Canada Day Fireworks 2025 in Ottawa

Canada Day is best celebrated in the nation's capital. With celebrations happening throughout the city and exciting free activities available all day, Ottawa offers the perfect location to honor this incredible country on Canada Day. The celebration ends with a fantastic fireworks display to cap off the night.

Events & Activities

Before the Ottawa Fireworks light up the sky, you can entertain yourself with a range of free events at authorized locations in Ottawa and Gatineau, including many shows and activities, appearances by dignitaries and notable guests, and live performances by established and up-and-coming Canadian musicians. There are also fairs in all corners of downtown Ottawa. Last year, the Government of Canada had a comprehensive schedule of Canada Day festivities from 9 am to 10:30 pm at LeBreton Flats Park, along with activities throughout Ottawa-Gatineau.

LeBreton Flats Park Events

The daytime ceremony begins the national celebrations with a look at Canada's past, present, and future from 12 pm to 1:15 pm. Attendees also have the chance to witness the Canada Day Royal Canadian Air Force Centennial Flypast. The evening show, "Canada Day: Feel the Rhythm," is a two-hour free concert that unites music lovers across the country. Fans of rock, pop, hip-hop, and folk can enjoy singing and dancing during this unforgettable musical performance. The pre-show, featuring the hypnotic rhythms of DJ Miss Shelton, starts at 7 pm. The main show takes place from 8 pm to 10 pm, followed by a spectacular Canada Day fireworks display.

The Fireworks Show

If you visit Ottawa on July 1, you will see a fantastic 15-minute Tim Hortons pyro-musical show you will never forget. At 10 pm, the fireworks will ignite the Ottawa sky. The best place to view them is from the Lebreton Flats site. Thousands of spectators watch a dazzling, synchronized fireworks show with a soundtrack comprised of Canadian music.

Viewing Locations

Canada Day fireworks can be observed from numerous locations in Ottawa, Ontario, Quebec, and Gatineau, a town across the Ottawa River. Additional great spots to watch the fireworks display are the Portage Bridge, the Zibi grounds close to Interzip Rogers, and the Voyageurs Pathway on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River. In Gatineau, you can experience a scintillating sight from the Canadian Museum of History lawn and Jacques-Cartier Park lawn.

Canada Day Concert at Southam Hall

Celebrate Canada Day with a free concert at Southam Hall in the nation's capital. Hosted by slam poet and songwriter YAO and conducted by Alexander Shelley, the 2024 edition will feature international violin sensation Kerson Leong, the Unisong choir with voices from every Canadian province and territory, and vocalist Kellylee Evans. The concert will showcase over 100 years of Canadian music, featuring works by Keiko Devaux, François Dompierre, Jean Coulthard, and more. As tradition dictates, the event will conclude with Oscar Peterson's unforgettable "Hymn to Freedom," with additional exciting repertoire announced from the stage. No tickets are needed for this special celebration. The concert starts at 2:30 pm.

Canada Day Fireworks Boat Party

Visitors are invited to embark on an unforgettable party cruise on the Ottawa River, where they'll marvel at breathtaking views of Ottawa's skyline against the backdrop of a stunning summer sunset. They can dance on a club-like dance floor with a rooftop deck while enjoying the talented live DJ spinning sweet tunes. The cruise lasts for 3 hours around the harbor on a 2-level boat with an outside viewing deck and concludes with a spectacular fireworks display. Boarding starts at 8:30 pm, departure at 9:00 pm, and the return is scheduled by midnight. Please note that this event is for ages 19 and up, and tickets start at $45.

History of Canada Day

Canada Day is a day to reflect on what it means to be Canadian, to share what makes them proud, and to celebrate in their way. Since 1868, July 1 has been an opportunity for Canadians from all communities to come together.