Ottawa and some nearby towns are under a heat warning that started Tuesday afternoon.
Environment Canada’s alert includes Ottawa and extends down to communities along the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario, reaching from Cornwall in the east all the way to Toronto and even further west.
Wednesday and Thursday are expected to be the hottest days, with maximum temperatures hitting up to 35 C. Minimum temperatures between 21 to 25 C won’t offer much relief from the heat, according to the weather service.
Ottawa prepares for extreme heat on Canada Day
This Canada Day could be extremely hot for those celebrating in the capital. Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for much of Ontario and southern Quebec. With Parliament Buildings undergoing renovations, the main events have been relocated to Le Breton Flats where there’s limited natural shade. The CBC’s Stu Mills reports.
A warm national celebration
With many people planning outdoor celebrations, experts suggest taking it easy to prevent heat exhaustion and dehydration. “It’s important that you take breaks from the heat.. whether it’s in air conditioning or in shade,” advised Ottawa Paramedic Service spokesperson Marc-Antoine Deschamps. He also urged everyone to check on each other, avoiding dehydrating drinks like caffeine and alcohol. “If you go out for Canada Day festivities, stay well hydrated, dress appropriately in loose clothing,” he said. Hats and sunscreen are essential too. On Monday, some families were already taking extra steps to keep cool.Regular hydration breaks
Jeff, Christa, and Lucas Hutchins are visiting Ottawa with their dog Whisky, saying they plan to enjoy water activities while exploring the city. “We’re finding shade, lots and lots of water,” Jeff said. “So, water breaks often, which is great, and [Whisky] loves just lying down in the shade.” The City of Ottawa has provided a list of locations where residents can cool off in air-conditioned spaces like city hall, libraries, and community centers. In response to the ongoing heat wave, Gatineau will extend swimming hours at public beaches and pools while some libraries will remain open longer as well. Close up of a water station tap set up ahead of the 2026 Canada Day celebrations. (Stu Mills/CBC)Water stations ready for July 1
Canadian Heritage announced it’s implementing several measures to help people stay cool during Wednesday’s Canada Day celebrations downtown Ottawa. Water stations will be set up at all Canada Day sites so attendees can refill their water bottles easily, said spokesperson Caroline Czajkowski. Czajkowski mentioned awnings will also be installed at Le Breton Flats for added shade. “We’ve got places where it’s not fully exposed to direct sunlight where you can take a break from that warm sun,” she told CBC’s Ottawa Morning on Tuesday.LISTEN | What to expect ahead of an anticipated hot Canada Day:Ottawa Morning7:06What to expect ahead of an anticipated hot Canada Day
Caroline Czajkowski with Canadian Heritage talks about what’s planned for downtown celebrations and how they’re preparing for the heat.
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