Ottawa Turns 200: The Ultimate Summer Guide to Canada's Capital in 2026

Altis opened its first office in Ottawa on March 1, 1989, out of an apartment in the ByWard Market. No boardroom, no signage. Just a phone and a lot of cold calls to fellow Ottawa organizations.

Both our founders grew up in Ottawa. The city shaped them long before it shaped the company. The energy, the people, the sense of community — that's what made Altis, Altis. Without Ottawa, we wouldn't be who we are today.

So when the city turns 200 this year, it means something to us. Under the theme Celebrate Together, Ottawa has been marking its bicentennial all year long with music, art, Indigenous storytelling, food and community events. Whether you're a lifelong Ottawan or long overdue for a visit, here's everything worth getting out for this summer.

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Ottawa 200 events not to miss

The city's bicentennial calendar is full. Here are the highlights.

Manotick Village and Community Association — July 1

Begin the day with Métis dancers and a make-and-take art workshop for children, followed by period games and historical stories from Watson's Mill. Enjoy an Arabic calligraphy demonstration, henna artist and African drum circle. Music, games and a drone show will round out the festivities.  

Bytown 200: A Musical Journey Through Ottawa's History — July 4-17

Classical music festival Music and Beyond presents a five-concert series exploring different eras of Ottawa's history through performance, bilingual narration and archival imagery. Multiple locations across the city.

NOICE! A Night of Inuit Excellence — July 11 and November 8

Presented by Qamaniq Records, this event brings together Inuit musicians, storytellers and artists from the circumpolar Arctic to celebrate Inuit musical culture and its presence in Ottawa. One of the more unique and memorable evenings on the calendar.

Ottawa Bluesfest: Ottawa 200 Day — July 19

The biggest party of the summer is at LeBreton Flats, and daytime programming (noon to 4 PM) is completely free. Canadian rock legends The Guess Who headline the evening, joined by The Sheepdogs, Elisapie, Connor Price and more. The night wraps with a drone show. Evening tickets are available on the Bluesfest website.

Capital Pride — August 22-30

Every August, Ottawa celebrates Pride in honour of the first-ever protest in Canada advocating for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights. This year's August 29 showcase is birthday-themed, featuring all six Ottawa queens from Canada's Drag Race in a colourful celebration of Ottawa's history through queer and trans artistic expression.

O-Town Animated — September 23-27

The Ottawa International Animation Festival (celebrating its own 50th anniversary this year) presents a free public art trail along Rideau Street. Three animated short films created from archival Bytown photographs will be displayed on digital projection poles through the end of the year, in English and French.

200+ Culture to the Core — September 24-27

Presented by the Ottawa Art Gallery with local artists, cultural partners and the City of Ottawa, this city-wide celebration explores the city’s past, present and future while honouring the deep Indigenous histories of the land and showcasing diverse creative voices through art, performances, workshops and public installations.

Block Party at Marion Dewar Plaza — September 26

Free, outdoors and right at City Hall on the actual anniversary date. The signature event of the bicentennial year, with performances, projections and the full Celebrate Together spirit.

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The rest of the summer — Ottawa's greatest hits

Here are some other special events happening across the city that are worth adding to the list.

Visionary Voices – Bytown to Now: Ottawa’s Voices Community Celebration — July 4 & 11

A youth‑ and volunteer‑led civic celebration featuring storytelling, participatory art and interactive activities reflecting Ottawa’s growth from 1826 to 2026.

RBC Ottawa Bluesfest — July 9-19

Eleven days, multiple stages, major headliners and the full spectrum of genres. One of the top music festivals in the world, according to Billboard. Tickets include OC Transpo transit; take the O-Train to Pimisi Station.

Ottawa Central Park Community Association Family Fun Day — July 25

A neighbourhood celebration featuring games, arts, storytelling and a Bytown 200 “Capsules in Time” activity collecting community memories.

Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy — July 29 to August 15 (Saturdays and Wednesdays)

Six nights of international fireworks competitions set to music over Lac Leamy. Watch from the festival grounds with a ticket or find a spot on the grass with a blanket. One of those Ottawa summer things that never gets old.

Ottawa Buskerfest — August 7-9

World-class street performers on Sparks Street — jugglers, acrobats, magicians and more. Free to attend. Bring the kids.

Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival — September 2-6

A short trip across the river to Gatineau for morning launches, evening balloon glow, concerts and fireworks. One of the most visually spectacular events in the region. Come for the sunrise flights if you can.

Dalhousie Community Association Dalhousie Day — September 19
A free community celebration combining local history presentations, Indigenous blessing, live music, family activities,and storytelling about Dalhousie’s role as one of Ottawa’s earliest neighbourhoods.

Bytown Museum – Ottawa 200+: Bytown Together — September 26
Public celebrations featuring heritage programming, performances, historical projections and concerts.

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The farmers markets

Saturday mornings in Ottawa are an activity in themselves.

