It's time for another long weekend, and this time it's served with a side of national patriotism. What's that? You have absolutely no plans and barely any money to show for it? After all, what's more Canadian than an affordability crisis? But you know what, I think I have just the thing for you!
There are plenty of things to do in Ottawa this Canada Day long weekend that won't break the bank. Between sampling free beers, gawking at some of the best fireworks in Canada, dressing up in your red and whites and even just enjoying the lovely weather, there'll be something to catch your fancy.
Even if you don't observe Canada Day, there are still a bunch of free summertime activities in Ottawa you can get up to this long weekend.
Without any further delay, here's a closer look.
Celebrate Canada Day's main stage at LeBreton Flats
When: Monday, July 1, 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 p.m.
- Daytime ceremony from 12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
- RCAF Centennial Flypast from 1:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
- The Skyhawks, the Canadian Armed Forces Parachute Team performs from 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Fireworks from 10:00 p.m. to 10:15 p.m.
Address: LeBreton Flats, 1 Vimy Pl, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Celebrate Canada Day in fashion by attending Ottawa's Canada Day main stage at LeBreton Flats. LeBreton Flats is the heart of the day's festivities, so grab a blanket, some lawn chairs, water, sunscreen, and maybe some snacks, and get ready for a fun-filled July 1.
Concerts and all kinds of entertainment will take place throughout the day, including two airshows, a nighttime fireworks show, and plenty of speakers.
Accessibility: This event is fully accessible
Head over to a festival dedicated to bourbon, beer and barbecue
When: Saturday, June 29
Address: Simon Park, 1450 du Parc Ave, Rockland, ON
Why You Need To Go: Summer Spirits is here! Make sure you get a healthy dose of the "three B's": bourbon, beer, and barbecue. Get ready for live music all day long, excellent food vendors, a race for beer, free samples, and even some family fun.
Accessibility: Simon Park is not wheelchair accessible
Summer Spirits website
Watch an airshow above Parliament Hill
When: Monday, July 1, from 4:00 p.m to 4:30 p.m.
Address: Parliament Hill, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Is it really Canada Day if you don't see a jaw-droppingly awesome performance from Canada's very own Snowbirds? In the late afternoon head on over to Parliament Hill, or anywhere within view of Parliament, and keep your eyes on the sky!
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds is made up of members of the Canadian Royal Air Force and they promise to "wow audiences across North America."
Accessibility: Parliament Hill is an accessible venue
Govenment of Canada Canada Day website
Have a beach day
When: Lifeguards are on duty every day from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Address: Britannia Beach, 2805 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: A great way to celebrate any long weekend during the spring and summer is by placing your towel down on white sand and soaking up the rays!
Britannia Beach is one of Ottawa's largest public beaches and has its own burger shack right by the water! Don't forget your sunscreen, beach towels, water, food, sunglasses, and anything else you may need.
Accessibility: Britannia Beach is a wheelchair-accessible venue
Take a walk through nature
Address: Mud Lake Conservation Area, 265 Britannia Rd, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Sometimes you just have to go outside and smell the roses, and take in the beautiful sights of nature. Mud Lake Conservation Area is among the best places in Ottawa to enjoy a nice walk in nature and feel like you're in the middle of nowhere, while simultaneously being within walking distance of civilization!
Mud Lake is a significant area of wetland and is home to hundreds of species, including wild turkeys, snapping turtles, woodpeckers, and many other spectacular creatures.
Accessibility: Mud Lake Conservation Area is not wheelchair accessible
Watch a time-honoured tradition
When: From Thursday, June 27, to Sunday, June 30, at 7:00 p.m.
Address: Musical Ride Centre, RCMP Rockcliffe Stables, 1 Sandridge Road, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: The RCMP Musical Ride Sunset Ceremonies is a beloved and time-honoured tradition where 32 iconic mounties on horseback perform carefully choreographed drills accompanied by music with the backdrop of the sunset.
Bring a date, your squad of patriotic homies, or even the whole family!
Accessibility: This is an accessible event
Visit an Indigenous Outdoor Market
When: Sunday, June 30, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Address: Behind the Maker House, 991 Wellington St W, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Take time to celebrate the end of Indigenous History Month by perusing through the Indigenous Outdoor Market, presented by the Maker House Company. Find all sorts of things made by Indigenous makers from all across Turtle Island.
Accessibility: Maker House is an accessible venue
Listen to a marching band on Parliament Hill
When: Monday, July 1, 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
Address: Parliament Hill, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Who doesn't love a good ol' marching band? On Canada Day, head over to Parliament Hill either in the morning or mid-afternoon and be prepared to be dazzled by the Ceremonial Guard Band.
This is yet another age-old Canada Day tradition here in the capital, and it's fantastic for families that are looking for something to keep the kids entertained.
Accessibility: Parliament Hill is fully accessible
Government of Canada Canada Day website
Listen to the angelic voices of an ensemble chorus
When: Monday, July 1
Address: Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper Street, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: UNISONG is a 25-year-old Canada Day tradition and their Canada Day performance is a "hallmark Canada Day event for choristers from all around the country." Head on over to the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, grab a seat and enjoy a free performance from an incredibly talented ensemble chorus.
Accessibility: The Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre is a wheelchair accessible venue
Have a picnic by the water
Address: Patterson Creek Park, 524 O'Connor St, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Patterson Creek Park is a quiet slice of heaven along an off-shoot of the Rideau Canal and is the ideal spot for a picnic. Due to its proximity to Ottawa's lovely Glebe, there are plenty of nearby stores that sell picnic essentials!
If you don't feel like going through all the work of setting up a picnic, there is also an NCC Bistro at the park.
Accessibility: Patterson Creek Park is accessible
Have a fantastic long weekend, have fun, and stay safe!
