Canada Day lineup unveiled as Ottawa readies for a national celebration like no other
LeBreton Flats in Ottawa is gearing up to host the national Canada Day celebration once again on July 1, and this year’s event promises to be one for the books. The festivities will showcase some of the top local talent, including Ottawa’s very own Nick Durocher, who goes by the stage name TALK.
The celebration marking 158 years since Confederation will kick off with a noon ceremony followed by an evening concert featuring a lineup of renowned Canadian artists. Sarah McLachlan, Coeur de pirate, Tom Cochrane, Mitsou, Amanda Marshall, Roch Voisine, Randy Bachman, Édith Butler, Aasiva, and Muzion are just a few of the performers scheduled to take the stage at LeBreton Flats. Isabelle Racicot, co-host of CBC podcast and radio series “Seat at the Table,” will be hosting the evening show from 8 to 10 p.m. ET.
In addition to the performances at LeBreton Flats, the national broadcast will also feature acts by Blue Rodeo in Summerside, P.E.I, and other artists in Vancouver and Yellowknife. Special guests, including Jeff Douglas, best known as “Joe Canada” from the iconic “I am Canadian” beer ad, will make appearances during the show.
This year’s Canada Day celebration holds even more significance as it marks the first since U.S. President Donald Trump initiated a trade war and threatened to make Canada the “51st state.” Canadian Heritage, the federal department organizing the event, emphasized the importance of proudly waving the Canadian flag and showcasing the country’s resilience and unity.
Apart from the main event at LeBreton Flats, three other sites around the capital will host various activities on Canada Day. Parliament Hill will feature the Ceremonial Guard Band, bagpipes, Snowbirds demonstrations, and a big screen showing the main shows from LeBreton. The lawn in front of the Supreme Court of Canada will offer a new “family-friendly space” with yoga and drumming workshops, while Old Hull across the Ottawa River will host family activities during the day and evening performances by renowned artists.
Canadians are encouraged to participate in celebrations in their communities and share what makes them proud to be Canadian. Heritage Canada invites individuals to record a short video expressing their Canadian pride and submit it through the O Canada! Station website or video booths at major VIA Rail stations across the country.
Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Steven Guilbeault emphasized the country’s vibrant diversity and unity, stating that Canada shines with shared energy and spirit. To get everyone in the festive mood, Canadian Heritage has released the official Canada Day playlist and encourages Canadians to discover the artists who will be performing on July 1.
The noon ceremony and evening show will be broadcast on various platforms including CBC, CBC News Network, CBC Gem, CBC Radio, CBC News YouTube channel, ICI RDI, ICI TÉLÉ, and ICI TOU.TV. The evening performance can also be viewed on Radio-Canada.ca, ensuring that Canadians across the country can join in the celebration of Canada’s rich heritage and cultural diversity.
