9 Canada Day Celebrations in Ottawa

There's no better place to be than our nation's capital on Canada Day. The only challenge is picking which party to attend. Weigh your options carefully with our handy guide to July 1 in Ottawa.

There's no question that everyone should experience Parliament Hill on the big day at least once. The crowds are crazy (strollers not recommended, bring lots of water), but we love it anyway for the tradition of the Changing of the Guard, the groove of the noon hour concert (this year headlined by family favourite Magic!), and the power of the Snowbirds soaring overhead. If you arrive early enough, you can even be part of a cool living Canadian Flag on Rideau Street, which gathers between 8 and 10 am.

Small kids will love the fun at Jacques Cartier Park just over the Alexandra Bridge in Gatineau. Sand sculptures, inflatables, and a birds of prey show, plus plenty of park space for a picnic, are sure to keep them entertained. If you get overheated, the Museum of History is right next door (with free admission) for an air-conditioned break. Good to know: hop on the free shuttle bus that runs between Jacques Cartier Park and Major's Hill Park to help tired little feet get home—remember the bridge closes at 9 pm to all traffic, even pedestrians, so be on the right side of the river before then. Best for: toddlers, preschoolers, and grade schoolers

A great little piece of Canadiana, the Diefenbunker is also a fantastic location for kids who need a lot of space to run around. Avoid the big crowds, but still have a blast, with free admission, face painting, live music, and an obstacle course. There's all the usual museum fun, too, from military bedrooms to old style telephones to the legendary vault that would keep Canada's coffers safe. Bring a little pocket money for refreshments and a blanket or camp chairs for enjoying the concerts. Best for: ages 3 to 12

The national museums all have free admission on Canada Day, but if we had to pick just one, it's the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. You'll see rare appearances by vintage aircraft, meet members of the SkyHawks (Canada's military parachute team) and get an autograph from a Snowbirds pilot. Plus, there's a meet and greet session with Chris Hadfield! Be sure to arrive as early as you can to nab a photo op with the living legend. Its indoor location, wide aisles, and great facilities make this an ideal destination for younger kids. Best for: families of all ages

Kanata hosts its own celebration each year in Walter Baker Park, and it's plenty big enough to give you that special ‘Canada Day feeling'. Enjoy a day of free activities, including face painting, craft tents, inflatables, princess and superhero visits, interactive sports demonstrations, and an ongoing video game festival from Games To Go. You'll need a little cash if you want to check out the midway or buy some snacks, though. Several bands will take a turn on the main stage throughout the day and fireworks will start at 10 pm Most of the fun starts around 11 am but arrive earlier than that if you want to nab good parking. Best for: families of all ages

In Orleans, head over to Petrie Island for the day that includes visits from Ray's Reptiles, Circus Delights and Radical Science. Older kids can try their hand at beach volleyball or enjoy the musical acts on stage. There's plenty of space for a picnic lunch or dinner, and of course, the evening ends with a bang with fireworks starting at 10 pm. Good to know: remember, no dogs are allowed on the island, and there's no parking on Canada Day, so take a shuttle bus from Place D'Orleans or the Park and Ride lot on Trim Road at the Taylor Creek Business Park. Best for: families of all ages

The NAC has a full slate of family programming on Canada Day, including their Unisong choir performances (go ahead, hum along!), crafts, face painting, and musical performances. They'll also be running their legendary Canada Day BBQ from 11 am to 5 pm, and we won't tell if you want to slip away for a moment or two to the Beer Garden. Everything except food and beverages is free. Don't forget, if you're coming downtown, that OC Transpo is free. Best for: families of all ages

In Claudette Cain Park in Riverside South, you'll find all sorts of activities aimed at the younger set. There's a petting zoo, pony rides, balloon animals, face paint and tattoos. Little ones can jump on inflatables, meet superheroes and enjoy a show. There's cake served at 1 pm and cotton candy all day long, plus a BBQ. Everything except the BBQ is included in a $10 pass, required for all kids aged 3 and up—but it's worth it. Best for: ages 0 to 8

Barrhaven has events all day in Clarke Fields Park, including a crafts and activities tent for little ones, but the big draw is definitely the midway, so be sure to bring some spending money and be prepared to squeal the day away. There's also a multicultural stage, featuring Bollywood dancing, highland dancing, and martial arts, and a main stage where you can check out their legendary annual Battle of the Bands contest, which wraps up just as the fireworks start. Plan to stay all day—lunch and dinner can come from their fantastic BBQ. Best for: ages 6 through teen