This summer marks Canada's 150th Birthday and there is a whole lot happening. From museums to festivals Ottawa is not playing any games this year. There's a few new things happening that will make Ottawa a little more exciting.
If you don't check these 13 things out this summer, you'll regret it.
Bank Of Canada Museum // 30 Bank Street
On July 1st the Bank of Canada Museum is opening. After going through major reconstruction this museum will be ready for visiting this summer.
Casino Du Lac-Leamy's Sound Of Light // 100 Laurier Street
This year the Sound Of Light competitors will all be Canadian provinces to celebrate Canada's 150th. Ontario, Manitoba, Quebec, and Alberta are all in the explosive competition starting August 5th.
The National Gallery of Canada: Canadian & Indigenous Galleries // 330 Sussex Drive
These new galleries showcase Canadian & Indigenous art through the years. On June 15th go see the world's largest Canadian art exhibit.
Inspiration Village // ByWard Market
On May 20th to September 4th an artistic village will be in the heart of the ByWard Market. Did I mention it's free? Cause yes, it's free
Canadian History Hall: The Canadian History Museum // 100 Laurier Street
The Canadian Museum of History unveils a new exhibition that showcases Canada's history. The exhibit will open on July 1st.
La Machine // Downtown Ottawa
Yep, that huge spider and a dragon will wander the streets Downtown Ottawa. The machines will be set free on July 27th to the 30th.
Canada Goose Arctic Gallary: Canadian Museum of Nature // 240 McLeod St
The new exhibition opens on June 21st and showcases the diverse wildlife and the beautiful culture of the Inuinnait.
Red Bull Global Rally Cross: Canada Aviation and Space Museum // 11 Aviation Parkway
Red Bull wasn't done with Crashed Ice, they're back in the summer for the Global Rally Cross! The races begin in June and tickets are on sale now.
National Arts Centre Re-Opening // 53 Elgin St
The National Arts Centre has had a major makeover and you have to see it this summer. Seriously this is a Rideau-Centre type of transformation.
Wine and Words Tour // Ottawa, ON
Calling all wine lovers! On July 15th tours of Ottawa's top three wineries begin. Hurry to buy tickets cause they're almost all gone.
Vimy Beyond The Battle: The Canadian War Museum // 1 Vimy Place
Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge this historic exhibition is definitely worth a visit this summer.
YOWttawa // Lansdowne Park
In August there is an outdoor music festival in Ottawa. This festival has been pretty hush hush and the line-up is yet to be announced (everyone please pray Drake comes).
Ottawa Welcomes The World // Lansdowne Park
Celebrate the cultures of over 40 countries around the world. Visit Lansdowne and immerse yourself into a different country's culture (for free)!
Federal Health Marjorie Michel speaks during a press conference in the Foyer of the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby
Prime Minister Mark Carney is greeted by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as he arrives to address the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
Prime Minister Mark Carney announces a new federal heat pump rebate program while visiting Dettson, a manufacturer of residential and commercial HVAC systems in Sherbrooke, Que., on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
Voters arrive to cast their referendum vote at an advance polling station in Calgary, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh