Celebrate Canada Day 2019: What to Do on Canada Day
Happy Canada Day! Book a Le Boat vacation and cruise to Ottawa for Canada’s 152nd birthday party
When the party gets started for Canada Day in 2019, make sure you’re in the heart of the fun and excitement in downtown Ottawa. Book a Le Boat cruise vacation over the Canada Day long weekend, and you’ll create epic memories at Canada’s party of the year!
Ottawa on Canada Day - Canada's Biggest Party
Canada Day is the pinnacle of all Canadian holidays, and the festivities are truly spectacular in downtown Ottawa, Canada’s capital city. Here, the biggest Canada Day party runs for two whole days in 2019, with live entertainment, family activities and spectacular fireworks. Even better, all these activities are FREE!
Naturally, hotel rooms in downtown Ottawa have been booked up for months in anticipation of this annual event, but when you book a vacation with Le Boat, you worry about where you spend the night, you’ll bring your own floating hotel with you! Imagine taking in Canada’s spectacular firework display while relaxing with a glass of wine on Le Boat’s “fun deck,” as you’re moored on the Rideau Canal, directly below Canada’s parliament buildings.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal stretches 202-kilometres from Kingston to Ottawa, ending at Canada’s Parliament Buildings with a flight of eight massive locks that connect the Rideau Canal with the Ottawa River. Watch as Parks Canada staff operate the winches by hand to open and closes the gates to the locks. Or choose to the city on two wheels for a different perspective. Wide bicycle paths run alongside the canal and offer spectacular scenery for pedestrians and cyclists.
There’s a lot going on in Ottawa to celebrate Canada Day! Here’s your passport to the fun and excitement in downtown Ottawa, and all the experiences you won’t want to miss as you cruise to the festivities.
Parliament Hill
A short walk from the Rideau Canal, Parliament Hill is the centrepiece of Ottawa’s downtown, and is the heart of the government for the entire country. This is the main site for Canada Day festivities, where a massive mainstage will be set up to feature live performances, and speeches to celebrate the day. Don’t miss visiting Centennial Flame on Parliament Hill, a flame that’s been burning since 1967 when it was lit to commemorate Canada’s 100th anniversary.
This will be the location for much of the excitement for Canada Day, and you’ll want to plan to spend a few hours here. On July 1, programming on the Hill starts at 8 a.m. and includes an Algonquin blessing of the grounds, a Carillion Concert, and the noon and evening Shows showcasing various artists.
Major’s Hill Park
This park is conveniently located a short walk from Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal, and will be the place to be for family-friendly programming on Canada Day. Take in the majestic sights of the National Gallery of Canada and the Fairmont Château Laurier, a community icon. Relax on the lawn and enjoy the fresh, Canadian air! On June 30 and July 1, you’ll find programming includes interactive arts and activities as well as performances by Canadian performers.
The Canadian Museum of History is a must-see for anyone visiting Ottawa for the first time! Here, you can enjoy indoor and outdoor entertainment, including special activities and games that highlight Canadian Indigenous cultures.
Once you’ve taken in all the sights and sounds of Canada Day, head back to the boat and relax in the comfort of your own yacht, crank up the music, and enjoy a relaxing meal.
You’ll be in the right spot at dusk, where you can relax as the fireworks display lights up the sky in brilliant splendour. Have a toast and say Happy Birthday Canada, eh!