Ottawa is in Ontario, the province where Canada’s main national Canada Day celebrations are held.
Ottawa sits in southern Ontario at the confluence of the Ottawa and Rideau rivers. It is Canada’s national capital and is located across the Ottawa River from Gatineau, Quebec. That border location can cause confusion, but Ottawa itself is an Ontario city.
The capital hosts the country’s principal Canada Day program, traditionally centered on Parliament Hill and the surrounding downtown area. Events have included official ceremonies, concerts, cultural displays, a national “noon show,” an evening program, and fireworks. Because Parliament Hill is a national symbol, Ottawa’s celebration receives attention from across Canada.
Ottawa became the capital during the colonial period and was confirmed as the national capital at Confederation in 1867. Its location between major English- and French-speaking regions also supported its role as a national meeting point.
The city’s Canada Day events are not the only important celebrations. Municipalities throughout Ontario and every other province hold their own programs, often with parades, concerts, festivals, and community ceremonies.