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The Hottest Summer Things to Do in Ottawa This July 2024

As the summer of 2024 unfolds, Ottawa is teeming with excitement and heat – quite literally. 

This July, the possibilities of fun and adventure are endless in the city. From cultural celebrations to showing off your best salsa dance moves, here’s a roundup of the hottest things to do in Ottawa during the summer.  

Exciting Events to Look Out For

The Most Anticipated Canada Day 

On July 1, 2024, Ottawa is set to hold exciting festivities at the LeBreton Flats. Expect a plethora of free activities for families to enjoy.

Fitness Adventures For the Youth

Starting July 2 until August 31, youth ages 13 to 17 years old can utilize the weight and cardio rooms at specific locations with the youth workout pass. 

To get the scoop on all the participating facilities, make sure to check out Ottawa’s website

Splash-tastic Getaways

July is one of the best months to indulge in water parks and splash pads scattered around the city. 

Or better yet, check out Ottawa’s best beaches, including Westboro Beach, Constance Bay Beach, and Petrie Island Beach

Free National Arts Centre Activities

Great news, art enthusiasts! The National Arts Centre has a multitude of activities in store for us this season, and the best part is—they’re totally free!

Here are some of the thrilling July activities to look out for.

Event NameTime and DateLocationDetails
Dapaah & duo Despax July 2, 2024, 12 PM Atrium O’Brien Chamber music performance
Beauxmont July 2 to 3, 2024, 7:30 PM Wood Terrace A 6-man band performing traditional Acadian and Cajun music.
Les lundis des tout-petitsJuly 29, 2024, 10 AMPETER A. HERRNDORF PLACEStorytime in French
Les FirefliesJuly 30 to 31, 2024, 7:30 pmWood TerraceThree musicians performing Scottish, Irish, and Acadian music

For the complete list of activities, visit their website

Free Museum Visits 

Folks will have the chance to immerse themselves in local museum exhibits with free admissions this July. 

The Canadian War Museum welcomes visitors for free every Thursday from 5 to 7 PM, and the National Gallery of Canada offers free admission from 5 PM to 8 PM.

You can also visit the Bank of Canada for free all year round, as well as the Ottawa Art Gallery

Bike Adventures Along Ottawa’s Parkways

The National Capital Commission is hosting Weekend Bikedays, opening parkways along the renowned Ottawa River and the mesmerizing Rideau Canal

You can enjoy this from 8 AM to 4 PM on July weekends through October 14. 

Movie Screenings in the Most Unique Locations

Catch a range of films with Capital Pop-Up Cinema this summer at no cost. 

It promises an incredibly unique movie-watching experience, unlike anything you’ll find in regular cinemas.

Watch Dr. Strangelove at the Beechwood Cemetery, one of the city’s best historical sites, on July 5, or Home Alone on Sparks Street on July 26. 

Check out their website for the complete schedule.

Salsa Night at Ottawa City Hall 

Experience the thrill of salsa dancing at Ottawa City Hall every Wednesday evening starting July 10 until August from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Stay tuned to their Facebook Page for updates. 

Tours to Dive into

Ottawa Free Tours

Make the most of Ottawa Free Tours this July, where you can enjoy a stroll through iconic landmarks from 11 AM to 1 PM.

The tour starts at the National War Memorial and continues to popular spots like Sparks Street, Parliament Hill, and Château Laurier, concluding at the bustling ByWard Market

Make sure to register via their website in advance to secure a spot.  

Parliament of Canada Tours

Folks in Ottawa will also have the chance to explore Ottawa’s hidden treasures with a free, guided tour this summer! 

During this exciting activity, you’ll wander through the Senate of Canada Building, get a peek inside the newly restored House of Commons in the West Block, and uncover the secrets of the historic East Block.

Rideau Hall Tours

Rideau Hall is an iconic destination known for its beautiful gardens and historical significance. 

This month, you can explore this landmark by joining in the fun with their epic tours. 

Here, you can take on an exciting adventure of the official residence and wander through its expansive grounds. 

Daily tours offer a glimpse into the governor general’s workplace and don’t miss Storytime on Thursdays and Fridays starting July 4, from 1 PM to 3 PM.