u/VisibleVermicelli446

These are my plans for now:

- 12 PM watch the show at LeBreton Flats with the Snowbirds flyover and speech by Mark Carney.
- Check out the military bands, RCMP horses, and 360° camera on Parliament Hill.
- 2:30 PM NAC Orchestra free concert
- 4 PM watch the final Snowbirds aerial show for many years, probably from Kìwekì Point.
- 7 PM the free 80s Retro Concert on York Street featuring Men Without Hats.
- 9 PM catch the second half of the LeBreton concert with Barenaked Ladies which I plan to watch on the big screen in front of the Supreme Court.
- 10 PM watch the fireworks from in front of Library & Archives on Wellington

Here’s a more complete list I posted a couple weeks ago.

https://www.reddit.com/r/canadatravel/s/Vhp9QRO84r

Sorry for the long post, but there’s a lot happening on Wednesday, July 1st in the National Capital Region.

I usually go to the noontime ceremonies at LeBreton Flats while the Centre Block is about halfway through its estimated 12-year renovation. There will likely be speeches from Prime Minister Mark Carney and our new Governor General, Louise Arbour, and if you stand to the left of the stage, you might get a chance to shake their hands as they enter or leave. There will be music and patriotic videos broadcast on the giant screens and live on CBC and Gem. Last year, I got to see Ryan Reynolds inducted into the Order of Canada. I find the crowds are actually pretty manageable, and security is relatively quick.

During the day, there are plenty of other things to do, including a 360° video booth, military bands, and the chance to meet the horses from the RCMP Musical Ride on Parliament Hill. If you want to avoid LeBreton, you can watch the concerts on big screens or participate in other activities in front of the Supreme Court, and this will be one of the last opportunities to see inside before the court starts its multi-year renovations. There will be family activities across the river in Old Hull from noon to 4 pm, and a concert featuring mostly rappers and DJs from 7 to 11. The 4 PM aerial show will likely be the last chance to see the RCAF Snowbirds for many years as they transition to new aircraft, and Kìwekì Point at Major’s Hill Park could be a great place to watch them unobstructed.

Most national museums are open and admission-free on Canada Day. I highly recommend the Museum of History, which normally costs $25 for adults, especially if you’re a new Canadian. The War Museum is right next to the main stage at LeBreton, making it a great refuge if it starts to rain.

Although the Parliament Buildings aren’t open on Canada Day, you can usually book tours of the House of Commons in West Block, the historic rooms of East Block, the Senate in the old Union Station, and the Parliament Immersive Experience on Sparks at O’Connor most other days. You can also visit the grounds of Rideau Hall any day of the year, or take a guided tour inside the Governor General’s official residence from July 1st to September 1st.

I usually avoid the 8 pm evening show at LeBreton and watch the 10 pm fireworks from up the street near Library and Archives Canada, but I might go this year to see the Barenaked Ladies and Alessia Cara. The concert is also broadcast live on CBC and Gem.

Don’t forget to wear red and white, and greet everyone with “Happy Canada Day!”

PS: OC Transpo buses, the O-Train LRT, and Para Transpo are free all day on Canada Day. STO buses in Gatineau will also be free, but you’d have to walk across one of the bridges due to Ottawa street closures. If you’re coming from out of town and don’t want to drive, fly, or take the bus or train, you can carpool with Poparide for about $30 each way from Montreal or $50 from Toronto.