If you’ve never had the chance to celebrate Canada Day on Parliament Hill, you’ve been missing out on the best Canada Day celebration our wonderful country has to offer.
With Canada Day less than two months away, we’ve come up with some great reasons why you should consider coming to Ottawa to celebrate Canada Day on Parliament Hill at least once in your life.
8 Great Reasons To Celebrate Canada Day On Parliament Hill
A Sea Of Red And White
You’ll never see and feel more Canadian pride in one place than when you are walking around downtown Ottawa on Canada Day.
When you find yourself amongst the sea of red and white clothing, maple leaf hats, tattoos, sunglasses, and the thousands of Canadian flags adorning flagpoles, windows, doorways, and the people around you, don’t be surprised if you feel like belting out an impromptu version of “Oh Canada” for all to hear.
Canadian pride, at its best, happens here in Ottawa on Canada Day!
We’ve Got The Best Fireworks
Yes, I’m bragging.
We really do put on the best fireworks show here in Ottawa on Canada Day.
I’ve seen several different Canada Day fireworks shows in my time. None can compare to the fabulous Canada Day fireworks over Parliament Hill.
Fireworks that blast with such force, you can feel each “boom” resonate deep within your chest.
Don’t believe me? Come experience our Canada Day fireworks for yourself!
That Great Canadian View
There’s just something amazingly special about seeing those bursts of fireworks light up the Ottawa-Gatineau skyline.
We’ve all seen great photographs of the fireworks illuminating Canada’s Peace Tower but, you really need to see this sight with your own eyes to appreciate how stunningly beautiful it is.
Insider Tip: One of our favourite places to watch the Canada Day fireworks is across the river in Gatineau, Quebec. Seated on the grounds of the Canadian Museum of History (see the first photo in this article), you’ll see the fireworks light up the night’s sky with the best view you can have of Parliament Hill and Canada’s parliament buildings.
Of course, if you are all about the evening celebrations, and the big Canada Day concert live from Parliament Hill, you’ll want to watch the fireworks from in front of the Peace Tower – the second best place to watch Canada’s light show.
Activities And Attractions
While the Canada Day noon show and evening concert on Parliament Hill may be the big draw for Canada Day celebrants, there is much more to enjoy in downtown Ottawa on this special day!
Most of our world-class museums offer free admission on Canada Day, including the Canadian Museum of History, just across the bridge in Gatineau, Quebec.
Canada Day festivities can be found in other locations in the downtown area such as Major’s Hill Park, Confederation Park, the National Arts Centre, and Ottawa’s Byward Market.
If you are coming into town and planning to spend extra time in Ottawa after Canada Day, consider booking your FREE passes to tour Canada’s House of Commons, Senate, and East Block.
Great Canadian Talent
With so many talented artists here in Canada, our Canada Day celebrations always include plenty of fantastic musicians, dancers, acrobats, school choirs, and special guests.
You Canadian pride will swell as you watch the performances live from the Canada Day stage.
You may remember that last Canada Day, I had the opportunity to enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at Canada Day preparations on Parliament Hill, including a meet-and-greet with Canada Day headliners, The Arkells. Definitely a highlight of my Canada Day 2018 celebrations!
Celebrate With Food
Restaurant options in downtown Ottawa are sure to delight foodies visiting for Canada Day.
Discover Whalesbone for great seafood, Riviera for high-end, creative Canadian cuisine, Tavern on the Hill for the beautiful view and the gourmet hot dogs, Lowertown Brewery for comfort food and craft beer, and The Shore Club for a delicious steak.
Wherever you eat, be sure to save some room for the ultimate Canada Day dessert treat – Beavertails!
A Good Night’s Rest
There’s no better place to stay on Canada Day, to enjoy all the festivities, than in the heart of downtown Ottawa.
A stay at the luxury Fairmont Chateau Laurier, located on Wellington Street next to Parliament Hill, will put you right in the heart of all the action for Canada’s birthday. It doesn’t get closer to the Canada Day celebrations than this!
Just steps from Ottawa’s Rideau Centre, and a short walk from Parliament Hill and the Byward Market, The Westin Ottawa is one of my favourite places to stay in Ottawa. This hotel is pet-friendly and has some of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept on.
On Elgin Street, just a couple of blocks south of Parliament Hill, you will find another historic Ottawa hotel, The Lord Elgin. One of Ottawa’s finest! Steeped in history, this hotel is within walking distance to all downtown Canada Day celebrations.
See The Sights
There are so many things to see and do in Ottawa, you’ll want to make sure you pencil in some time around Canada Day to enjoy more of the great experiences that Ottawa has to offer its visitors.
Insider Tip: If you are in downtown Ottawa on June 30th, be sure to stop by Parliament Hill in the early evening – you may just get the chance to watch and listen to some of the Canada Day performers practicing for the big day!
Have you ever been to the Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill in Ottawa? What did you enjoy most about celebrating Canada Day in Canada’s Capital? Tell us about your Canada Day experience in the comments below!
