Love Canada, hate crowds? Here's what's happening off the Hill July 1

For Canada Day revellers looking to avoid the big, boisterous crowds on Parliament Hill and throughout downtown Ottawa on Saturday, there's a wide array of events happening elsewhere in Ottawa and throughout our region to mark Canada's 150th birthday.

From family-friendly activities to live music to fireworks, we've compiled a list of some of the celebrations in the city and beyond.

Kanata

The Glenview Homes Canada Day in Kanata Celebration takes place at Walter Baker Park with a full schedule of games, cultural demonstrations, a midway and shows. A day-long lineup of live music features headlining sets by Finger Eleven, Tomi Swick, and Cannons, before the fireworks get underway at 10 p.m. 

Barrhaven

Canada Day in Barrhaven kicks off with a seniors breakfast at 8 a.m. to fuel up for a full day of activities at Clarke Fields Park. There'll be a midway, multicultural stage shows, activities for kids and live music with Alter Ego, Rebecca Noelle and more on the main stage. The fireworks begin at 10 p.m.

Stittsville

Stittsville's annual family-friendly Canada Day event happens on the grounds of Sacred Heart High School beginning at 1 p.m. There'll be games and inflatable amusements for kids, a petting zoo, horse-drawn wagon rides and live music before the fireworks are lit at 9:45 p.m.

Orlé​ans/Petrie Island

Happening right on the shores of the Ottawa River, the Canada D'eh Fest gets underway at 11 a.m. on Petrie Island with games and a DJ party for the kids before the official opening at 1 p.m. Live music and activities continue throughout the day, capped off by fireworks at 10 p.m. 

Cumberland

The Cumberland Heritage Village Museum will be open from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. with a look at how Canada has changed over the past 150 years, including carnival-style games.

Kemptville

Canada Day festivities begin with a breakfast at the Royal Canadian Legion at 8 a.m. followed by a flag raising at 10:30 a.m. Entertainment begins at Riverside Park at 11 a.m. with live music, games and demonstrations throughout the day until the fireworks are lit at 10 p.m.

Perth

The popular Perth Antiques Show is presenting a special Canada Day edition to mark Canada's 150th anniversary. It will showcase historical items from across the country from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 6787 Lanark County Road 43 in Perth.

Almonte

Almonte's Canada Day festivities get underway at 3 p.m. at Gemmill Park. There'll be games and activities for the kids, food vendors, and live music throughout the day.

Pembroke

Opening ceremonies begin at noon at the waterfront with a flag raising. Cultural celebrations and activities for the kids will happen all afternoon until 4 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled for 10 p.m. at Riverside Park.

Wakefield, Que.

A Canada Day parade begins at 12:30 p.m. at 38 Valley Dr., followed by games for kids and live music throughout the afternoon and early evening, wrapping up with a fireworks display.

Aylmer, Que.

Aylmer's Canada Day parade begins at 10 a.m. at the corner of Rue Front and Rue Principale, and concludes with a military salute and flyby from the Canadian military's Snowbirds at noon.