificent, hosted by Selekta Shellz, 11 p.m., City At Night, 222 Slater St. $10 cover.
• Red & White Canada Day Party has a red and white dress code at the Multi Social Room hip hop/Top 40/dancehall event, 10 p.m., 174 Rideau St. Cover: $10, ($7 for the first 149 in the door).

Museums

The Museum of Nature has free admission on Canada Day and a BBQ outside.


There is free admission all day at the following museums (not including special exhibitions) offering festive activities, often inside out of the heat and/or rain:

• Canadian Museum of History (9 a.m. to 9 p.m.), is one of the three official sites for the Canada Day festivities, but will also be offering cake in the Grand Hall at 10:30 a.m., among the many family activities, including crafts and music. historymuseum.ca
• Canada Agriculture and Food Museum (9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.), where they will be making ice cream, poutine and ropes and have a “Canadienne” cow to meet, plus more. cafmuseum.techno-science.ca
• Canadian Aviation and Space Museum (9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.): The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will do a fly past, plus there will be various aircraft to see, including the newly-acquired C-130 Hercules and a performance by The Skyhawks, the CAF Parachute Team and a rocket launch. (The StarFleet Academy Experience is not included.)
• Bytown Museum (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), offers insight into the history of Canada, with lemonade and ice cream available close to Parliament Hill. www.bytownmuseum.com
• National Gallery of Canada (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), includes free admission to the general collection and a chance to make an “Happy Birthday Canada” megaphone. Plus, there are talks about Canadian artists and pieces in both official languages every half hour throughout the day. (The Gallery has very good air conditioning for those seeking respite if it is very hot.) gallery.ca
• Canadian Museum of Nature (9 a.m. to 8 p.m.), has hands-on dinosaur-themed activities, from making replica fossils, dino dress-up, shadow puppets, building blocks plus all the exhibits. (A fee is required for the special Ultimate Dinosaurs exhibit and 3D movies.) There will also be an outdoor BBQ from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. where radio station Boom 99.7 will be broadcasting live all day. nature.ca
• Canadian War Museum (9 a.m. to 9 p.m.), is open, and is launching a special display of photographs that commemorates the 100th anniversaries of the battles of the Somme and Beaumont-Hamel, that devastated Newfoundland and Labrador regiments. A wreath-laying ceremony by Veterans Affairs Canada will begin at 10 a.m. outside, 1 Vimy Pl. warmuseum.ca

See the fireworks from the river

• To avoid the crowds almost completely, Capital Cruises are offering a boat tour with live music to catch the Canada Day fireworks from the river itself, leaving from the Gatineau Docks at 7:45 p.m. for $40. www.capitalcruises.ca).
• A Canada Day Boat Party hosted by Kroo Zone leaves Jacques-Cartier Park dock at 8:30 p.m., including dancing, DJs and beer pong, they advertise. Tickets: $30. www.kroozone.com
• Ottawa River Boat Cruises 2nd annual Canada Day cruise starts with a pre-party on the Kavali rooftop patio, with buses shuttling to the boat for 2 p.m., then returning at about 6 p.m. for an after-party back on the rooftop. Tickets: $20 to $1,000. http://bit.ly/295byel

Canada Day events outside of the downtown core

The Peptides play Canada Day in Kanata.

