Remembrance in Canada’s Capital
The Capital is a place for celebration, remembrance and learning. This November, take pause at some of the national commemorations in Ottawa.
Walking Tour of National Military Commemorations
A stroll along Confederation Boulevard is an excellent way to learn about how our military history has contributed to the growth of Canada.
There are many national military commemorations located along the Ottawa streets that make up Confederation Boulevard (Elgin Street, Wellington Street and Sussex Drive). The most prominent landmark is The Response, our National War Memorial.
You will also see monuments that commemorate:
- our Canadian Forces,
- heroic men and women from colonial times to the present,
- Canadian peacekeepers,
- Aboriginal veterans,
- and those lost in specific conflicts.
Download the Remembrance in the Capital map to guide you to a selection of 15 national military commemorations in Ottawa.
National Ceremony of Remembrance
Each Remembrance Day crowds gather at the National War Memorial to remember the thousands of men and women in military service who sacrificed their lives for Canada.
The National Ceremony of Remembrance begins at 10:55 am. It includes a veterans’ parade and the laying of wreaths on the memorial. Two minutes of silence honour the memory of Canadians who fought and died in conflicts overseas.
Following the ceremony, many pause to lay their poppies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in front of the National War Memorial.
Teaching About Remembrance
If you are a teacher, invite your students to learn more about Canada’s military history and the concept of remembrance. We’ve compiled a guide to national military commemorations in Canada’s Capital that includes free lesson plans and links to authoritative historical websites.
More Information
Visit the Veterans Affairs website for information about Veterans’ Week and for ideas on how you might get involved this Remembrance Day.
