OTTAWA - Parliament Hill is covered in red and white for today’s Canada Day festivities.
People from across the country sporting the national colours started arriving early this morning to stake out the best spots for the celebration of Canada’s 145th birthday.
A crowd numbering in the thousands — many with portable chairs — has been greeted by sunny, warm skies and soon began overflowing onto the street.
The program is a nod to both the present and the past. Performers include indie rock star Feist and French crooner Roch Voisine.
But the show will also feature actors playing key figures from the War of 1812, one of the themes of this year's celebrations.
The Grey Cup will also be given VIP status as the football tournament celebrates its 100th birthday this year.
In his Canada Day message, the Governor General says that from the moment of Confederation in 1867, Canada has been a unique and challenging experiment.
David Johnston says that the nation resembles a giant family that each day displays a commitment to unity, diversity, excellence and equality of opportunity.
© The Canadian Press, 2013