Ottawa is gearing up for Canada Day 2026 on Wednesday, July 1 — and with the holiday landing midweek this year, it's worth knowing ahead of time what's open, what's closed, and what's running on a modified schedule before you head downtown or plan your day.
City Services
Most City of Ottawa offices and municipal buildings will be closed on Canada Day. This includes city hall, recreation centres, and administrative offices. If you need to reach the city for a non-emergency matter, plan to do so before or after the holiday.
Waste collection schedules are typically pushed back by one day when a holiday falls midweek — check the city's website or your collection calendar to confirm your pickup day for the rest of the week.
OC Transpo
OC Transpo will be running on a modified holiday schedule on July 1. Expect reduced frequency on many routes compared to a regular Wednesday. The O-Train Confederation Line will still operate, but with adjusted hours. If you're heading to the Canada Day festivities on Parliament Hill or along the Ottawa River, transit is strongly recommended — parking downtown will be extremely limited and road closures will be in effect around the event zones.
Check the OC Transpo trip planner for real-time schedule info before you leave.
Road Closures
Significant road closures are expected throughout downtown Ottawa for the Canada Day celebrations. Wellington Street, along with several surrounding blocks, will be closed to vehicle traffic to accommodate the large crowds expected on the Hill. Plan your driving routes accordingly and allow extra time if you're travelling through or around the core.
Businesses and Restaurants
Hours will vary widely across Ottawa's retail and food scene. Many independent restaurants and cafés in neighbourhoods like Hintonburg, Westboro, Glebe, and ByWard Market will be open — some even extending their hours to catch the holiday crowd. Chain retailers and big-box stores typically operate on reduced holiday hours.
If you have a specific spot in mind, it's worth calling ahead or checking Google hours before you go. Don't assume your usual weekday coffee stop is open at its normal time.
LCBO and Beer Stores
LCBO locations across Ottawa will be open on Canada Day but may have reduced hours. The same goes for Beer Store locations. Stock up on your Canada Day essentials the day before if you want to avoid potential lineups or early closures.
Grocery Stores
Most major grocery chains — Loblaws, Metro, Farm Boy, and others — will be open on July 1, though often on shortened holiday hours. Again, calling ahead or checking store websites is your best bet.
Libraries
Ottawa Public Library branches will be closed on Canada Day.
What's On
The main Canada Day celebration on Parliament Hill is the anchor event of the day, with performances, fireworks, and family programming expected throughout the day and into the evening. Parks and pathways along the Rideau Canal and Ottawa River will be busy, so arrive early if you want a good spot.
Happy Canada Day, Ottawa — enjoy the long midweek break and the festivities!
Source: CBC Ottawa
