Canada Day in Ottawa is iconic: fireworks over Parliament Hill, live music, and crowds draped in red and white. There’s no better neighbourhood to celebrate with your family than The Glebe. With its leafy streets, welcoming local businesses, and perfect mix of parks, patios, and playtime, The Glebe is your one-stop shop for a fun and fuss-free long weekend. Whether you’re visiting Ottawa or staying local for the holiday, here’s your Canada Day long weekend itinerary, designed with families in mind. (Bonus: most of it is walkable and stroller-friendly!)
Day 1: Friday, June 27th – Arrive, Explore, and Ease In
Afternoon: Welcome to Ottawa!
Roll into town, check into your hotel or Airbnb, and stretch your legs with a walk down Bank Street. The Glebe is a joy to explore with kids — wide sidewalks, lots of shops, and plenty of hidden gems.
Make your first stops:
- Shoe + Shoe (Kazka Toys) – a magical toy shop (and children’s clothing store) that kids (and grown-ups) will love! Get any last minute clothing/footwear/entertainment needs here
- Octopus Books – pick up a Canada-themed story for bedtime
- The Unrefined Olive – try free tastings of balsamic vinegar (yes, even kids like them!)
Dinner: Casual Eats at Crust & Crate
Head to Lansdowne Park for a relaxed family dinner at Crust & Crate. Their pizzas and pastas are a hit with all ages, and parents will appreciate the local beer taps.
Evening: Sunset Walk + Ice Cream
After dinner, walk the canal path toward Patterson Creek for a peaceful sunset. On your way back, treat yourselves at:
- Haven’s Creamery – with fun flavours and vegan options
- Ichiban Bakery for rich, Italian-style gelato
Day 2: Saturday, June 28th – Teddy Bears & Neighbourhood Fun
Morning: CHEO Teddy Bears’ Picnic at Lansdowne (8 am – 2 pm)
Start your Saturday morning with one of Ottawa’s sweetest family traditions — the CHEO Teddy Bears’ Picnic! Hosted by the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, this free, fun-filled event is CHEO’s way of thanking the community for its incredible support.
Bring your favourite stuffed animal and enjoy:
- Teddy bear “check-ups” at the teddy bear hospital
- Arts and crafts, face painting, and bubbles
- Live music and puppet shows
- Adorable photo ops for kids and families
It’s a joyful, heartwarming celebration that reminds us all why community matters- and the perfect start to your weekend for little ones and toddlers.
Midday: Canadian Culture Downtown
Take a short trip downtown and dive into Canada’s diverse stories and histories with one of these incredible, family-friendly tours:
- Capital City Tour – a free walking tour covering Canada’s iconic capital landmarks
- Black History of Ottawa Bus Tour – an engaging ride through the city’s untold Black history
- Indigenous Walk – a walking tour led by Indigenous educators that brings attention to the land’s deeper stories
- Parliament: The Immersive Experience – a high-tech, interactive exhibit exploring how Canada’s democracy works (great for kids and adults alike!)
Lunch: Poulet Rouge or Eddy’s Diner
-
Poulet Rouge has fresh, customizable bowls
-
Eddy’s Diner offers comfort food classics and generous portions in a retro setting
Afternoon: Glebe Stroll & Scavenger Hunt
Turn your afternoon into an adventure! Create a DIY Glebe scavenger hunt — find:
- A Canada flag on a shop window
- A red toy at Hokum
- A treat from Little Victories Coffee
- A tulip (physical or painted)
- A raven
- A cow – look through the art instillations!
Dinner: Milestones at Lansdowne
Not in the mood for paint or football? Wrap up your Sunday with a relaxed, sit-down dinner at Milestones. The kids’ menu is reliable, the grown-up plates are delicious, and the views from the patio are the perfect end to a big day of adventure.
Day 3: Sunday, June 29th – Brunch, Biking & Open-Air Fun
Morning: Farmers Market and Brunch
Start your Sunday slow with a stroll through the Lansdowne Farmers’ Market. Kids can sample local treats, pick out colourful produce, or even help choose flowers for your picnic later.
