Its going to be a big party! 500,000 big! To get things ready roads have started to close – read here but good luck keeping up as it will likely change on a moment by moment basis.

There will be much to do outdoors and indoors this week-end. To make sure you don’t miss a thing here are a couple of different links for activities starting on June 30 one from the Ottawa Citizen and one from Ottawa Tourism. Enjoy!

These provide a unique view of known Ottawa landmarks. A great contribution to the Canadian Sesquicentennial Celebrations and a delightful use of a drone! Parliament hill, the Supreme Court, the National War Memorial, and the Canadian War Museum. Helps balance out my recent perception of drones from Netflix. I`d forgotten the great things they can do watching the made up dramas of situations they so often get embroiled in with restricted air space or privacy – so nice to see this.

I’m starting to think of my plans for Canada Day! Our sesquicentennial celebration (love that word).  I typically like to make my way to the Hill for the speeches in the morning. Oh and this year The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall will be in attendance. She always has great hats – that will make her stand out so she’ll be easy to find. After that I try to watch the changing of the guard but without a periscope that can be challenging.

I’ve not attended either the afternoon or the evening concerts of late rather I like to enjoy the street entertainment – oh and the chip wagons. Here is a list of the big names performing!.

I do make my way back to the area to watch the fireworks; and this year the fireworks should be extraordinary. Without having spent the evening on the Hill I don’t think it will be possible to get back there which is fine I don’t think I need to be in a sea of 500,000 people. Major’s Hill Park is a great viewing point but this year that may be challenging too. Humm… I better start planning. Oh I know, I’ll go through my past client list and see who bought a condo where when we stepped out on the balcony someone said “You’ll be able to see the fireworks from here!”

From a security perspective, I’ve read that the Hill will not be a fortress but it will be safe.  Be prepared to have your bag checked though!

As part of the sesquicentennial festivities, Ottawa gives you the Inspiration Village – Canada 150. This inspiration village, set-up in the heart of the byward market, consists of special exhibits and performances showcasing the provinces. Click here for details.