Canada Day 2012 in Ottawa - July 1, 2012

This page has info about the big events downtown, plus celebrations all around Ottawa in Kanata, Barrhaven, Orleans, etc. The Nation's Capital is the headquarters for Canada's birthday celebration on July 1, 2012. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people visit Parliament Hill, Major's Hill Park, Jacques-Cartier Park, and other locations in the surrounding areas to celebrate Canada. This year is Canada's 145th birthday.

Featured Listings

Mark the War of 1812 on the St. Lawrence
On June 18th, 1812, the United States declared war on Great Britain. The battle ground was spread out across North America affecting the lives of millions. Two hundred years later, we encourage you to visit the Canadian and American communities along Eastern Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River as they commemorate the vital role this region played during the War of 1812.
Ottawa Hotels Guide
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Canada Day Events

Canada Day - Official Events Downtown
An outline of the events on Parliament Hill, Major's Hill Park and Jacques Cartier Park.
Canada Day Fireworks
The big fireworks show starts at 10:00pm. Check out our suggestions for the best viewing spots downtown. (And also a list of more July 1 fireworks shows in the area.)
Canada Day events - community listings
Includes information about dozens of Canada Day events in neighbourhoods, including Kanata, Barrhaven, Orleans, Andrew Hayden Park ...and many, many more. (coming soon)
Transportation, buses, what's open & closed
Some additional links to help you navigate in Canada's Capital on July 1.

Official Canada Day Events Downtown

Parliament Hill: On July 1, Parliament Hill will be the setting for Canada Day celebrations. Thousands of Canadians will converge on the Hill to mark their country’s birthday. In the morning, they will be able to attend the Peace Tower carillon concert at 9:00 a.m., the traditional flag-raising ceremony at 9:30 a.m., and the Changing of the Guard at 10:00 a.m. More info...
Parliament Hill Noon Show: From noon to 1:30pm there's the Canada Day Noon Show, featuring performances from Jully Black, The Drums, Feist, Neverest, Donny Parenteau, Roch Voisine and Simple Plan. More info...
Parliament Hill Evening Show: Begins at 7:30pm with performances from Misstress Barbara, Donny Parenteau, Jully Black, Marie-Mai, Roch Voisine, Simple Plan and Feist. More info...
Major's Hill Park: Festivities at Major's Hill Park feature a variety of cultural performances and displays. More info...
Jacques Cartier Park: At the park you’ll find a variety of activities aimed at families and children aged 3 to 12. More info...
Canada Day Fireworks at 10:00pm...

More Canada Day Events in our community

ADD YOUR EVENT: Visit our Community News page.
Mattamy Homes Canada Day in Barrhaven
Canada Day Eve & Canada Day in Pakenham / Mississippi Mills - June 30-July 1
Canada Day in Osgoode Village
Ottawa International Jazz Fest: Canada Day 2012
9th Annual Dovercourt Open / Canadian Slalom Skateboard Championships - June 30-July 1, 2012
26TH EDITION CANADA DAY ROAD RACES
Canada Day in Kanata featuring Kim Mitchell
Canada Day in Corkery
Annual City of Vernon Canada Day Celebrations Will Entertain
Canada Day 2012 in Oxford Mills
Canada Day 2012 in Riverside Park, Kemptville
Canada Day 2012 in Greely
Canada Day 2012 at Cecil Morrisson Park
Canada Day 2012 in Dunrobin
12th Edition of Wonders of Sand / 12e édition de Merveilles de sable de Gatineau - June 29-July 1, 2012
Canada Day in Carleton Place
Greater Orleans Canada Day Celebration at Petrie Island
Canada Day Festival at Queen Juliana Park, June 29-July 2, 2012
Shad Qadri's Canada Day Senior’s Breakfast
Canada Day at the Currency Museum of the Bank of Canada
Escapade Music Festival - June 30-July 1, 2012
Stittsville Hosting Canada Day 2012
Preparations for Canada Day are underway at Major’s Hill and Jacques-Cartier parks and Nepean Point Schedule of closure of public spaces
Canadian Horse Weekend - June 30-July 2
Canada Day 2012 at the NAC
Canada Day 2012 Free Admission at Museum of Nature
Zaphod's 20th Annual Canada Day Party
What's open and what's closed on the July 1, 2012 long weekend in Ottawa
June 30th Canada Day BBQ at The Pine
It's "Storytime at Rideau Hall" this Canada Day Weekend!
Museums: Most local museums are open on Canada Day, with special programming. (Most are offering free admission, too!) For a listing of local museums, visit our Ottawa Museums Guide...
We've had a few questions about whether or not there is an event happening this year at Andrew Hayden Park. As far as we know, there isn't anything going on there -- but the organizers of last year's Canada Day Festival at Andrew Hayden Park are running a similar event at Queen Juliana Park near Dow's Lake.
You can find more local event listings year-round on our Ottawa Events Guide...
ADD YOUR EVENT: Send us your event info via our Community News service

Open & closed

July is the official stat holiday, so most (but not all) retail outlets are open on July 1, but closed on July 2. Here's more information about opening hours for grocery stores, LCBO's, garbage & recycling, etc...

Transportation

The best way to get downtown is by bus.
Bus service is free after 10:00pm on Canada Day on OC Transpo and STO buses.
OC Transpo is running on a special holiday schedule on July 1, with additional service during the day. More info...
Most of the streets around Parliament Hill, Jacques Cartier Park, and Major's Hill Park are closed on Canada Day. Here's a complete list of road closures due to Canada Day...