Ottawa gifted glorious weather as thousands celebrate Canada Day 2024

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Crowds came out in force in Ottawa to celebrate Canada Day on a glorious sunny day in the capital.

A sea of red and white extended across Parliament Hill and along Wellington street Monday, as thousands waited for one of the highlights of Canada Day, the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Centennial Flypast.

Eric Armstrong, a history enthusiast with a particular interest in military aircraft in the Second World War, was among those eagerly anticipating the event.

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With his head up, looking into the clear, blue sky, Armstrong said he was excited to see the past, present and future of aircraft flying overhead as the visual offered a journey through Canadian aviation’s 100 years of history. The RCAF celebrated 100 years as a distinct military element earlier this year, on April 1.

“I’m especially looking forward to the vintage aircraft,” he said, his eyes yet again scanning the skies. As the aircraft soared overhead, Armstrong identified them, one by one, as they each left their marks across the sky.

“That’s a hurricane Mark 2 at the front,” he said.

Ottawa was gifted with ideal weather on Canada Day — sunny, clear and 27 C — a perfect day for sky-watching and outdoor celebrations.

Beyond the parliamentary precinct, thousands more flocked to LeBreton Flats, where Canada Day festivities showcased the nation’s diversity, history and unity as Canadians came together from different walks of life to celebrate Canada’s birthday.

Abigail Domingo, who was participating in a handprint activity near the main stage, said she left her mark on a map showing South Asia.

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Domingo, who celebrated last year’s Canada Day in Calgary, noted the larger scale of the Ottawa celebrations.

“It’s bigger than what we had in Calgary, but this is the capital, so it makes sense.”

The event offered a wide range of activities for all ages. But one stood out — quite literally.

Hyppolyte Guesdon, a circus performer who does character impersonations around the world, towered over the crowd on stilts, with a full body cast and a super-sized crutch, warning everyone in his way to ”Watch out for the bananas on the ground!” Children laughed and signed their names on his cast.

“I am enjoying myself doing some improvisations and performances with all the nice people around and trying to make them laugh,” he said.

July 1, 2024 was not only Canada’s 157th birthday, but a personal milestone for one couple, too.

Karen Cassidy and her husband, visiting from out of town, were celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary.

“There’s a big crowd,” Cassidy said. “I like where it is this year actually,” she added, looking around the crowd at the Flats. Cassidy, who was already at Parliament earlier that day, said she prefers the festivities at LeBreton Flats.

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Ken and Susan Postgate, who had travelled from Burlington, Ont., found special meaning in this year’s celebrations.

“I’ve always wanted to be in the capital for this special day,” Susan said. “It’s not my first time in Ottawa, but my first time here in time for Canada Day.”

The Postgates were impressed by the setup of the stage and the efficient LRT system that led them to the site.

“The setup for the stage looks perfect,” Susan said, looking forward to the performance scheduled throughout the day.

Among the musical acts were hip hop pioneer Maestro Fresh Wes, synth rockers Metric, alt-pop duo Neon Dreams and electro funksters Chromeo.

– with files from Lynn Saxberg

PHOTO GALLERY: CANADA DAY 2024

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