Afterward, fuel up with a family brunch at one of The Glebe’s best-loved spots:
- Yolks – classic brunch dishes with creative twists
- Wild Oat Bakery & Cafe – organic and vegetarian-friendly
- The Rowan – elegant brunch in a relaxed setting
- Cantina Gia – warm, Italian-inspired morning bites
Midday: Canal Adventure Time
Looking for action? Rent bikes (or bring your own!) and explore the scenic Rideau Canal Pathway. It’s flat, family-friendly, and full of pretty spots to pause.
Tip: stop at Patterson Creek to watch ducks, snack on market goodies, or just lay back and relax.
Lunch: Von’s Bistro
Craving something easy and satisfying? Head to Von’s Bistro for juicy burgers, kid-friendly plates, and a sunny patio where the whole family can recharge.
Afternoon: Redblacks Game at TD Place – 7PM Kickoff
Get ready for some major Canada Day weekend fun! Cheer on the Ottawa Redblacks as they face off against the Toronto Argonauts — and that’s just the start:
-
Pre-game & halftime concert featuring JJ Wilde
-
$10+HST drink deals before the game
-
Post-game fireworks lighting up the sky above TD Place
Whether you’re a football fan or just here for the music and vibes, it’s one of the best family events of the weekend.
Family Paint Night at The Dosa Spot
Not a big football person? Head inside for a low-key, colourful break. The Dosa Spot hosts a family-friendly paint night — a great way to get creative together and escape the heat (or the rain!)
Dinner: Jumak Korean Pub or Irene’s Pub
Wrap up the day with a family dinner at one of The Glebe’s go-to spots:
- Jumak Korean Pub – Think crispy Korean fried chicken, sizzling rice dishes, and cozy booths perfect for winding down after a big day.
- Irene’s Pub – Come for the burgers, stay for the Sunday Night Revue at 8:30 PM: a free, family-friendly evening filled with music, dancing, games, prizes, and (in true Glebe fashion) a little bit of hokum.
Day 4: Monday, June 30th – Park Day
Morning: Breakfast at Kettleman’s
Enjoy a casual breakfast at Kettleman’s Bagel Co. who are known for their breakfast sandwiches, latkes, and freshly baked Montreal-style bagels. Kids love watching the bagels being made!
Midday: Explore The City
Make memories that will last forever and explore the city through the lens your family will enjoy the most. Want something more outdoorsy? Head to Dows lake and rent kayaks or take a dip from the new dock! Looking for playground time? Go to the playground at Lansdowne and get a meal at any of the amazing restaurants there. Are you a family of foodies? Ottawa has an expansive culinary scene. Explore Chinatown, then head down to Little Italy, then Dow’s lake and back to the Glebe to get any cuisines you missed along the way! Want something more educational? Head north to the Canadian Museum of Nature, and explore wonders from around the world.
Afternoon: Movie Break at Cineplex Lansdowne
Need some indoor downtime? Catch a matinee at Cineplex Lansdowne , especially if the weather isn’t cooperating.
Dinner: Family Picnic
Pick up takeout from St. Rita or picnic essentials from Il Negozio Nicastro and enjoy a relaxed picnic on the TD Place hill or by Patterson Creek.
Day 5: Tuesday, JULY 1ST – Happy Canada Day!
Early Morning: Coffee & Playground
Grab coffee from Little Victories while the kids play at Sylvia Holden Park. Then make your way toward the day’s big events.
Canada Day Celebrations Begin!
Head downtown or walk to Lebreton Flats to start the celebrations! We suggest that you walk or take OC Transpo (which will be free for the day) rather than drive, as there will be many road closures near the area. Here are a list of events happening in the day listed chronologically:
- 360 Booth at Parliment (9 am – 5 pm) – This 360 Video Booth transforms guests into stars, as they are filmed from every angle on a platform, creating energetic and fun slow-motion video clips. The activation includes Canada Day overlays and music for a full Canadian experience. Videos are instantly edited and shared with you, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family.
- The Changing of the Guard (10 am – 10:45 am) – The Changing of the Guard ceremony is back on Parliament Hill. This military ritual is a symbolic transfer of authority, as one guard unit is relieved by another. Take this opportunity to witness the ceremony and listen to the music of the ceremonial guard, which blends solemn and traditional melodies.
- Margaritia’s Canada Day Day Party (1pm) – Enjoy a festive latin day party with live performances, DJs and much more
- Symphony at the NAC (2:30–3:45 PM) – This free concert for all ages is the perfect way to experience the rich cultural heritage of Canada through music. Hosted by the talented slam poet and songwriter Yao and conducted by Alexander Shelley, this concert will feature music from the past 100 years by Canadian composers.
