Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy 2026

The National Capital Region's biggest fireworks event returns for its 2026 season with six pyromusical shows launched from a barge on the Ottawa River, with Parliament Hill as the backdrop. Four countries present a choreographed show set to music, and the audience votes for the Fan Favourite Award.

Despite the name, the shows are not held at the casino. Since 2014 the festival has been staged at the Canadian Museum of History at 100 Laurier Street in Gatineau, a short walk across the Alexandra Bridge from the ByWard Market.

2026 Program

The August 8 Brazil show draws on the energy of the Rio Carnival, and China's August 12 show is built around Vivaldi's Four Seasons. Every show uses at least 35% low-impact pyrotechnics.

Schedule

The event runs rain or shine. Only severe weather postpones a show, in which case tickets carry over to the next evening.

Tickets

Tickets are sold through the official box office. Everyone entering the site needs a ticket. Children under 3 are free, ages 5 to 12 get a discount, and under-12s must be with an adult.

Watching for Free

Because the fireworks launch from a barge on the river, you can watch from public spots on both sides without a ticket. You miss the on-site music and activities, but the view of the sky is free.

Ottawa side: Major's Hill Park and Nepean Point behind the National Gallery are the classic vantage points, along with Parliament Hill, the Rideau Locks by the Bytown Museum, and the Ottawa River Pathway.

Gatineau side: The Alexandra Bridge walkway gives a panorama of the river and Parliament, and Jacques-Cartier Park sits right beside the museum grounds.

Expect road closures near the museum on show nights, so give yourself extra time.

Getting There

Parking: The Maison du Citoyen lot at 98 Victoria Street is $15, sold online in advance, and opens at 5:45 p.m. There is a 6 ft 2 in height limit, so it fits cars and small SUVs only. Private lots around Hull Island charge their own rates.

Transit (STO): Route 37 stops at Rue Hôtel-de-Ville and Rue Laurier within walking distance of the museum. Route 57 toward Cité runs via the Les Promenades park-and-ride. Show your admission wristband and the return trip from stops outside the site is free, with the last departure at 10:15 p.m.

There is also supervised bike parking, and the site is reachable on foot from downtown Ottawa across the Alexandra Bridge.

Good to Know

• Accessible viewing area, moved closer to the main entrance for 2026 on flatter ground, with dedicated washrooms near the riverbank
• Family programming includes the Magical Forest, Enchanted Dome, Storytelling Hour, a food truck plaza, and DJ sets after the fireworks
• Only small snacks such as granola bars are allowed. Coolers, picnic boxes and large food bags are not
• Bulky bags are not permitted, though diaper bags are fine
• No pets, except certified service animals