The Maple Leaf flies from every lamppost, pole and patio in downtown Ottawa on Monday as the federal capital prepares to welcome thousands of people for Canada Day.
Some streets are closed around Parliament Hill and LeBreton Flats Park, where the stage for this year’s main ceremony is set up.
The national ceremony is scheduled to begin at noon Eastern time and will feature performances by Bedouin Soundclash and Montreal artist Marie-Mai.
Those in downtown Ottawa will also witness a special flypast in honour of the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force, featuring the Snowbirds aerobatic team.
In the evening, the main show, hosted by Isabelle Racicot, will feature rapper FouKi, funk duo Chromeo and singer Corneille.
Also performing will be Toronto rock band Metric, rap legend Maestro Fresh Wes, Nova Scotia duo Neon Dreams and Calgary singer-dancer Kiesza.
Other Quebec artists who will be taking part in the festivities include singer Sara Dufour and Innu singer-songwriter Kanen, who was named revelation of the year at the last ADISQ gala.
The celebrations will culminate in fireworks around 10 p.m., also on LeBreton Flats.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will not attend the events in Ottawa. He will instead be in St. John’s, Newfoundland, where he will participate in a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the Newfoundland War Memorial.
On Parliament Hill, where the main event was held before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Royal Air Force Pipes and Drums Band will perform throughout the day, as will music programs from the air cadet squadrons. SkyHawks parachutists are scheduled to drop by at 3 p.m.
Athletes who will represent Canada at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris this summer will also participate in events at LeBreton Flats.
Ceremonies, shows and other festivities will also take place elsewhere in the country.
In Moncton, from noon until dusk, Riverain Park will be buzzing with activities for all age groups.
In Fredericton, the country’s birthday is celebrated with a huge fireworks display over the Saint John River.
In Montreal, the traditional parade has been cancelled, but events will still take place in the Old Port.
At 1:30 p.m., the celebrations will begin with the 21-gun salute to mark Canada’s birthday.
A citizenship swearing-in ceremony for new Canadians will follow at 2 p.m.
In the evening, DJ Hools will provide a musical performance at 8 p.m., followed by fireworks at 10 p.m.
