Ottawa gifted glorious weather as thousands celebrate Canada Day 2024

Crowds came out in force in Ottawa to celebrate a beautiful Canada Day in the capital.

Published Jul 01, 2024 • Last updated 55 minutes ago • 3 minute read

The mass flypast of RCAF aircraft of the past, present and future was popular during the Canada Day festivities held in Ottawa, July 01, 2024. Photo by Jean Levac /Postmedia

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.

Advertisement 2

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office.Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account.Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.

SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Sign In or Create an Account

Article content

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.

Eric Armstrong watches the RCAF flyover on Parliament Hill, July 1, 2024. Photo by Abyssinia Abebe /Postmedia

“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.

Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds and a CF-18 fly over Parliament Hill during a flypast celebrating the RCAF centennial, on Canada Day in Ottawa, on Monday, July 1, 2024. Photo by Justin Tang /THE CANADIAN PRESS

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

Advertisement 3

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

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.

Hyppolyte Guesdon, a circus performer who does character impersonations around the world, towered over the crowd at LeBreton Flats. Photo by Abyssinia Abebe /Postmedia

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.

Advertisement 4

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

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

It was a beautiful day for Canada Day festivities held at LeBreton Flats Park in Ottawa, July 01, 2024. Photo by Jean Levac /Postmedia People gather on the lawn of Parliament Hill to watch a flypast celebrating the Royal Canadian Air Force centennial, on Canada Day in Ottawa, on Monday, July 1, 2024. Photo by Justin Tang /THE CANADIAN PRESS Many attended Canada Day festivities held at LeBreton Flats Park in Ottawa, July 01, 2024. Photo by Jean Levac /Postmedia Many attended Canada Day festivities held at LeBreton Flats Park in Ottawa, July 01, 2024. Photo by Jean Levac /Postmedia Two boys play a game of cricket near the grounds of the Supreme Court of Canada during Canada Day festivities in Ottawa, July 01, 2024. Photo by Jean Levac /Postmedia A member of the Skyhawks Parachute Team passes over people attending the Canada Day noon hour show at LeBreton Flats, during a flypast celebrating the RCAF centennial, in Ottawa, on Monday, July 1, 2024. Photo by Justin Tang /The Canadian Press Many attended Canada Day festivities held at LeBreton Flats Park in Ottawa, July 01, 2024. Photo by Jean Levac /Postmedia Many attended Canada Day festivities held at LeBreton Flats Park in Ottawa, July 01, 2024. Photo by Jean Levac /Postmedia Seamus McConnell holds up his nine year old daughter Callie McConnell while taking a selfie on Parliament Hill during Canada Day festivities in Ottawa, July 01, 2024. Photo by Jean Levac /Postmedia A busker entertains the crowds on Wellington St during Canada Day festivities in Ottawa, July 01, 2024. Photo by Jean Levac /Postmedia Canadian youth and Indigenous youth dancers are seen with a ceremonial canoe during Canada Day celebrations at LeBreton Flats in Ottawa, on Monday, July 1, 2024. Photo by Spencer Colby /THE CANADIAN PRESS Parliament Hill was host to the 75 & 742 Air Cadets Squadrons Band Programs during Canada Day festivities in Ottawa, July 01, 2024. Photo by Jean Levac /Postmedia Five year old Maxwell Taylor shows his Canadian pride on Wellington St during Canada Day festivities in Ottawa, July 01, 2024. Photo by Jean Levac /Postmedia You could get a haircut in the ByWard Market during Canada Day festivities in Ottawa, July 01, 2024. Photo by Jean Levac /Postmedia A tourist takes a selfie in front of bagpipers playing on Wellington Street during Canada Day festivities in Ottawa, July 01, 2024. Photo by Jean Levac /Postmedia Wellington Street was busy during the Canada Day festivities held in Ottawa, July 01, 2024. Photo by Jean Levac /Postmedia The mass flypast of RCAF aircraft of the past, present and future was popular during the Canada Day festivities held in Ottawa, July 01, 2024. Photo by Jean Levac /Postmedia The mass flypast of RCAF aircraft of the past, present and future was popular during the Canada Day festivities held in Ottawa, July 01, 2024. Photo by Jean Levac /Postmedia The mass flypast of RCAF aircraft of the past, present and future was popular during the Canada Day festivities held in Ottawa, July 01, 2024. Photo by Jean Levac /Postmedia The mass flypast of RCAF aircraft of the past, present and future was popular during the Canada Day festivities held in Ottawa, July 01, 2024. Photo by Jean Levac /Postmedia Andrew was enjoying the beautiful day for Canada Day festivities held at LeBreton Flats Park in Ottawa, July 01, 2024. Photo by Jean Levac /Postmedia It was a beautiful day for Canada Day festivities held at LeBreton Flats Park in Ottawa, July 01, 2024. Photo by Jean Levac /Postmedia It was a beautiful day for Canada Day festivities held at LeBreton Flats Park in Ottawa, July 01, 2024. Photo by Jean Levac /Postmedia