Looking for fun, festive and family-friendly ways to celebrate Canada Day? Here’s a big roundup of free Canada Day events happening in Ottawa, Gatineau and nearby towns, including kids’ zones, live music, markets, fireworks, museums, small-town celebrations and more.

Most events below are free to attend, but food, vendors, rides, parking, or some activities may cost extra. Event details can change, especially because of weather, so always double-check the organizer’s page before heading out.

Where: 📍LeBreton Flats Park, 📍Parliament Hill, 📍Supreme Court of Canada area, 📍ByWard Market and 📍Old Hull

When: All day, with fireworks at night

Celebrate Canada Day right in the heart of the capital! Families can enjoy official programming across Ottawa and Gatineau, including live performances, interactive activities, photo spots, family zones, cultural programming and more.

Family-friendly highlights may include:

Fireworks: Around 10:00 p.m.

Tip: Go early, bring water, snacks, hats, sunscreen and expect large crowds.

Where: 📍 ByWard Market District

When: Daytime + evening programming

The ByWard Market will be full of festive energy with a Kids Zone, Vendor Village, outdoor public market and an evening concert zone. This is a nice option if you want to enjoy downtown celebrations but also have space to walk around, snack and explore.

Highlights:

Several Ottawa-area museums are offering free admission on Canada Day. This is a great option if you want something indoors, educational, and weather-friendly.

Free museum options include:

Tip: Museums may be busy, so arrive early and check hours before going.

Where: 📍 Multiple Locations in Orléans

When: East-end families looking for smaller community celebrations, kids’ activities, BBQs, music and fireworks

Families in Orléans have a few local Canada Day options this year, including community celebrations, free BBQs, kids’ entertainment and evening fireworks.

Highlights:

Where: 📍 Vars / Alcide Trudeau Park area

When: Local community celebration and fireworks

Vars is another neighbourhood option for families looking for a smaller Canada Day celebration with children’s activities, community booths, live entertainment and fireworks.

Highlights:

Where: 📍 Clarke Fields Park, Barrhaven

When: Full-day community festival, kids’ activities, live music and fireworks

Barrhaven’s Canada Day celebration is a big community favourite with live entertainment, a family-friendly atmosphere, food vendors, kids’ activities and evening fireworks.

Highlights:

Where: 📍 Claudette Cain Park

When: Local market, family fun and evening fireworks

Riverside South is hosting Canada Day fun at Claudette Cain Park, with daytime community programming and evening fireworks.

Highlights:

Where: 📍 Greely Community Centre / Andy Shields Park

Best for: Classic community celebration with kids’ activities and fireworks

Greely’s Canada Day celebration usually brings a full day of local fun with family activities, entertainment, food vendors and fireworks.

Highlights:

Where: 📍 Centennial Park at the Manotick Community Centre

When: Evening celebration

Best for: A smaller family-friendly evening with music and a drone show

Manotick’s Canada Day celebration is a lovely evening option for families. Expect live music, activities and a drone and music show at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Highlights:

Where: 📍 Osgoode Legion area

Best for: Parade, community celebration and fireworks

Osgoode’s Canada Day celebration includes a bike decorating contest, parade, afternoon community celebration and fireworks at night.

Highlights:

Where: 📍 Walter Baker Park

Best for: Marketplace, family fun zone, entertainment and fireworks

Kanata’s Canada Day celebration includes daytime family fun, a marketplace, live music and fireworks to end the night..

Highlights:

Where: 📍 Multiple locations in Stittsville

Best for: A full community day with several local events

Stittsville has multiple Canada Day activities throughout the day, including a flag raising, family activities, car show, market, live entertainment and evening fireworks.

Highlights:

Where: 📍 Gemmill Park, Almonte

When: Afternoon to fireworks

Best for: Small-town charm, kids’ activities, music and fireworks

Almonte’s Canada Day celebration includes bouncy castles, face painting, crafts, soccer-themed activities, live music and fireworks at dusk.

Highlights:

Where:📍 Riverside Park, Carleton Place

When: 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Best for: Family activities by the river, live music and fireworks

Carleton Place is celebrating along the Mississippi River with live entertainment, family activities, food vendors and fireworks.

Highlights:

Tip: No on-site parking; use the free shuttle or bicycle valet if available.

Where: 📍 Riverside Park, Kemptville

Best for: Full day of kids’ activities, free swimming and fireworks

Kemptville’s Canada Day celebration includes bouncy castles, inflatables, vendors, kids’ bingo, teddy bear picnics, bubble dance parties and fireworks.

Highlights:

Where: 📍 Hardy Park and Blockhouse Island

Best for: Waterfront celebration, parade, kids’ activities and fireworks

Brockville’s Canada Day celebration includes a walking parade, ceremony, live entertainment, family activities and fireworks off Blockhouse Island.

Highlights:

Where: 📍 Conlon Farm Recreation Complex

Best for: Afternoon/evening family fun, splash pad and fireworks

Perth’s Canada Day celebration includes family-friendly entertainment, kids’ crafts and games, live music, the splash pad and fireworks.

Highlights:

Where: 📍 Simon Park, Rockland

When: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Best for: Big east-end celebration with a strong kids’ zone

Clarence-Rockland has a full Canada Day lineup with a car show, kids’ zone, games, inflatables, face painting, music and fireworks.

Highlights:

Where: 📍Hydro Park East and around town

Best for: River views, kids’ activities and fireworks

Arnprior’s Canada Day festivities include a pancake breakfast, bike parade, kids’ activities, bouncy castles, face painting, local stops around town and fireworks.

Highlights:

Where: 📍Ma-te-Way Park and myFM Centre

Best for: Free family activities, inflatables and fireworks

Renfrew’s Canada Day celebration includes family-friendly activities, inflatables, museum activities, free family bingo, a free BBQ while supplies last and fireworks at dusk.

Highlights:

Where: 📍Merrickville and Eastons Corners

Best for: Small-town daytime celebration

Merrickville-Wolford has Canada Day festivities planned throughout the day, with activities in Merrickville and Eastons Corners, plus the Blockhouse Museum open to visitors.

Highlights:

Where: 📍Earl Baker Park, Morrisburg

Best for: Free family activities and classic community fun

Morrisburg is hosting a family-friendly Canada Day celebration with a full day of free activities.

Highlights:

Where:📍Lamoureux Park, Cornwall

Best for: Waterfront celebration, kids’ zone and fireworks

Cornwall’s Canada Day celebration includes a full day of free family-friendly programming at Lamoureux Park, with kids’ activities, entertainment and fireworks.

Highlights:

Where: 📍Confederation Park and Springer Market Square

When: 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Best for: Bigger day trip, waterfront celebration and fireworks

Kingston is hosting a free Canada Day celebration with live music, arts and cultural programming, food vendors, a kids’ zone and fireworks.

Highlights:

Happy Canada Day, Ottawa families!

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