This year’s Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa offer countless ways to enjoy the country’s 142nd birthday.
The physically active can begin Canada Day off with a 5-km run, starting at 8 a.m. on the Gatineau side of the Alexandra Bridge and ending at Jacques-Cartier Park. A 1-km kids’ run starts at 9 a.m., a non-competitive 3-km walk at 9:30 a.m., and co-operative games for families and groups from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., all at Jacques-Cartier Park.
Athletes of the armchair sort can check out the Vancouver 2010 Kiosk at the Capital Infocentre (90 Wellington St., across from Parliament Hill), meet some Canadian athletes, get their autographs, and see the Olympic and Paralympic torch.
Culture buffs can enjoy free admission to the Museum of Civilization, and the permanent collection of the National Gallery.
For music lovers, the noon and evening concerts on Parliament Hill will feature a cross-country lineup with Sarah McLaughlin (B.C.), Marie-Mai (Que.), Shane Yellowbird (Alta), Marie-Jo Therio (N.B.), Drum! (N.S), and The Canadian Tenors (Ont.).
At Confederation Park, the Ottawa Jazz Festival presents two stages of free performances from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., featuring Amanda Tosoff, Michael Kaeshammer, Carmen Souza, The Worst Pop Band Ever and more.
Also check out day and evening concerts at Jaques-Cartier Park and Major’s Hill Park.
More information on Canada Day festivities is available at canadascapital.gc.ca.
