Your Canada Day music playlist, featuring local artists
We've rounded up the best songs from Ontario and Quebec to keep you entertained
Many Canadian stars call the National Capital Region home, several of whom will be in town for the Canada 150 celebrations this year.
- Canada Day 2017: What's open, what's closed in the capital
- Canada Day 2017 in Ottawa: What's happening downtown and on Parliament Hill
If you're going to party in downtown Ottawa on July 1, you're going to be waiting in some fearsome lines. So to keep you entertained, we've rounded up some classic hits from local Ontario and Quebec artists that exploded on national and international charts.
Consider it your Canada Day playlist.
Alanis Morissette - Ironic
The anthem for when anything goes wrong in life, Ironic is a Canadian classic. This Ottawa native rocked the music scene in the '90s.
Leonard Cohen - Hallelujah
Hallelujah was Cohen's greatest hit, and arguably one of the greatest hits the world has ever known. Cohen passed away in November but his legacy as a Canadian great remains in this song.
Barenaked Ladies - If I Had A Million Dollars
If you ever win an OLG lottery, this song has some great ideas for what to do with the money. Would you build a tree fort in your yard? Would you buy a monkey? Haven't you always wanted a monkey?
Gordon Lightfoot - Canadian Railroad Trilogy
Is there anything more Canadian than Gordon Lightfoot singing about Canada? While you're sipping a cool drink on Canada Day trying to avoid any form of transportation, why not take a listen to this classic about the railways that connect our home and native land.
Cœur de pirate - Comme des enfants
This smash hit from Montreal-born Cœur de Pirate exploded in France. Her vocal style is famous throughout Quebec and is perfect for celebrating Francophone history on Canada Day.
Bryan Adams - Summer of '69
Adams closed out this year's Juno Awards by singing this throwback to the '60s. It climbed the charts quickly after its release and still remains a classic in 2017.
Shania Twain - Up!
Name a more upbeat song than Up! Shania Twain is famous for her funny lyrics that play around with situations that would normally get you down. When you're standing in line to get through Parliament Hill security on Canada Day, you might want to pop your headphones in and listen to this song.
The Tragically Hip - Bobcaygeon
They recently played a concert that touched the entire nation and Bobcaygeon is one of their best-known hits. While you're grilling burgers this weekend, jam out to this classic from The Hip.
Garou - Seul
Garou rose to fame in Quebec during the Broadway show Notre-Dame de Paris and the tracks from the musical are still close to the hearts of Francophones almost two decades later.
Eva Avila - I Owe It All To You
Do you remember Canadian Idol? Eva Avila won the singing contest back in 2006 and debuted this song shortly after. She has a special place in the region, as she is the only Idol winner from Gatineau.
Paul Anka - Diana
Songs named after women are omnipresent in the music industry, but this is one of the best-known — it's even been covered in Italian. If you're feeling nostalgic on Canada Day, this is the perfect Canadian hit to take you back to the '50s.