A Day to Celebrate Canadian Identity
On July 1, 2025, Canadians from coast to coast to coast will come together to celebrate the 158th anniversary of Confederation. Ottawa, the heart of Canada’s Capital Region, will host a spectacular lineup of events that highlight the nation’s unity, diversity, and cultural richness. This year’s Canada Day festivities, announced by the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, will also mark the 60th anniversary of Canada’s iconic maple leaf flag—a symbol of pride and unity that will be celebrated throughout the day.
National Noon Ceremony: Kicking Off the Festivities
The celebrations will begin with the National Noon Ceremony at LeBreton Flats Park in Ottawa, broadcast live at 12:00 p.m. ET on CBC, CBC News Network, CBC Gem, CBC Radio, CBC News YouTube, ICI RDI, ICI TÉLÉ, and ICI TOU.TV. This vibrant event will feature performances by renowned Canadian artists, including:
- Amanda Marshall
- Rafaëlle Roy
- Garou
- Alli Walker
- Thompson Egbo-EgboHosted by Sonia Benezra, the ceremony will set the tone for a day of national pride and celebration, showcasing Canada’s musical talent and cultural spirit.
National Evening Show: A Star-Studded Spectacle
From 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET, LeBreton Flats Park will come alive with the National Evening Show, a dazzling display of Canadian artistry hosted by Isabelle Racicot. The show will feature performances from some of Canada’s biggest names, including:
- Sarah McLachlan
- Tom Cochrane
- Cœur de pirate
- Roch Voisine
- Blue Rodeo (live from Summerside, Prince Edward Island)
- Dear Rouge (live from Vancouver, British Columbia)
- Crook the Kid (live from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories)
- And many more, including Muzion, Josh Ross, Mitsou, and Aasiva.
Special guests like Jeff Douglas, Katherine Levac, and Les Sœurs Bégin will add to the excitement, with segments broadcast from Summerside, Yellowknife, and Vancouver, connecting Canadians across the country. The show will be broadcast live on CBC, CBC News Network, CBC Gem, CBC Radio, CBC News YouTube, ICI TÉLÉ, ICI TOU.TV, and Radio-Canada.ca.
Festivities Across Ottawa and Gatineau
Canada Day in Ottawa and Gatineau offers a variety of free activities across four official sites, each with its own unique atmosphere:
- LeBreton Flats Park: Enjoy interactive experiences like the Dance Floor with professional dancers, outdoor short films, and a high-energy performance by DJ Miss Shelton.
- Parliament Hill: Immerse yourself in Canadian traditions with performances by the Ceremonial Guard Band, bagpipe displays, and Snowbirds demonstrations, plus a giant screen broadcasting the national ceremonies.
- Supreme Court of Canada (new for 2025): Celebrate the court’s 150th anniversary with family-friendly activities like yoga and drumming workshops, plus live broadcasts of the national celebrations.
- Old Hull: Experience a festive vibe with daytime family activities and captivating evening performances by renowned artists.
The day will culminate with the Tim Hortons Canada Day Fireworks, a breathtaking display lighting up the skies over Ottawa and Gatineau.
Share Your Canadian Pride with the O Canada! Station
Canadians are invited to express what makes them proud to be Canadian through the O Canada! Station. Record a short video at the O Canada! Station website or at video booths in major VIA Rail stations across the country. Selected videos will be featured during the National Evening Show, and each submission enters you for a chance to win one of two unforgettable VIA Rail trips, valued at up to $15,000 each. This initiative, supported by VIA Rail Canada, celebrates the stories that unite Canadians from all walks of life.
Get Involved
- Volunteer: Interested in being part of the action? Register by June 17 to volunteer for Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa and Gatineau.
- Tune In: Can’t make it to Ottawa? Watch the National Noon Ceremony and Evening Show on CBC and Radio-Canada platforms, or listen to the official Canada Day playlist to get in the festive spirit.
- Connect Online: Share your Canada Day moments on social media using the hashtag #CanadaDay and follow @capitalexperience, @canadacapitalregion, @CdnHeritage, and more for the latest updates.
A Celebration of Unity and Diversity
As Minister Guilbeault noted, “Canada will shine with its shared energy, diversity, and the spirit of unity that connects us from coast to coast to coast.” Canada Day 2025 is a chance to come together, celebrate our vibrant cultural mosaic, and honor the ties that make Canada unique. Whether you’re waving the maple leaf in Ottawa, joining community events across the country, or watching from home, this July 1 will be a day to remember.
Join the festivities, raise your voice, and show the world what it means to be proudly Canadian!
For more details, visit the Canada Day website or the O Canada! Station.
