Canada Day 2026: National evening show cancelled due to weather, conditions

The evening show portion of the national ceremony at Ottawa’s LeBreton Flats Park had to be cancelled early Wednesday evening due to extreme weather and the conditions of the site.

In an update provided by the Canadian government, officials stated that “we unfortunately have made the difficult decision to cancel the National Canada Day Evening Show. The fireworks display has also been cancelled, along with all planned Canada Day activities.

“This decision has not been made lightly. The safety of the public, the performers, the volunteers, and the crews remains our top priority.

“We understand how disappointing this announcement may be, and we thank you for your understanding.”

Parts of Ottawa were placed under a yellow alert severe thunderstorm watch by Environment Canada at 3:15p.m., putting a pause on many outdoor events in the city. Ottawa remained under an orange alert for the heat Wednesday.

The closing fireworks show was set for 10 p.m.

The weather didn’t stop thousands of Canadians heading to the nation’s capital earlier in the day to mark 159 years of Confederation.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said that “Canada’s best days are yet to come” in his annual address.

“We’re building in a spirit of cooperative federalism to create one Canadian economy, to build Canada strong from new homes, community infrastructure, nation-building defense, transport and energy projects in every province, in every territory,” he said. “And we’re building with Canadian workers, Canadian steel, Canadian know-how, Canadian values.

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“This work is born from the conviction that Canada is worth fighting for. To all Canadians that Canada’s best days are yet to come. The force to cross generations in their being renewed by this generation. Courage, connections, conviction, Canada.”  

Carney also commented on Canada’s entry in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027, which was announced Wednesday morning.

Carney’s trip to Edmonton was cancelled Wednesday evening due to the severe weather.

3:47 Canada Together 2026 at Canada Place

Governor General Louise Arbour also said that Canadians will continue to “work hard to improve what is already the very best country in the whole world.”

“Everywhere I go in Canada, whether in the Rockies or the far north, whether in the chaos of big cities or in small villages close to, or far away from, the ocean. I keep thinking every time, ‘I can’t believe I’m still home.’ This is our gift. What a gift. Our country is our gift.”  

Arbour also presented new members and companions of the Order of Canada.

Canadian Jeremy Hansen, one of the four Artemis II astronauts who travelled the furthest any humans have gone in space, also provided remarks to the country.

“The thrust that drives and propels Canada upwards is our can-do attitude. We accept smart risks. We persevere in failure and ultimately our grit pushes us beyond the frontier,” he said. “Canada, there are unsung heroes among you. Your space industry quietly contributes to our basic needs, security, the economy, and our quality of life. Our industry has earned global respect and will continue to build a brighter future for Canada and the world.

“From making Canada the third country to build and fly a satellite, to the Canadarms, to the farthest humans I’ve ever traveled in space, to the future missions of astronauts Jenny Gibbons and Joshua Putra. Given the opportunity, Canada will continue to be a forefront of innovation and human progress.” 

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