LeBreton Flats in Ottawa will once again host the national Canada Day celebration on July 1, and this year’s festivities will feature some top local talent.
The party marking 158 years since Confederation will include a noon ceremony and an evening concert featuring Ottawa’s own Nick Durocher, who goes by the stage name TALK.
Sarah McLachlan, Coeur de pirate, Tom Cochrane, Mitsou, Amanda Marshall, Roch Voisine, Randy Bachman, Édith Butler, Aasiva and Muzion are among the other Canadian artists who will perform at LeBreton Flats, according to Canadian Heritage, the federal department organizing the event.
Isabelle Racicot, co-host of CBC podcast and radio series Seat at the Table, will host the evening show from 8 to 10 p.m. ET. The national broadcast will also include performances by Blue Rodeo in Summerside, P.E.I, and more artists in Vancouver and Yellowknife.
The show will also feature a list special guests including Jeff Douglas, known to his compatriots as Joe Canada from that classic “I am Canadian” beer ad.
This July 1 will also mark the first Canada Day celebration since U.S. President Donald Trump launched his trade war and began threatening to make Canada the “51st state.”
“More than ever, this year is the perfect opportunity to wave our flag proudly and show the world what makes us the True North strong and free. Canadians are encouraged to take part in celebrations in their communities across the country and in the heart of Canada’s Capital Region,” Canadian Heritage said.
More to explore around the capital
Three more sites around the capital will host different activities on Canada Day.
Parliament Hill is the place to be to see the Ceremonial Guard Band, bagpipes, demonstrations by the Snowbirds and a big screen showing the main shows from LeBreton.
Just down Wellington Street, the lawn in front of the Supreme Court of Canada will host a new “family-friendly space” featuring yoga and drumming workshops.
Across the Ottawa River in Old Hull, expect “a festive atmosphere with family activities during the day and captivating evening performances by famous artists.”
You can find a full list of performances and activities on the official Canada Day website.
Canadians are also invited to record a short video “to express what makes them proud to be Canadian,” said Heritage Canada. To submit a video, visit the O Canada! Station website or a video booth at one of many major VIA Rail stations across the country.
“This year, more than ever, Canada will shine with its shared energy, diversity and the spirit of unity that connects us from coast to coast to coast,” said Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Steven Guilbeault said in the news release.
“As a country, we form a vibrant mosaic and we become stronger when we honour the ties that bind us and celebrate together.”
To get everyone in the festive mood, the department has also released its official Canada Day playlist, and is encouraging Canadians to “discover the artists who will be taking centre stage on July 1.”
The noon ceremony and evening show will be broadcast on CBC, CBC News Network, CBC Gem, CBC Radio, the CBC News YouTube channel and CBC News streaming channels as well as ICI RDI, ICI TÉLÉ and ICI TOU.TV. The evening performance may also be viewed at Radio-Canada.ca.
