Ottawa runners, spectators, and bargain hunters are all converging on the city this weekend — and that means some significant road closures are in effect across multiple neighbourhoods.
Ottawa Race Weekend, one of the largest running events in Canada, is taking over city streets, while the Great Glebe Garage Sale celebrates its 40th edition in the same stretch of days. The combination makes this one of the busiest — and most road-closure-heavy — weekends of the year.
What's Happening
Ottawa Race Weekend draws tens of thousands of runners and spectators to the capital each year, with race routes that wind through the downtown core, along the canal, and through some of Ottawa's most scenic neighbourhoods. The event typically includes a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon, each with different start times and routes that require temporary street closures to keep participants safe.
Running parallel to Race Weekend is the Great Glebe Garage Sale — now in its 40th year — which transforms the Glebe neighbourhood into a massive outdoor marketplace. Bank Street and surrounding streets in the Glebe typically see restricted vehicle access during the sale, adding another layer of disruption for anyone trying to get around that part of the city.
Plan Ahead If You're Driving
With two major events overlapping, several major Ottawa roads are expected to be closed or significantly impacted throughout the weekend. If you're driving anywhere near the downtown core, the Glebe, or along the Rideau Canal corridor, expect detours and delays.
OC Transpo service on affected routes may also be rerouted or delayed — check the transit authority's website or app for real-time updates before you head out.
For the most up-to-date and complete list of specific road closures, times, and detour routes, CBC Ottawa has the full breakdown at the source link below.
How to Make the Most of It
If you're not running or garage-sale-ing, the weekend is still a great time to get out on foot or by bike. The Ottawa River Pathway and multi-use trails remain open, and there's a fantastic atmosphere in the city when Race Weekend is on — cheering on strangers as they cross the finish line is a very Ottawa thing to do.
For those heading to the Glebe Garage Sale, arriving early is key — the best finds tend to go fast, and parking fills up quickly. Consider biking or taking transit if you can.
Whether you're lacing up your shoes, hunting for treasures, or just trying to get across town, a little planning goes a long way this weekend.
Source: CBC Ottawa — Full road closure details
