10 things to do in Ottawa this weekend – July 1-3, 2022

Canada Day Celebrations

When: Friday, July 1, 2022
Where: LeBreton Flats Park and Place des Festivals Zibi
What time: 9 am to 10:30 pm
Admission: Free

The festivities at LeBreton and across the river at Zibi start early! Help colour in a giant-size mandala, enjoy giant games, learn to play lacrosse, kids can enjoy a ride aboard the VIA Rail miniature train, and so much more. The evening show includes performances by Charlotte Cardin, Walk Off The Earth, Ariane Moffatt, Salebarbes, William Prince, Sarahmée, Neon Dreams, Samian, Tenille Arts, Johnny Reid, Sebastian Gaskin, Cindy Bédard, Riit and Gurdeep Pandher — leading up to the Tim Hortons Canada Day Fireworks display. Check the calendar of events for details before you go, and don’t forget your sunscreen, hat, and reusable water bottle.

Note: Access to LeBreton Flats Park is faster for those without bags or restricted items. Expect to undergo a security screening, including a bag check and a metal detector.

IMAGE: canada.ca

Canadian Museum of History FREE on Canada Day

When: Friday, July 1, 2022
Where: 100 Rue Laurier, Gatineau
What time: 9 am – 5 pm
Admission: Free but a reservation is required. Click here to reserve

This Canada Day, head to the Canadian Museum of History to brush up on all things Canadian. Take in the Indigenous History Month special exhibition and the permanent collection. Plan to ride your bike or walk from Pimisi LRT station as road closure may affect your drive.

Photo: CMH

Outerbridge Clockwork Mysteries

When: July 1, 2022, to October 31, 2022
Where: Smiths Falls Station Theatre, 53 Victoria Ave
What time: Fridays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm
Admission: From $34.95 Ted & Marion Outerbridge Events | Eventbrite

Famous magical arts performing couple Ted and Marion Outerbridge will perform their world-renowned show Clockwork Mysteries this summer in Smiths Falls, a short drive from Ottawa. The 2011 Ontario Contact award-winning show is a spectacle combining magic, theatre, and dance into one outstanding performance centred around a mysterious clock tower with other-worldly devices, including a Victorian time machine.

Photo: tedouterbridge.com

Tom Green at Yuk Yuks

When: July 2, 2022
Where: Yuk Yuks Ottawa, 100 Kent Street. Inside the Marriott Hotel
What time: 10:30 pm
Admission: $35 Click here for tickets

Ottawa funnyman, Tom Green returns home to perform a special late-night standup comedy performance. Experience a live unrehearsed and unhinged Green in an intimate venue as he prepares new material for his upcoming standup special.

Photo: Yuk Yuks

 National Art Centre Orchestra on the Canal

When: July 2, 2022
Where: Along the Rideau Canal
What time: 4:30 pm
Admission: Free

The National Arts Centre Orchestra (NACO) provides the soundtrack for walking, running, bike, or rollerblading along the canal. This Saturday afternoon, members of the NACO will play aboard their showboat as it cruises the Rideau Canal. The event will repeat itself every Thursday at 6:30 pm and Saturday at 4:30 pm, all summer long. If the NACO is unavailable, a popular band will step in to bring music to the canal.
PHOTO: Alexandra Campeau

RCMP Musical Ride Sunset Ceremony

When: July 1- 3, 2022
Where: Musical Ride Centre, RCMP Rockcliffe Stables, 1 Sandridge Road Ottawa
What time: July 1 at 2 pm, July 2 & 3: at 6 pm
Admission: Free

Watch Canada’s national police in their crimson tunics show off their equestrian skills to the backdrop of upbeat music at the annual RCMP Sunset Ceremonies. Make sure to arrive early to get a spot, bring a blanket or chair to sit on, and some water to drink. Please note that no pets are allowed.

Ottawa Multicultural Dance Festival

When: July 2, 2022
Where: Andrew Haydon Park, 3127 Carling Avenue
What time: 11 am to 8 pm
Admission: Free

Head to Andrew Haydon Park for a day of shared dance and music from many different cultures that make our city and country so great. There will be dances from Ukraine, Brazil, Iran, Thailand, and many other nations. There will also be art and culture booths, food trucks, a BBQ.

PHOTO: OTTAWA MULTICULTURAL DANCE FESTIVAL

NCC Shuttle to Gatineau Park

When: Saturdays and Sundays until August 28, 2022
Where: Various stops in the Gatineau Park
What time: 9:10 – 3:10pm departing and 9:45 to 4:45 for returns trips. Click here for the shuttle schedule.
Admission: Free

Want to take advantage of Gatineau Park this long weekend but don’t have a car? No worries, the NCC is offering a free shuttle service all summer from Wellington at Lyon Street. No reservations are required but seating is limited seating: first-come, first served. The shuttles are also accessible and wheelchair friendly.

Photo: NCC

Canada Science and Technology Museum FREE on Canada Day

When: July 1, 2022
Where: 1867 St Laurent Blvd
What time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Admission: Free Click here to register

Awaken your curiosity and have some fun this Canada Day at the Canada Science and Technology Museum. There will be cool demos this Canada Day! You’ll learn all about the science of why Lego Man can float on a puck and so much more!

PHOTO: archello.com

Open House at the French Residence

When: July 1, 2022
Where: French Embassy, 42 Sussex Drive
What time: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Admission: Free (registration required). Click here to register

Go on a free guided tour of the French Residence in Ottawa and see the ambassador's office, the famous Birch Room, and a replica of the Vimy Memorial. The tour shows the deep and important relations between Canada and France.