Canada Day 2010 in Ottawa

The Nation's Capital is the headquarters for Canada's birthday celebration on July 1, 2010. 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 marks Canada's 143rd birthday.

The Fireworks

This year's President’s Choice® Canada Day Fireworks Display fireworks go off as the grand finale of the mainstage show on Parliament Hill, just after 10:00pm. The fireworks are set off from the Astrolabe, just behind the National Gallery. You can watch them from Parliament Hill, but the best views include Jacques Cartier Park and the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Major’s Hill Park in Ottawa, Victoria Island, and the banks of the Ottawa River.
Related: Firework safety tips

Transportation

The best way to get downtown is by bus.
OC Transpo is operating on a Sunday schedule, with extra buses galore to get you to and from Parliament Hill in the evening. Bus service is free after 10:00pm on Canada Day. Click here for 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 full list of Canada Day street closures. There are also additional street closures and delays all week due to the Queen's visit.

Official Canada Day activities

NCC's official Canada Day web site
Covering official events downtown on Parliament Hill, Major's Hill Park, Jacques-Cartier Park, and Confederation Park
Parliament Hill
Thousands will converge on Parliament Hill to take part in the celebrations. In the morning they can attend the Peace Tower carillon concert, the flag-raising ceremony, the Changing of the Guard, and the impressive RCMP Musical Ride.
Canada Day Noon Show
This year, the Canada Day Noon Show will include the traditional flypast of CF 18s and Snowbirds. Geneviève Borne of Quebec and Ron MacLean of Ontario will be masters of ceremonies. Also featuring the Barenaked Ladies, Isabelle Boulay, Johnny Reid, Andrea Lindsay, and more.
More info...
Canada Day Evening Show
Starting at 6:30 p.m., thousand of Canadians will gather on Parliament Hill to take part in our country’s birthday celebrations, with performers from across the land. Performers include the Barenaked Ladies, Isabelle Boulay, Johnny Reid, Andrea Lindsay, and more. More info...
Canada Day Broadcasts
Here's a list of special programming on tv, radio, and online broadcasting live from Ottawa.
Jacques Cartier Park: As the water flows
Participate in a host of activities based on the theme of water. Don’t miss the Fous volants [flying madmen], who will give spectators cold sweats with their high-voltage dives. This famous show combines comedy, skill, and thrilling 24-metre dives.
Major’s Hill Park
Canada Day at Major’s Hill Park will include a wide range of shows, workshops, and interactive activities highlighting Canada’s folk arts and its cultural diversity. Visitors will be able to show their patriotism and pride by retaking the oath of Canadian citizenship in the presence of Citizenship Judge Suzanne Pinel, M.C., former host of the children’s program “Marie-Soleil.”

Open & closed

Government buildings & offices are closed, along with most business shutting down as well.
OC Transpo runs a Sunday schedule, with free bus service after 10:00pm
Malls and stores are closed, except for the Rideau Centre and shops in the Byward Market.
Many restaurants downtown are open for Canada Day, but call first.
Garbage and recycling is delayed one day for the rest of the week.
See below for road closure info.

More Canada Day Events in 2010

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...
Ottawa Jazz Festival: The Ottawa Jazz Festival will present free performances in Confederation Park.
Canada Day at the National Arts Centre: Free concerts and activities all day at the NAC. Something for everyone, rain or shine.
The Mayor’s Annual Canada Day Celebration for Seniors 2010
Canada Day in Barrhaven
Canada Day in Carleton Place
Canada Day in Dunrobin
Canada Day in Kanata
Canada Day in Orleans (Petrie Island)
Canada Day in Osgoode
Canada Day in Stittsville
Canada Day Arts Festival (Andrew Hayden Park and Dow's Lake)
Canada Day 2010 with Live 88.5
Canada Day Events (via Ottawa.ca)
Dominion Day at Billings Estate
Dominion Day at Pinhey's Point
Canada Day at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum
Capital Craft Market in the Byward Market
Canada Day 2010 Boat Cruise Party
Canada Day at Mackenzie King Estate
CBC Soccer Nation kicks off on Preston Street
Parks Canada
Parks Canada is offering free admission on Canada Day at several Eastern Ontario attractions
Library and Archives Canada Displays a Page of Canadian History on Canada Day
Wellington West Art Walk
9th Annual Canada Day Celebration on Rideau Street
Search "Official" Canada Day events (via NCC)
You can find more local event listings on our Ottawa Events Guide...
ADD YOUR EVENT: Send us your event info via our Community News service

The Queen is coming!

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip will be visiting Ottawa from June 30 to July 3, and will be taking part in official Canada Day ceremonies as part of the visit. Click here for more info...
One of the best opportunities for the public to see the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh up close during their visit to Ottawa this week, is at 1 p.m. this Wednesday (June 30) when she unveils the Oscar Peterson statue at the National Arts Centre. Click here for more info...
The Globe and Mail reports: "On June 30, she’ll swoop into Ottawa for a visit to the refurbished Museum of Nature and an unveiling of the Oscar Peterson statue. Cast in bronze by sculptor Ruth Abernathy, the statue will depict the late jazz great seated on a bench beside a grand piano. The Queen, along with husband Prince Philip, will take centre stage at Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill marking the country’s 143rd birthday."
The Queen's visit will impact traffic and transit, with delays and road closures between June 30 and July 3. Click here for info...

Misc links

Photos of Canada Day 2009 in Ottawa (via Celebrate Canada 2010)
What to drink on Canada Day Suggestions from CheapEats Ottawa, including 6 Canadian alcoholic drinks
Canada Day Schedule changes
The City of Ottawa would like to remind residents of the following schedule changes for Canada Day (Thursday, July 1).