How to observe Remembrance Day in Ottawa

Canadians are set to gather in memorial parks, community halls, workplaces, schools and homes to stand in honour of armed forces members who have died in the line of duty.

Remembrance Day will be observed on Monday, Nov. 11. Watch the Orleans ceremony live on RTV Cable 22 starting at 10:30 a.m. The Vanier ceremony will be live at 1:55 p.m. on TVR Cable 23 in French.

Here are the ceremonies in Ottawa:

National War Memorial

The National Remembrance Day ceremony is scheduled at the National War Memorial.

The ceremony starts at approximately 10:30 a.m. with the arrival of dignitaries such as the prime Minister, the Governor General of Canada, and the Silver Cross Mother – a woman whose child has died while serving in the military.

This year’s ceremony will again include a full grand Veterans’ March, Last Post, two minutes of silence, 21 gun salute and placing of wreaths.

This year, a special fly-past of vintage military aircraft will soar above, marking the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Each aircraft will be painted to honour the memory of a Canadian Veteran.

The Royal Canadian legion is broadcasting the ceremony on its website. 

Also of note, the City of Ottawa will restrict road access around the National War Memorial before and during the ceremony.

Beechwood Cemetery

Military members of the National Capital Region and their families and friends are invited to observe Remembrance Day at the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces.

The ceremony begins at 10:45 a.m. and more information can be found here.  

Canadian War Museum

At exactly 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, sunlight enters through a single window in Memorial Hall, illuminating the headstone of Canada’s Unknown Soldier.

For more information, visit here.

Barrhaven

The Barrhaven Legion is hosting its Remembrance Day ceremony at John McCrae Secondary School.

A parade will begin at 10:45 a.m., followed by a ceremony at 11 a.m.

Following the ceremony, the Barrhaven Legion will be hosting a reception at the Walter Baker Centre. Everyone is welcome.

More information can be found here. 

Greely

The Greely and District Legion Branch 627 hosts its Remembrance Day ceremony at the Legion Hall on Mitch Owens Road.

The service begins at 10:45 a.m. and more information can be found here. 

Kanata

The Royal Canadian Legion Kanata Branch 638 hosts its Remembrance Day ceremony in Village Green Memorial Park.

A parade will begin at 10:45 a.m. followed by a ceremony at the Cenotaph.  

Spectators are asked to arrive early to allow time for traffic and parking. Please be in place before the parade marches in at 10:45 a.m.

Due to the size of this year’s parade, parking will not be available at the Russian Orthodox Church of the Blessed St. Xenis’ parking lot.

There will be a public reception after the ceremony at the Kanata Legion, 70 Hines Road.

Visit here for information. 

Orléans

Remembrance Day will be observed at the Royal Canadian Legion Orléans Branch 632.

The parade starts at 10:40 a.m. and any veterans who wish to take part are asked to meet at Vimont Court for 10:35 a.m.

A lunch to follow in the Legion and all are welcome.

More information can be found here.

Richmond

The Royal Canadian Legion Richmond Branch 625 will hold a Remembrance Day service at the Richmond Memorial Park on the corner of Perth and McBean Streets.

A parade will leave the Old Richmond Plaza at 10:40 a.m. and arrive at the Cenotaph at 10:50 a.m.

Expect road closures in the area before, during and after the service.

More information can be found here. 

Stittsville

The Royal Canadian Legion Stittsville Branch 618 will observe Remembrance Day on Monday afternoon.  

A parade will depart the Legion at 1481 Stittsville Main Street between 1:30 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. and march north to Warner-Colpitts Lane for a 2 p.m. service by the Cenotaph.

Light refreshments will be served at the legion following the ceremony.

More information can be found here.

Vanier

The Royal Canadian Legion Eastview Branch 462 is hosting an afternoon Remembrance Day service.

A parade will form at the Legion at 1:30 p.m. at the branch on Cyr Avenue and make its way to the Cenotaph located at the corner of Hannah Street and Marier Avenue.

A service will be held at the Cenotaph starting at 2 p.m., including the laying of wreaths and a parade back to the Legion.

A celebration will be held back at the branch from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. with food, music and mingling.

Click here for more information.

Westboro

The first branch ceremony takes place at the Carlingwood Shopping Centre at 11 a.m. and the service and wreath-laying ceremony at the Westboro Cenotaph begins at 2 p.m.

More information can be found here.