Canada Day in Ottawa 2026: Your ultimate guide!

Canada Day is just around the corner, have you made plans yet?

If not, you’re in the right place. We’ve compiled a list of things to do in the National Capital Region this July 1st, from downtown fun to local celebrations in your neighbourhood. Don’t forget, OC Transpo is the best way to travel to Canada Day events across Ottawa. Service is free all day on the O-Train, buses and Para Transpo.

Read on for your ultimate Canada Day guide, and don’t forget to share your photos with us on social media using #OttFestLive!

Canada Day activities in Downtown Ottawa

Credit: Ottawa Tourism

Canada Day in the Capital

Feel the pride of the country in the heart of Ottawa and Gatineau! Highlights include the National Noon Ceremony, the National Evening Show, and the Tim Hortons Canada Day Fireworks, all at LeBreton Flats Park. Performers include Alessia Cara, Loud, the Barenaked Ladies, and more.

More activities will be taking place at other official Canada Day sites, including Old Hull, Parliament Hill, and in front of the Supreme Court of Canada. For a full list of programming, click here, and find practical information surrounding the festivities here.

Canada Day in the ByWard Market

The ByWard Market is going full retro this Canada Day! Step into the Concert Zone on York Street, from 7 to 11 p.m., and relive the 80s in an unforgettable retro experience brought to you by Ottawa Tourism, with iconic bands that defined a generation. Plus, don’t miss the kids zone, vendor village, and the outdoor public market. More details can be found here.

Canada Day Concert with the NAC Orchestra

Celebrate July 1 with the National Arts Centre Orchestra in a special concert that brings together artists, music, and stories from across the country. Led by Music Director Alexander Shelley and Resident Conductor Henry Kennedy, the concert is co-hosted by singer-songwriter Sarah Slean and slam poet and musician YAO. Violinist James Ehnes, Mi’kmaq artist Emma Stevens, choirs, and special guests will join the NAC Orchestra for a vibrant celebration of Canadian artistry and culture. Admission is free, but tickets are required. Learn more here.

Community Events throughout the National Capital Region

Canada Day in Barrhaven

Canada Day in Barrhaven is a 2 day celebration you won’t want to miss! On Tuesday, June 30th, enjoy a Classic Car Show, the Country Music Fest, and other activities such as Zumba, yoga, corn hole, and line dancing. Then, on July 1st, experience live music, fireworks, food vendors, and more at Clarke Fields Park. See the full schedule here.

Canada Day in Greely

Celebrate Canada Day with a full day of family fun, live entertainment, great food, and the kind of community spirit that makes Greely shine. This free event features live entertainment, a car show, a bike decorating contest, vendor market, kids activities, and more. For additional information, click here.

Canada Day in Kanata

Get ready for a fun-filled day in Kanata! This year’s celebration includes a marketplace, family fun zone, midway, line dancing, live music, food, and of course, fireworks! Learn more here.

Canada Day in Manotick

Celebrate Canada Day in Manotick with an evening show beginning at 6:30pm in Centennial Park. This family friendly event will feature live music and activities, followed by a drone and music show at dusk. Learn more here.

Canada Day in Osgoode

Get ready for a fantastic day filled with community spirit, family fun, great music, delicious food, and more! The day begins with a bike decorating contest and Canada Day parade in the morning, followed by a community celebration all afternoon at the Osgoode Legion. The day concludes with a firework show at 9:30pm. For more details, click here.

Canada Day in Vars

Stop by and join in on the community celebration! Canada Day in Vars will feature activities for all ages, including live music, children’s activities, community booths, great food, and an evening fireworks display to close out the celebration. More info can be found here.

Stittsville Canada Day Car Show

The Canada Day Promenade on Stittsville Main Street is back! Here, you’ll find market vendors, food stations (including free hot dogs for kids!), a bouncy house, games, live entertainment, and of course, the Car Show, featuring over 150 cars. Click here to learn more.