Here are just a few fantastic ways to celebrate our country’s 147th birthday, in and around Ottawa
The capital region is simply the place to be to celebrate Canada’s birthday on July 1.
And to help you plan your day, Parenting Times has compiled a short list of some of the top Canada Day festivities happening around town.
Parliament Hill
There is so much to celebrate this Canada Day in the capital, and Parliament Hill is at the heart of all the festivities.
In the morning, take in the traditional flag-raising ceremony at 9 a.m., the Changing of the Guard at 9:30 a.m. and the Peace Tower carillon concert at 10 a.m.
The Canada Day Noon Show, from noon to 1:30 p.m., will include a flypast of CF-18 fighter jets and the Snowbirds Demonstration Team, along with live music from some fantastic Canadian artists, including Ontario’s Juno-winning singer Serena Ryder, and pop-punk band Marianas Trench, who hail from British Columbia.
The famous evening show features another stellar lineup, with Quebec R&B singer Nadja, Hamilton-based folk-rock band Whitehorse, Newfoundland folk artist Terry Kelly, impersonator Véronic DiCaire from Embrun and Franco-Manitoban singer Daniel Lavoie.
As always, a spectacular fireworks show will cap off the evening.
And there are plenty more great activities happening at other locations, including:
Free jazz concerts at Confederation Park, part of the Ottawa International Jazz Festival;
Free admission to the city’s many national museums and attractions, and most of these will offer free activities for revellers of all ages, all day long.
The Major’s Hill Park festivities will feature cultural performances, displays, exhibits and activities and highlight the inspirational stories of Canadian Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
Jacques-Cartier Park will host many family activities, especially for children ages 3 to 12. The Canada Day fun includes games, physical activities, performances, inflatable slides, and special activities to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the 1864 Charlottetown and Québec Conferences, which led to Canada’s Confederation.
Source: www.pch.gc.ca
Canada Day in Kanata
The Canada Day in Kanata celebration is one of the largest community events in Ottawa. Crowds of over 30,000 gather at Walter Baker Park, off Terry Fox Drive in Kanata, to celebrate. This year’s event features a midway, plenty of games and of course, the candy stands. The best part: admission is free!
Source: www.canadadayinkanata.com
More Canada Day ideas
Here are a few more suggestions for great activities to celebrate our Canadian heritage and the beauty of summer.
Go to the beach. Use the holiday as an excuse to bake in the sun, enjoy the warm weather and cool water.
Go to the park, fly a kite or walk your dog.
Have your family and friends over for an old-fashioned barbecue.
Look up local concerts in your area. Many cities and towns hold festivals where bands play music at outdoor venues.
Lounge by the pool and read a good book. Maybe have a nice cold treat and enjoy the weather.
Go for a ride in a hot air balloon. This fun activity lets you admire our beautiful country from thousands of metres in the air.
Go camping.
Take a couple days off work and enjoy everything nature has to offer.
Go to a citizenship ceremony. There is nothing more patriotic than watching new citizens take an oath to love, honour and respect our country.
Go to your local fireworks show. There is nothing more beautiful and patriotic than watching the colourful explosions light up the sky.
Go fishing. This is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate Canada.
Go white water rafting.
If your family is in search of a Canada Day adventure, rafting is always a thrilling activity.
Source: www.canada-day.ca
Photo: Billie MacDonald