- 🏀Ottawa BlackJacks VS Winnipeg Sea Bears (3PM) – The Ottawa BlackJacks will be competing against the Winnipeg Sea Bears and it’s a game you won’t want to miss. Click the link for a discount on tickets!
- The Royal Canadian Air Force Pipes & Dreams (3:30 – 4 pm) – This year, the RCAFPD is performing with their highland dancers! Join them on Parliament Hill to celebrate Canada Day in a festive and traditional way!
- The Snowbirds Aerial Show (4 – 4:30 pm) – The Canadian Forces (CF) Snowbirds, 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, are a Canadian emblem made up of members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and public service employees within the Department of National Defense. The pilots work as a team to produce a thrilling aerial show for the Canadian public, high above Parliament Hill and all the way to the Glebe.
- The Canada Day National Evening Show (8 – 10 pm) – The Canada Day National Evening Show, at LeBreton Flats, is a must-see event that embodies our Canadian pride. It features colourful musical performances and an electric atmosphere. As we celebrate our national identity, waves of red and white will flow through LeBreton Flats Park, filling the streets of the capital with excitement that will resonate all across the country. From the heart of Canada’s capital, with performances from Summerside, Yellowknife and Vancouver, let’s come together through dance, song and the unifying power of music!
Check out the full lineup on canada.ca — but know that The Glebe is always in on the fun.
Evening: Fireworks Finale 🎆
End your long weekend with a bang — fireworks light up the sky at sunset from Lebreton Flats and are seen all through out the Glebe. Take a short walk toward Dow’s Lake or downtown for the best views of the city’s main show.
Family Tips for a Smooth Weekend
- Pace your plans
The Glebe is full of things to see and do but don’t try to do it all in one day. Stick to one or two key activities, like the CHEO Teddy Bears’ Picnic in the morning and the Glebe Mural Walk in the afternoon. Leave room for snacks, rests, and spontaneous fun (like chasing bubbles at Lansdowne or watching ducks at Patterson Creek). - Pack a Go Bag
Your backpack should include: refillable water bottles, sunscreen, wipes, bandaids, snacks, hand sanitizer, and hats. Toss in a towel or bathing suit if you’re headed to the splash pad, and don’t forget ear protection if you’ll be catching the evening fireworks. You’ll find most of what you forgot (or didn’t know you’d need!) at nearby stores like Shoe + Shoe, Octopus Books, or Kettleman’s. Bonus: shopping local keeps you close to all the action. - Be ready to walk!
Canada Day in the capital is a fun and festive time, but it also means many road closures. Trying to drive everywhere will not always work. That’s why we recommend staying in the Glebe as it is a short walk/bus ride to Parliament, Elgin street, and Lebreton Flats. - Be food-flexible.
Between the Farmers’ Market, casual spots like Crust & Crate or Poulet Rouge, and picnic-ready shops like Il Negozio Nicastro, there are plenty of family-friendly food options. Eat when the kids are hungry — even if it means dinner happens at 4:30 PM. - Time your breaks.
Plan your more energetic activities (like biking the canal or mural hunting) for the morning or early evening when kids have the most energy. Use midday to slow down — enjoy brunch, visit the splash pad, or even catch a matinee at Cineplex if the weather turns. - Know your neighbourhood.
On Friday or early Saturday, take a mini walk around your accommodation to locate: the nearest pharmacy (Whole Health Compounding Pharmacy is a great option), a coffee shop for parents (like Little Victories), and a playground (Sylvia Holden park and Lansdowne are top picks). - Make it kid-led.
Let your child choose the next mural, pick a gelato flavour, or lead part of your scavenger hunt. These little moments of independence turn outings into memories and give kids something to take pride in. - Expect (and embrace) detours.
You might not get to every stop on your itinerary — and that’s okay. Some of the best Glebe moments are unscripted: discovering a new mural, stumbling onto live music, or extending playground time because no one wants to leave
Celebrate Canada Day, Glebe Style
From a cozy teddy bear picnic to canal bike rides, outdoor concerts, and fireworks, The Glebe is packed with memory-making moments. Whether you’re traveling from afar or just crossing the canal, this neighbourhood is your go-to for a joyful, easy, and unforgettable family Canada Day.
