Canada Day Fireworks

by Vicky Are you thinking about taking the kids to see the Canada Day fireworks on Parliament Hill this year? If you are hesitating because the thought of pushing a stroller or keeping a small child close by among thousands and thousands of people all rushing to catch the free OC Transpo bus freaks you out just a little bit?

Here's a tip, there is this little place with a pretty much unobstructed view of the fireworks, without the throngs of people pushing you from side to side at the end (and no, I don't mean watching them on TV at home in your living room).

The Minto Bridge near the New Edinburgh Park is a great place little place to watch the fireworks. There are lots of wide open spaces to set up blankets or chairs, or you can find yourself a spot on the bridge like most people do. Street parking in New Edinburgh is free, but it may be hard to find a spot close by so you may have to walk a bit. But the best part is not having to deal with the crowds on Parliament Hill, and making a quick exit down the Vanier Parkway back to the 417!

We haven't been back to watch the fireworks since having kids.  But at the time, we lived in New Edinburgh, and this was always a great place to spend the evening on Canada Day! Keep in mind that there are no bathrooms close by (but lots of shrubs in New Edinburgh park for a pee pee emergency!)

The Minto Bridge is on Maple Island, behind the old Ottawa City Hall.

Will you be watching the fireworks? What is your favorite spot?

Vicky is the mom to 3.5 year old son named Joel and 9 month old daughter named Mieka. You can read her blog at blog Some Kind of Wondermom.