• Canada Day in Kanata is a huge, free community event, with thousands expected to enjoy the midway rides, live music with headliner The Peptides (8:30 p.m.) and fireworks (10 p.m.) Other activities include a kid zone, puppet shows, princesses and fairytale appearances, dancing shows and family workshops, yoga in the park (9 a.m.), plus live music, including rock and country from Silver Creek, Ambush, and Amanda Rheaume, from 9 a.m., Walter Baker Park. Admission: free, ride tickets $1/ea. There is no public parking on site. www.canadadayinkanata.com
• The Mattamy Homes Canada Day in Barrhaven likewise features midway rides (this one with ride bracelets for $40) and fireworks (10 p.m.), kids zone, live music, food vendors and more, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Clarke Fields Park, 93 Houlahan St. No parking is available on site, but there is a secure bike lock-up and a shuttle bus from the Ross’ Independent Grocer parking lot at the corner of Greenbank and Strandherd roads ($1/pp, from 10:30 a.m. to 10:40 p.m.). www.canadadaybarrhaven.ca
• Almonte’s Canada Day celebrations start with a firefighter breakfast (8 a.m.), canoe, kayak and SUP races, antique car show (11 a.m.) down Mill and Little Bridges streets, BBQ, kids area, then live music (from 3:30 p.m.) featuring Judge a Book, Terry Tufts, Kelly Prescott and soul band The Split in Gemmill Park, followed by fireworks at dusk. Admission: Free.
• Arnprior’s annual Canada Day Car Show runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., but also has fireworks at dusk, Hydro Park, Arnprior. Admission: $10 donation to the Arnprior Hospital. All cars welcome. www.facebook.com/ArnpriorCanadaDayCarShow
• Carleton Place free Canada Day celebration, noon to 10 p.m., includes a miniature train to ride along the Mississippi River at 1 and 6 p.m., giant game of Twister and other kid-friendly events, including a petting zoo and decorated bicycle parade at 1 p.m., a drum ceremony, bingo in the Canoe Club, and the intriguing hockey circus show, plus more. There will also be live music from noon, culminating in shows from Brock Zeman (6 p.m.), Blues & Company (7:30 p.m.), and The Retro Rockers (8:30 p.m.), Riverside Park, Carleton Place. There are golf cart shuttles running from nearby parking lots. Fireworks begin at 9:45 p.m. Cost: Free.
• Canada Day at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., bring a picnic and enjoy special activities, 2940 Old Montreal Rd., Cumberland. Admission: regular, $5.10-$7.15.
• Canada Day in Greely is a free event from 5 to 9 p.m., with children’s games, bouncy castle, a free BBQ, trolley ride, face painting and fireworks at 10 p.m., Greely Community Centre, 1448 Meadow Dr. facebook.com/greelycommunity
• Canada Day in Kemptville starts at 10:30 a.m. at Riverside Park in with a flag raising and family zone with soccer clinics, dog agility shows, games and activities, takeover of the skateboard and BMX park, parade at 11 a.m, BBQ, food and market vendors, free swim, music and family dance party followed by fireworks at 10 p.m. Admission: Free. www.northgrenville.ca
• The Mackenzie King Estate in Gatineau Park has special activities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., including lawn games, a kids’ corner, music by the Polished Brass Quintet, alongside the usual scenic trails, and gardens. There will also be cake to celebrate Canada’s birthday (2 p.m.). Free access including parking all day at Gatineau Park and the Estate. www.ncc-ccn.gc.ca
• Canada Day in Orléans is at Mer Bleue this year, from 11 a.m., with mini putt (about $8), bouncy castles ($3), face painting, live music from Derek Marlin, Damien Maze and On The Docks from 1 p.m., closing with fireworks at 10 p.m., 3686 Navan Rd. Admission: Free. facebook.com
• Canada Day in Oxford Mills is at Maplewood Park, from noon to 4 p.m, with music by Fiddlehead Soup, Standby Brothers and more, traditional games and kids’ zone, vendor market and birthday cake, Admission: Free. www.northgrenville.ca
• Renfrew’s free Canada Day fun begins at 4:45 p.m. and ends with fireworks at 10 p.m. at Ma-te-Way Park, 1 Ma-te-Way Dr., Renfrew. But there’s a Fun Run, tennis tournament and yard sale in the community beginning at 9 a.m. The parade starts at 4:45, and then the bouncy castles, obstacle course and petting zoo fun begins, with magic and yoga at 7:30 p.m., then live music before the fireworks. Cost: free.
• The Osgoode Village Canada Day event includes a dog agility show, numerous children’s activities (2 to 5 p.m.) from bouncy castles to pony rides, balloon animals and homemade pie; BBQ with funds to the community association (2 to 6 p.m.). the parade of decorated bikes and floats starts at 5 p.m. at Nixon and Main streets, followed by the “Amazing Race Osgoode” challenge at 6 p.m. There is also live entertainment all day, with fireworks at 10 p.m. www.osgoodevillage.com
• McNab/Braeside community family event, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Red Pine Bay Park, 642 Usborne St., Braeside, with a village parade at 10:45 a.m. and prizes for best floats, decorated bikes and Canada Day costumes, a BBQ, water fun with community firefighters and more. www.mcnabbraeside.com
• Canada Day at Pinhey’s Point, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., is a recreation of early 20th century Ottawans’ leisure activities on Dominion Day along the Ottawa River, include heritage games, 270 Pinhey’s Point Rd., Dunrobin. Cost: Free.
• Kid-Friendly Canada Day Party in Pineview, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Meadowbrook Park, 1485 Meadowbrook Rd. This is the third annual free event in the park, with an accessible splash pad, face-painting, bike decorating, and more. Bring lawnchairs and money for pizza and freezies. www.pineviewottawa.co
• Russell’s Canada Day festivities run from 8:30 a.m., with a community breakfast at the Legion, followed by a bike parade at St. Thomas High School (11 a.m.), then hot dog and Jell-O eating contest, volleyball tournament, beer garden, kids activities, a giant sprinkler and more at the Russell Arena ball diamond, 1084 Concession St. Fireworks start at dusk, or about 10 p.m. Admission: Free.

OTHER EVENTS on July 1

Anne-with-an-e is one of the most internationally-recognized Canadian icons.

• The Mayor’s annual Canada Day celebration for seniors is a breakfast event at 8:30 a.m. at Lansdowne Park’s Aberdeen Pavilion. Tickets were free, but have all been claimed except for a few for couples celebrating their 50th wedding anniversaries in 2016. Contact 613-580-2424, extension 25683 for these. ottawa.ca
• Anne of Green Gables Tea at The Billings Estate National Historic Site (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) includes period-appropriate servers, delicious tiers of tea-time delights in the gardens, lawn games and a photo booth with straw hats adorned with red braids. Cost: $20/pp. Reserve a spot by calling 613-247-4830 ext. 221.
• Cirque De Soleil’s Avatar-inspired show Toruk — The First Flight has two shows today, far away from the downtown core: 4 p.m. in French, and 8 p.m. in English, Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr. Tickets: $48-$148. canadiantirecentre.ca
• There are two historical walking tours in Perth: A River of Memory (11 a.m.) and Taste of Perth ghostly stories (7 p.m.), starting at Marheon House Museum, 11 Gore St. E., Perth. Tickets: $7.50-$15. Then, enjoy fireworks at 10 p.m. at Conlon Farm, 6 Conlon Dr.
• The Mountain Man Music Festival continues from 1:30 p.m. to after 9 p.m., at Calabogie Peaks Resort, 30 Barrett Chute Rd. See Zeus, Limblifter, Hello Hello, Arms of the Girl and more on Canada Day. Tickets: $29.20. mountainmanfestival.co
• Also, remember all beaches and splash pads are open, but only some wading pools will be staffed today

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