Hundreds of thousands of people sporting their best red and white attire took over the downtown core Friday to celebrate Canada's 149th birthday.

The event was marked on Parliament Hill by a fly-past, a 21 gun salute and concerts by well-known Canadian artists.  Similar events and celebrations were held at nearby Major's Hill Park. 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also gave his first Canada Day address to tens of thousands of people on the lawn of Parliament and millions more at home. 

Joelle Soliveau and her six-year-old daughter Sarah joined thousands of others who lined up along Wellington to see the prime minister's motorcade make its way to Parliament Hill.

"I want to see Justin Trudeau," Soliveau said. "I never get the occasion to see him so it would be the first time to see him in person." 

Celebrations in the capital spanned much of the downtown core, even the newly re-opened Rideau Street. More than 700 people marked the road's re-opening by creating a human Canadian flag where the sinkhole opened up last month.

All the enthusiasm around Canada Day leads to a record number of calls for Ottawa Paramedics. According to J.P. Trottier of the Ottawa Paramedics Service call volumes spike on July 1st. 

"It's very busy. A normal day is 360 calls, but today we will easily double that," said Trottier. "Last year just for the downtown core, for Canada Day, we did 450 calls." 

Outside of the downtown core events were happening across the city.  Outside of the downtown core events were happening across the city.  

 

In Kanata thousands gathered for the annual free community event with midway rides, games, and live music at Walter Barker Park. A fireworks display is planned for 10p.m. tonight.  

In Barrhaven a similar affair is scheduled for the Mattamy Homes Canada Day celebration. The event includes rides, games, buskers, music, and a kid fun zone. The event has fireworks scheduled for 10p.m. and runs until 11p.m. at Clarke Fields Park.

For Matt Burnside and his five-year-old son Jack they were able to enjoy all of the above without having to leave their neighbourhood.

“We’re staying in Barrhaven, we live up the street, we’re meeting some friends and moms coming this afternoon and we’re going to enjoy the festivities with all the lights and stuff,” said Burnside.

In Orléans the day is being celebrated at Mer Bleue with music and mini putt. Fireworks are scheduled for 10p.m.

You can find a full list of events by clicking happening around the city by clicking here.