If you are traveling in Canada on the long week-end of July, you might want to check out the various celebrations that will be happening throughout the country on July 1st. Why? Well, if you are not from Canada, you might not know that July 1st is the national day of Canada (aka Canada Day) – a federal statutory holiday celebrating the anniversary of the enactment of the British North America Act on July 1, 1867. In 1867, Canada consisted of only Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario and Quebec. Since then our beautiful country is made up with ten provinces and three territories.
So what can you expect from the various celebrations that will be happening in Canada on that week-end. Many outdoors events will be happening like parades, carnivals festivals, barbecues, air and maritime shows, fireworks and free musical concerts.
I won’t expand on all the events going through Canada as I would take a whole book to do so. Consequently, I will write about what is going on during that long week-end in July in Ottawa, Ontario which is the capital of our country and where we live. There are numerous campsites around the city where you can park. Our own RV is located about one hour and 30 minutes from the downtown area of Ottawa but even in Cobden there will be fireworks to watch over the Ottawa River.
In Ottawa, there will be activities at the Parliament Hill, Major’s Hill Park, Jacques-Cartier Park and let’s not forget the famous fireworks at the end of the day. This year we are celebrating the 146th birthday of our country. The festivities start at around 9 am and will happen until the grand finale fireworks at 10pm.
In case you are wondering about the cost of such an event in our national capital – it totally free for everyone to enjoy. Actually, all events throughout the country are more than likely free. A free shuttle bus service is also available for those who don’t want to walk from one spot to the other. Let me precise what kind of activities you will find at the various locations in O
ttawa.
Parliament Hill: Carillon concert from the Peace Tower, flag raison ceremony, changing of the guard ceremony, Canada Day Noon Show, street performers, and the Canada Day evening show.
Major’s Hill Park: variety of cultural performances and display, and the annual Chicken Barbecue.
Jacques-Cartier Park: (located on the Gatineau, QC side) I understand that this specific spot on town will offer numerous activities that are aimed at families and children aged 3 to 12. Th
ese activities includes bouncy castles and inflatables slides, games, physical activities, performans and more.
You can discover the artists that will be performing at the Canada Day Noon Show and the Canada Day evening show by visiting the website. Wondering what to expect during this celebration in Ottawa? Check out the marvelous pictures taken from a previous Canada Day.
What is also fabulous on Canada Day is that numerous museums are open for free – in the past we were able to visit Royal Canadian Mint and the Canadian Museum of Nature. But the Canadian War Museum, the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the Canada Science and Technology Museum, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, the National Gallery of Canada, Rideau Hall and the Currency Museum of the Bank of Canada as well as numerous museums linked to the history of Ottawa will also open their doors for visitors.
This year, the fireworks will include over 1,161 fireworks items, 1118 aerial shells, 59 of the largest shells allowed in Canada and more than 2340 projectiles/effects. The best spots to enjoy the fireworks are the Canadian Museum of Civilization, Jacques-Cartier Park, Major’s Hill Park, Parliament Hill and Victoria Island.
If you plan to come and visit Canada during the long week-end of July and think of coming to Ottawa, please note that dogs and pets are not permitted at Canada Day sites except for service dogs. And since Ottawa is located at about 45 minutes of drive from the nearest border to the United States, you can be back in time to celebrate your national holiday on July 4th. If you choose to go to Niagara Falls, you will be able to watch two fireworks during that week!
