Remembrance Day in Ottawa

Ottawa is the site of Canada's National Remembrance Day Ceremony — the country's most significant act of remembrance, held every November 11 at the National War Memorial. Nearly 30,000 people attended the 2025 ceremony. It is broadcast live to millions across Canada.

The National Ceremony

The Royal Canadian Legion hosts the ceremony at Confederation Square, at the foot of the National War Memorial.

Timing

~10:30 AM: Ceremony begins with veterans' march and arrival of dignitaries
10:45 AM: Dignitaries take their places
11:00 AM: First gun sounds, followed by two minutes of silence
~11:30 AM: Ceremony concludes with veterans' march past

Order of Ceremony

The ceremony follows a fixed format: veterans' march, O Canada, Last Post, two minutes of silence, Lament and Rouse, Act of Remembrance, 21-gun salute, prayers, wreath-laying by dignitaries and the public, God Save the King, and march-off.

Attendees include the Governor General (or Deputy), the Prime Minister, the National Silver Cross Mother, the Minister of Veterans Affairs, and the Chief of the Defence Staff.

Attending

The ceremony is open to the public and free. Approach from Elgin Street — it's the main viewing corridor. Streets are closed from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM around the War Memorial (Elgin, Wellington, Metcalfe, Queen, Queen Elizabeth Driveway).

Arrive before 10:00 AM for a good viewing position. Public transit is recommended — driving and parking downtown will be very difficult.

After the official ceremony, members of the public are welcome to approach the memorial and lay poppies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Many people place their poppies on the tomb as their final act of remembrance.

Canadian War Museum

The Canadian War Museum offers free admission on November 11 (timed tickets required — book a few days ahead through their box office).

Illumination of the Unknown Soldier's Headstone

The museum's Memorial Hall was designed so that at exactly 11:00 AM on November 11, sunlight shines through a precisely positioned window and falls directly on the headstone of Canada's Unknown Soldier. This happens only once a year. A limited number of free tickets for in-person viewing are available from 9:00 AM on November 11 — they go quickly.

Poppy Protocol

The red poppy is Canada's symbol of remembrance. Here's what to know:

When to start wearing: The last Friday in October (start of the Remembrance period)
Where to wear it: On the left side of your chest, over your heart
Where to get one: Volunteer poppy distribution boxes are found in stores, on street corners, and in public places. Drop a donation in the box.
When to remove: At sundown on November 11. Many people place their poppy on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa or on a local cenotaph.

Beechwood National Cemetery

Beechwood Cemetery — home of the National Military Cemetery — holds its own Remembrance Day ceremony at 10:45 AM on November 11. The ceremony includes vigils, poetry, a children's choir, and two minutes of silence marked by artillery. It is also livestreamed.

What's Open and Closed

November 11 is a federal statutory holiday but not a provincial holiday in Ontario:

Federal offices: Closed
Provincial offices, schools, and most businesses: Open (though many employers choose to give time off, and schools hold assemblies)
National museums: Check individual museum hours — the War Museum offers free admission

Tips

Weather: Average high of about 6°C, low around -1°C. Cold, often overcast, with a chance of rain or snow. Dress very warmly if attending the outdoor ceremony — warm coat, hat, gloves, and insulated boots.

Be respectful. This is a solemn event, not a celebration. The ceremony and the area around the War Memorial are quiet and reverent.

Plan your approach. Elgin Street gives the best view. Transit is the easiest way downtown, given the extensive road closures.