Canada Day 2025: Official Ottawa and Gatineau Events Announced by Canadian Heritage
Canadians will observe the 158th anniversary of Confederation on July 1, 2025, with official events in Ottawa and Gatineau, as well as local and national broadcasts, according to Canadian Heritage. Official programs announced on May 29 outline concerts, family activities, ceremonies, and fireworks across several designated sites in the capital region, with multiple events available both in person and through televised and online broadcasts.
Canadian Heritage states that this year's Canada Day events also mark the 60th anniversary of the national flag and the 150th anniversary of the Supreme Court of Canada, which is recognized as an official site for the celebrations for the first time. These anniversaries are included as part of the national program and are reflected in scheduled activities.
According to Canadian Heritage, the national noon ceremony will begin at noon Eastern Time at LeBreton Flats Park in Ottawa. The event will be broadcast on CBC, CBC News Network, CBC Gem, CBC Radio, the CBC News YouTube channel, CBC News streaming platforms, ICI RDI, ICI TÉLÉ, and ICI TOU.TV. Performers scheduled for the ceremony include Amanda Marshall, Garou, Thompson Egbo-Egbo, Rafaëlle Roy, and Alli Walker, with Sonia Benezra hosting, according to the official program.
The national evening show is scheduled from 8 to 10 p.m. Eastern Time at LeBreton Flats Park, with Canadian Heritage noting that the program will feature live segments from Summerside (Prince Edward Island), Yellowknife (Northwest Territories), and Vancouver (British Columbia). Performers named by Canadian Heritage include Sarah McLachlan, Muzion, Cœur de pirate, Billie du Page, Josh Ross, Morgan Grace, Tom Cochrane, Blue Rodeo (Summerside), Mitsou, Alex Wells (Vancouver), Amanda Marshall, Dear Rouge (Vancouver), Roch Voisine, Crook the Kid (Yellowknife), Randy Bachman, Brenda Montana (Yellowknife), Édith Butler, Jeff Douglas (special guest), TALK, Katherine Levac (special guest), Dumas & Ivan Boivin-Flamand, Les Sœurs Bégin (special guests), Fredz, Enola Bedard (special guest), and Aasiva. Isabelle Racicot is scheduled as host for the evening event, which will be broadcast live on CBC, CBC News Network, CBC Gem, CBC Radio, the CBC News YouTube channel, CBC News streaming channels, ICI TÉLÉ, ICI TOU.TV, and Radio-Canada.ca, according to Canadian Heritage.
Canadian Heritage reports that four official sites in Ottawa-Gatineau will offer free Canada Day activities: LeBreton Flats Park, Parliament Hill, the Supreme Court of Canada, and Old Hull. According to Canadian Heritage, activities will include interactive dance sessions, short film screenings, a performance by DJ Miss Shelton, demonstrations by the Snowbirds, yoga and drumming workshops, performances by the Ceremonial Guard Band and bagpipe players, and the Tim Hortons Canada Day Fireworks.
The O Canada! Station initiative, as stated by Canadian Heritage, invites anyone to record a short video describing what makes them proud to be Canadian. Videos may be recorded online or at video booths located in VIA Rail stations, according to the program. Canadian Heritage notes that some videos will be featured in the televised national evening show. Canadian Heritage also states that videos submitted between May 29 and July 2 are eligible for a draw for two VIA Rail trips, valued at up to $15,000 each.
Canadian Heritage notes that volunteer registration for Canada Day events in Ottawa and Gatineau remains open until June 17. Sponsors for Canada Day 2025, as listed by Canadian Heritage, include Tim Hortons, Giant Tiger, VIA Rail Canada, the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club, GoodLife Fitness, BeaverTails, and Haribo. Additional details are available on the official Canada Day website, according to Canadian Heritage.