Ottawa-Gatineau’s skies are lighting up for six summer nights as Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy returns with international pyromusical performances. The 29th edition runs every Wednesday and Saturday from July 29 to August 15, 2026, at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau.
Activities begin at 6 p.m., followed by a 25-minute fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. Teams from Canada, France, Brazil and China headline the program, while bridge and road closures will affect travel on every show night.
Ottawa fireworks 2026 schedule
- July 29: Royal Pyrotechnie opens with a Casino Royale-inspired show and live DJs.
- August 1: Canada’s Orion Fireworks presents The Odyssey of the Cosmos, inspired by planets and stars.
- August 5: France’s Pyragric celebrates electronic music in French Touch, featuring tracks associated with Daft Punk, David Guetta and Bob Sinclar.
- August 8: Brazil’s Vision Show brings the colours and rhythms of Rio Carnival to the river.
- August 12: Dancing Fireworks represents China with a display based on Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons.
- August 15: Royal Pyrotechnie closes the event with a tribute to superheroes, athletes and everyday heroes.
The site closes at 10 p.m., and ticket holders must enter by 9 p.m. Entrances are located at Laurier–Victoria and Laurier–Alexandra Bridge.
Tickets, food and family activities
General admission costs $21 plus fees for adults and $8.50 plus fees for children. Reserved seats are $41, while premium riverfront options range from $61 to $81. Tickets are sold online only and will not be available at the entrance.
Every attendee needs a ticket, although admission for babies aged three and younger is free. Visitors with general admission may bring a folding chair or blanket. The grounds are cashless, with debit and credit cards accepted.
The Magic Forest offers family entertainment, while the Promutuel Plaza features food trucks and live DJs. The new Enchanted Dome includes interactive children’s activities and storytelling at 7 p.m. Digital art and light installations will appear across the site.
Food choices include burgers, poutine and ice cream, alongside bars serving cocktails, mocktails, beer and wine. Premium packages include the chef-led Taste the Sky experience from $106 and three-course Gourmet Evenings on August 1 and 8 for $170, plus applicable fees.
Alexandra Bridge closure times
The Alexandra Bridge closes during all six performances. Vehicle access is suspended from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., while the complete closure affecting pedestrians and cyclists runs from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Pedestrians and cyclists may use the centre lane between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The boardwalk reopens at 10 p.m., followed by vehicle lanes at 10:30 p.m., according to the Government of Canada’s bridge advisory.
Road closures, transit and parking
From 8:45 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., vehicle traffic and parking will be restricted on sections of Laurier, Victoria, Papineau, Élisabeth-Bruyère and Notre-Dame-de-l’Île streets, plus Des Allumettières Boulevard between Maisonneuve Boulevard and Laurier Street.
The Voyageurs Recreational Trail between Portage Bridge and Alexandra Bridge closes from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. STO buses will operate normally, but congestion is likely before and after the displays.
The museum parking garage is unavailable to the public. Parking at Maison du Citoyen, 98 Victoria Street, costs $15 and opens at 5:45 p.m. Anyone attending other downtown events can compare these arrangements with previous Ottawa transport and parking changes, but the festival follows its own traffic plan.
Best places to watch the fireworks
The ticketed grounds provide the synchronized soundtrack and clearest overall experience. Free views are available across the Ottawa River from Major’s Hill Park, Kiweki Point and areas near Parliament Hill, although buildings, trees and crowd levels can affect sightlines.
Independent paid options include ByWard Market rooftop viewing, Ottawa River cruises and selected kayaking tours. Travellers comparing busy waterfront celebrations may find these Canada Day fireworks viewing and travel tips helpful when deciding how early to arrive.
Weather rules and arrival advice
The event operates in rain, but severe weather could move a show to the following evening. Umbrellas, outside alcohol, coolers, glass containers and drones are prohibited. A raincoat is recommended when showers are forecast.
Each ticket permits one entry, so anyone leaving cannot return with the same ticket. Arriving near the 6 p.m. opening gives guests time to pass entry checks, explore the activities and secure a viewing position before the 9 p.m. deadline. Drivers should select an alternative to Alexandra Bridge before travelling.
Make Swikblog your go-to source on Google for reliable updates, smart insights, and daily trends.
