What’s open and closed in Ottawa on Canada Day

Canada is celebrating its 159th birthday on Wednesday, July 1 with celebrations as well as certain closures around the city.

With an orange heat warning in place for the city, facilities like public pools are open. Here is a look at what else is open and closed across the city on July 1 so you can enjoy your holiday.

Food and retail

Most major grocery chains are closed on Canada Day. Farm Boy is open at certain spots around Ottawa, including the Rideau and Metcalfe locations.

All LCBO locations are closed on Canada Day. Certain Beer Store locations around Ottawa are open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Click here to find a location near you.

The Rideau Centre is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM while The Bayshore, St. Laurent and Place d’Orléans malls are all closed.

ByWard Market is open with festivities including the Vendor Village starting at 11 a.m., Kids Zone at noon and a free concert on York Street between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.

You can check individual business hours by visiting their websites or calling their locations.

Government and institutions

The 3-1-1 Contact Centre is open for urgent matters only. Visit ottawa.ca/311 to submit a service request online.

ServiceOttawa’s Client Services counters and phone lines are closed.

The Provincial Court and Administrative Penalty System Hearing area along with the supporting counter and phone lines are closed.

There will be no curbside green bin, recycling, garbage or bulky item collection on July 1. Pickup will resume on Thursday, July 2 with the collection delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.

Most Public Health Services are closed. The Site mobile van will operate from 5 pm to 11:30 pm.

Most banks and credit unions are closed.

Transportation

OC Transpo buses as well as O-Train Lines 1, 2 and 4 are operating on a special schedule, with extra service on busier routes. Service is free all day.

Line 1 will run from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Lines 2 and 4 will run from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. Buses are operating 24 hours.

Para Transpo is running on an extended schedule from 6 a.m. to 3 a.m., meaning regular bookings are automatically cancelled.

Para Transpo customers can book trips with My Para Transpo or by calling 613-560-5000. Customers can also text 57272 (5-PARA) to live text with Customer Service Representatives for information and cancellations. 

OC Transpo said if you’re heading downtown on Canada Day, plan ahead and arrive early. 

Activities

All branches of Ottawa Public Library are closed on July 1. 

Certain recreation community centres are open, including Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex-Orléans  (pool is closed), Canterbury Recreation Complex (pool is closed), CARDELREC Recreation Complex Goulbourn, François Dupuis Recreation Centre, Kanata Leisure Centre and Wave Pool, Nepean Sportsplex, Overbrook Community Centre, Plant Recreation Centre (pool is closed), Richcraft Recreation Complex-Kanata, Richelieu Vanier Community Centre and Tom Brown Arena.

Operating hours vary by location, visit ottawa.ca to check before you go.

Splash pads, wading pools and beaches, as well as outdoor pools are open for Canada Day.

Celebrations

There are many options around the city to celebrate Canada Day. The Canada Day Noon and Evening Show are happening at LeBreton Flats. Canadian artists, astronauts and athletes are scheduled to make an appearance.

The afternoon show runs from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. while the evening show runs from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

At the end of the day, head to LeBreton Flats Park to see some fireworks, sponsored by Tim Hortons.

A full list of events can be found by visiting the Canada Day website.