
Live It Up: Your Ultimate Guide to Summer Activities in Ottawa
Mid-June to mid-September is such a fun time for many in Ottawa because of summer. The city is filled with festivals and outdoor adventures everywhere to enjoy in the warm weather. Whether you are a resident looking to spice up your summer or a first-time visitor, time never seems to be enough to let you explore all the city has to offer.
And it’s not just during the day; Ottawa’s nightlife is busy with live music, night markets and casino fun. And even online, you can now access the best live casinos in Canada with just a click of a button on your phone. So, if you are looking for activities to enjoy in the season, read on.
Visit Parliament Hill
What better place to start than the heart of the country? Parliament Hill is home to Canada’s federal government, where leaders from across the country gather to make decisions that affect all Canadians. Here, you can catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony daily at 10:00 am from July to August 20. On Mondays and Tuesdays, it’s just the band performing amazing music. Then, on Wednesdays through Sundays, you get to experience the full parade in uniform, performing drills and marching to military music.
If you are an evening person, there is something for you too – the Northern Lights Sound and Light Show, which goes down at 10:00 pm in July, 9:30 pm in August and 9:00 pm in September. As the name suggests, the show is presented through sound and light, using the Parliament Buildings as a backdrop to walk you through Canada’s history and culture, available in both English and French. It runs from Thursday to Monday, but there might be cancellations if weather conditions are unfavourable.
Both shows are completely free, making them an affordable way to enjoy the summer vibes.
Enjoy the Capital Pathway
This is one of the best ways to enjoy Ottawa’s outdoors. It is ranked among the most extensive pathway networks in North America, spanning over 200 km of off-road trails. It covers the Ottawa-Gatineau region, connecting you to parks, gardens, riversides and other attractions in the city. The pathway is well-designed for walking, jogging and cycling and is easily accessible, with links to public transit and parking.
Since the pathway covers such a wide area, you get to enjoy different landscapes. For example, Gatineau Park has several scenic trails, including the Gatineau Park Pathway, which offers a 12.5 km paved trail through rolling hills and wooded areas. If you are a nature lover or a cyclist who likes a bit of a challenge, then this one is for you.
The pathway is managed by the National Capital Commission (NCC), and as part of its Weekend Bikedays program, it closes certain parkways to cars, creating safer cycling spaces. So, rent a bike downtown if you don’t have one and enjoy summer weekends cycling, or take a stroll along one of the trails and enjoy some fresh air in the beauty of nature. You won’t be alone because over 866,000 users, including 147,000 tourists, use the pathway during the summer. Remember to carry essentials like water, a first-aid kit and maybe a map, and observe the pathway’s rules even as you stay mindful of others sharing the trail.
Join the fun at Ottawa’s Summer Festivals
Festivals are your place for pop, fun and colour, and Ottawa’s summer ones serve exactly that. The best part is that there is an endless list of events celebrating music, art, sports and culture, so you are spoiled for choice, depending on your taste. Some of the highlights include;
Ottawa Jazz Festival
From the name, you might be tempted to think that this is just for jazz enthusiasts, but don’t fall for that. This is a whole 10 days of music blending jazz with soul, funk, R&B and even indie to bring music lovers of all kinds together.
The festival is held in multiple venues, allowing you to select your spot based on the vibe you’re looking for. The main stage is in downtown Ottawa at Confederation Park, where you can chill on the grass as you vibe to live music under the stars. You can also opt for the National Arts Centre (NAC) for an indoor concert experience or visit Marion Dewar Plaza, which hosts the OLG stage and offers free afternoon concerts. Or check out some local clubs, such as Gigspace, for free shows.
This summer, as the festival celebrates its 45th anniversary, it will feature hundreds of legendary artists from Canada and around the world. Some performances are ticketed, but many are free. If you’ll be in Ottawa from June 20 to 29, 2025, consider attending.
Canada Day in Ottawa
This is a national holiday in Canada that falls on July 1 every year. The country is usually a sea of red and white, as people come together to celebrate the country’s birthday. It’s a day of fun and joy, marked with fireworks, parades and concerts, and Ottawa is the main stage.
Being the nation’s capital, Canadian Heritage hosts a nationwide celebration there, with events concentrated around Parliament Hill, LeBreton Flats Park and in front of the Supreme Court. People show up in the tens of thousands and party with music, food and drinks. Show up for one and experience the contagious energy.
Ottawa looks like the place to be in the summer. You can enjoy outdoor shows, lovely nature moments and chilled evening activities, so step out and explore.
Photo: MarcTutorials, pexels.com