The Ottawa Farmers' Market at Lansdowne runs Sundays year-round and is producer-only — every vendor grows, raises or makes what they're selling within 100 km of the city. The outdoor season runs May to October, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The ByWard Market is the historic anchor of the city's food scene and the neighbourhood where Altis first set up shop. The outdoor market fills the surrounding streets from May to October with local farmers, flower sellers and artisans. Look for the green vendor tags — those are the growers.

Westboro Farmers' Market is the Ottawa Farmers' Market organization's second-largest location, with 60+ producers in a park setting. Saturdays, mid-May through October.

Parkdale Market in Hintonburg is one of the oldest public markets in the city — a neighbourhood staple for produce, fresh flowers and local goods.

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Where to eat

New in Town

• Akira Back — Japanese cuisine from a Michelin-starred chef, now in Ottawa. One of the most talked-about openings in the city.

• Olive & Gourmando — Coming soon to Kirkwood Ave. Watch this space.

• Zak's Diner at Ottawa Airport — The Ottawa classic, now at YOW. A solid send-off (or welcome back) for any trip.

Local Favourites

• Riviera — A Preston Street institution with a beautiful room and a menu that holds up every time.

• Coconut Lagoon — Kerala cuisine done right. One of those spots locals have been recommending for years.

• The Whalesbone — Oysters and sustainable seafood in a cozy Bank Street room. An Ottawa essential.

Making Headlines

All three were named to Canada's Top 100 Restaurants this year.

• Arlo Wine Bar — A neighbourhood wine bar with a thoughtful, ever-changing menu.

• Atelier — Ottawa's most avant-garde dining experience. Book well in advance.

• Antheia — A stunning tasting menu rooted in local and foraged ingredients.

Best Views

• Copper Spirits and Sights — Rooftop bar at the Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market with views over the city.

• Rooftop Ottawa — An open-air rooftop patio above the ByWard Market. Summer drinking, sorted.

Immersive Dining

• Le Petit Chef — A 3D projection dining experience featuring the world's smallest chef cooking on your plate. Book ahead; it sells out fast.

• Dark Fork — Ottawa's first dine-in-the-dark restaurant. A full sensory experience where the food does all the talking.

Best “stay cool” treats

• Moo Shu Ice Cream — A modern shop selling craft ice cream with unique, Asian-inspired flavors, local ingredients and great vegan options. A beloved Hintonburg gem.

• Malak and Sons — Premium artisanal gelato, sorbet and pastries in the heart of the ByWard Market.

• Happy Rolls — A hidden gem tucked in the heart of Westboro with a diverse menu including rolled ice cream and Ottawa’s best banana pudding.

• En Chimnies — Right around the corner from Altis’ office, En Chimnies specializes in soft serve ice cream served in a Chimney Cake. A Centretown must-try.

• The Beachcorners — Heading to Britannia Beach? This from-scratch shop has your ice cream needs covered.

• Beavertails — A local favourite in the ByWard Market. For a summer twist, try the Lemonade Float and the irresistibly delicious variety of signature ice cream flavours.

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For the kids

Tavern on the Island

A patio restaurant on an island in Mooney's Bay — accessible by a short footbridge, with a beach right beside it. One of the most underrated family spots in the city. Kids can run; parents can sit.

The Grand Pizzeria at Westboro Beach

Pizza, a beach and the Ottawa River. A pretty hard combination to argue with on a summer afternoon.

Bean Bag Play Café

An indoor play café in the west end — great for younger kids when the weather doesn't cooperate or you need an hour of structured fun.

The Wiggles: Tree of Wisdom Spectacular — August 26

The Wiggles are coming to Ottawa this summer. If you have small children, you already know. Tickets on Ticketmaster.

Canada Agriculture and Food Museum

Live animals, farm demonstrations and hands-on exhibits. One of the most genuinely fun afternoons you can have with kids in Ottawa.

Canadian Museum of Nature

Dinosaur fossils, Arctic ecosystems and a blue whale skeleton. The free Wednesday evening admission (4-8 p.m.) is a great deal all summer.

Mooney's Bay Beach and Park

A free city beach with a wonderful park, playground and splash pad right on the Rideau River. A summer staple.

Wesley Clover Parks

Pony rides, a petting zoo, mini golf and a campground on the outskirts of the city. Easy half-day trip.

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Ottawa has always been defined by its people. The neighbours who show up, the local businesses that keep communities connected and the organizations working behind the scenes to make the city stronger.

As Ottawa celebrates 200 years, this summer is a chance to experience more of what makes the city special. Whether you're discovering a new neighbourhood, supporting a local event or exploring new opportunities in your career, there's no shortage of ways to be part of the City's next chapter.

Here's to Ottawa's first 200 years, and to the people who will shape its next 200.

For the full Ottawa 200 event calendar, visit ottawatourism.ca/ottawa-200.  

Altis is a Canadian-owned staffing firm supporting organizations across the private and public sectors. We focus on relationship-driven recruitment, clear process and consistent delivery, helping employers hire with confidence and professionals build meaningful careers.