Canada Day 2019 is just days away. How will you be celebrating? Do you like to brave the crowds to be a part of the amazing experience on Parliament Hill, or do you opt for a smaller, more community based celebration? Ottawa is THE place to celebrate Canada’s birthday and there is no shortage of options for family friendly events. I hope this list helps you make a decision for how you are going to celebrate this July 1st.

Parliament Hill

Programming on Parliament Hill starts at 8 a.m. on Canada Day and includes an Algonquin blessing of the grounds, a Carillion Concert, and the Noon and Evening Shows featuring various artists such as the National Arts Centre Orchestra, K’Naan, T. Thomason, Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal, Karim Ouellet, Shawnee, William Prince, Coeur de Pirate, Marie Mai and Brett Kissel. Be sure to come prepared to face security checks and a crowd.

Around 10:00 p.m. on July 1, the 15-minute Manulife Canada Day Fireworks show will be launched from Nepean Point, near the National Gallery of Canada and the Alexandra Bridge. 

Major’s Hill Park

There will be programming at Major’s Hill Park starting on June 30 with interactive arts and activities as well as performances by CHANCES, Iskwé, Medhi Cayenne, Salebarbes and Said the Whale. On July 1st the special programming continues, as well as performances by DJ Domeno, Élage Diouf, Tyler Shaw, Corneille and Tokyo Police Club.

Canadian Museum of History

As an official Canada Day site, the Canadian Museum of History is hosting special activities and games that highlight Canadian Indigenous cultures, as well as performances by DJ Shub, James Jones, Angela Gladue, Silla and Rise, Bleu Jeans Bleu and Ben Caplan.

Canada Day at the Museum

• Canadian Museum of Space and Aviation – Admission is free on Canada Day. Watch Captain Brian Kilroy — and his specially-painted aircraft — fly over the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. You’ll also have the rare opportunity to meet him and members of the CF-18 Demonstration Team at an exclusive autograph session! In addition the museum has a jam-packed schedule of thrilling performances, including skydiving demos and micro drone flying.
• Canadian Museum of Science and Technology – Enjoy an array of fun-filled activities, experiments, and demonstrations that are sure to entertain! Explore top-notch interactive exhibitions, get up close with demonstrations in the galleries, or catch a piping hot and supercool shows on the big Demo Stage. Take part in experiments, engineering challenges, and clever games that will uncover some of Leonardo da Vinci’s extraordinary works. Admission to the Museum is free.
• Canadian Agriculture and Food Museum – Free admission to the museum. There will be lots of exciting activities for the whole family. including special demonstrations, games, a craft, ice cream making and tasting, as well a chance to sample a Canadian classic: butter tarts!
• Diefenbunker – You can expect family-friendly activities, a Canada themed scavenger hunt through the entire 4 storey underground Bunker, an obstacle course, and more. Admission to the museum is free but entry times must be booked ahead of time. Entry cannot be guaranteed without a pre-booked ticket.
• Nepean Museum – Enjoy hands-on activities to learn the story of Nepean and its people from the earliest times. Try your hand at calligraphy, explore and build your own immigration suitcase, and get messy with a special Canada Day slime! A cash barbecue will also be offered. Admission is by donation.

Historic Sites

• Billings Estate National Historic Site – celebrate Canada Day by enjoying a picnic and lawn games at Park Hill. You can reserve a yummy picnic lunch for your group or pack your own. Don’t forget to bring a picnic blanket. Reservations of a picnic basket must be made by Friday, June 28.
• Pinhey’s Point Historic Site – Enjoy heritage games on the lawn or a classic board game inside the house. Speak with a costumed interpreter or take a guided tour to learn more about the unique history of the site. Pack a picnic and make the most of the beautiful views. Admission is by donation.

Canada Day in Kanata

The Canada Day celebrations in Kanata at Walter Baker Park is a great family event runs all weekend long. You can expect live music, bouncy castles, a climbing wall, ball hockey, arts and crafts, midway rides and fireworks at the end of the night.

Canada Day in Barrhaven

The Canada Day celebrations in Barrhaven provide a jam-packed fun day on July 1. It takes place all day at Clarke Fields Park and includes a family pancake breakfast, live music, a midway with rides, a kids zone stage and area, lots of food and fireworks at night.

Canada Day Orleans

These Canada Day Celebrations take place on Petrie Island and feature opening ceremonies, a non stop schedule of live music, a kids zone, dunk tank, inflatable rides and fireworks on the beach.

Canada Day in Almonte

Celebrations in the adorable town of Almonte include a classic car show along Mill Street, live music, food, carnival games, face painting, bouncy castles, and fireworks.