Canada Day 2026: store closures, free transit and road restrictions in Ottawa

Ottawa is preparing for Canada Day celebrations on Wednesday, 1 July, with holiday closures, free public transport and traffic restrictions across the city.

According to CBC News, most shopping centres, grocery stores and LCBO outlets will be closed for the public holiday.

However, the Rideau Centre and Tanger Outlets Ottawa will remain open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, while some businesses in the ByWard Market and Glebe may also operate.

Thousands of visitors are expected to attend Canada Day celebrations at LeBreton Flats, where the afternoon show begins at noon and the evening concert starts at 8:00 PM, followed by fireworks at 10:00 PM.

Major road, bridge and pathway closures will be in place throughout the day, particularly in the downtown area, with restrictions beginning from 6:00 AM and lasting until the early hours of 2 July.

OC Transpo will offer free travel for 24 hours from 3:00 AM on Canada Day, operating on a special holiday timetable.

Shuttle buses will also run between park-and-ride locations and O-Train stations to help visitors reach the celebrations.

National museums, including the National Gallery and the Canadian Museum of History, will offer free admission, while most city-run museums, libraries, childcare centres and municipal offices will remain closed.