Royal Visit Will Disrupt Traffic

Published 05/23/2025 · Updated 05/23/2025

Upcoming traffic and transit disruptions downtown from May 26 to 27

Significant traffic and transit disruptions are planned across Ottawa between Monday, May 26 and Tuesday, May 27 due to a visit from Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

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This is a release from the City of Ottawa:

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The City of Ottawa is working closely with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Ottawa Police Service (OPS) and other security partners to ensure that the safety of the King, Queen and our residents is maintained during the visit.

As a result, traffic disruptions will be experienced during limited times on the roads listed below. Some temporary closures may last multiple hours:

Monday, May 26 – temporary closures between 1 pm and 4 pm on: Airport Parkway / Bronson Avenue between Airport Parkway and Colonel By Drive
Colonel By Drive between Airport Parkway and Rideau Street
Sussex Drive between Rideau Street and Rideau Gate
Elgin Street between Wellington Street and Laurier Street
Findlay Avenue
Torrington Place
Queen Elizabeth Drive between Airport Parkway and Princess Patricia Way
Princess Patricia Way
Hunt Club between Riverside Drive and Airport Parkway
Tuesday, May 27– full closures between 5 am and 1 pm on:Rideau Street closed between Dalhousie Street and Sussex Drive
Wellington Street closed between Lyon Street and Sussex Drive
Lyon Street, Kent Street, Bank Street, O’Connor Street and Metcalfe Street between Wellington Street and Queen Street
Elgin Street between Wellington Street and Laurier Street
Sussex Drive and Mackenzie Avenue between the Alexandra Bridge and the corner of Wellington Street and Rideau Street
Colonel By Drive between the corner of Wellington Street and Daly Avenue
The morning and afternoon commutes on May 26 and 27 are not expected to be significantly impacted, however, for security reasons, the exact details and timing of road closures and other impacts to City services may be communicated at the last minute. We appreciate your patience and understanding as this visit takes place.

During motorcade movement, the Macdonald-Cartier and Portage bridges will have intermittent and temporary closures in both directions for all vehicular, cyclist and pedestrian traffic. The Alexandra and Chaudière bridges remain open in both directions.

Advice for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians
If possible, residents should avoid unnecessary travel around these locations between May 26 and 27. If you need to travel, please allow for additional time, pay attention to signage and detours, and plan possible alternate routes.

The City’s online traffic map will have live updates on traffic impacts. Select “incidents” to see roads currently affected. You can also follow the City of Ottawa’s traffic account on X (formerly Twitter).

Advice for transit users
Some OC Transpo bus routes and Para Transpo service will experience travel delays due to road closures and various routes will experience detours during select time periods.

Customers can stay up to date on the latest transit information by visiting octranspo.com, calling 613-560-5000 or following OC Transpo’s X (formerly Twitter) account. Para Transpo customers can use My Para Transpo to find the latest information available about their trip.

Advice for business and property owners
Communicate any operating changes to customers using social media channels, signage, etc.
Advise of any anticipated or actual customer access issues for delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, appointments, etc.
Connect with neighbouring businesses to communicate your operating plans and encourage them to reach out to customers and employees.
Appointment-based businesses should communicate that travel time to and through downtown will likely be impacted at various times and clients should plan ahead to avoid delays and missed appointments.
Advise staff to plan accordingly and prepare for delays – whether they are travelling by vehicle, transit or cycling.
Connect with suppliers in advance to advise of possible access impacts/intermittent road closures and confirm delivery times and availability of curbside loading zones.

Waste and recycling collection
At this time, the City is not anticipating an impact to residential waste collection as a result of the visit. Residents can stay informed of curbside collection delays by signing up at ottawa.ca/CollectionCalendar to receive important service alerts by e-mail, phone or X (formerly Twitter). Residents may also download the free Ottawa Collection Calendar mobile app for Apple and Android devices.