About

Bytown Sea Shanty Collective is a quartet from Ottawa, Canada, born out of a love of the East Coast. With the call of the high seas in their bones, BSSC has been offering free, accessible monthly Sea Shanty singalongs in Ottawa for over two years. What started with a first evening bringing in 30-40 people, now regularly sees 200+ attending, with lineups out the door.

A key focus of BSSC has been giving people without musical training an opportunity to sing in a group - there are so many benefits that come from group singing, but opportunities are few! BSSC has worked to remove all barriers at their singalongs: there is no cover, no need to read sheet music, no need for perfection. All are welcome and encouraged!

Bytown Sea Shanty Collective is currently working on original material, planning recording sessions, and booking concerts. This summer they participated in the Fundy Sea Shanty Festival in St. Martins, New Brunswick.

Upcoming Events

Past Events

Fri, Jan 30
Bytown Museum’s 200+ Kickoff Fundraiser
Ottawa
Details
Jan 30, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Ottawa, 1 Canal Ln, Ottawa, ON K1P 5P6, Canada
Want to make history? You can be part of Ottawa’s 200+ story by joining the Bytown Museum on Friday, January 30, from 7pm to 10pm, as we kick off 2026 and 200+ years of Ottawa!
Sat, Jan 24
Sing a Sea Shanty @ BTP - January 2026
Ottawa
Details
Jan 24, 2026, 8:00 p.m.
Ottawa, 250 City Centre Ave Bay 106, Ottawa, ON K1R 6K7, Canada
YARR SHIPMATES! THE CREW SAILS AGAIN ON SATURDAY JANUARY 24!! Join your favorite band of brigands, the Bytown Sea Shanty Collective, for another unforgettable sea shanty singalong at BTP!
Sat, Jan 17
Après Ski Shanty @ Mount Pakenham
Pakenham
Details
Jan 17, 2026, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Pakenham, 577 Ski Hill Rd, Pakenham, ON K0A 2X0, Canada
Join the Bytown Sea Shanty Collective in the Lounge/Bar for some ski shanties and sloshes.
Fri, Dec 19
Sea Shanties, Carols, and Empty Beer Barrels v4: Fundraiser for Dalhousie Food Cupboard
Ottawa
Details
Dec 19, 2025, 8:00 p.m.
Ottawa, 310 St. Patrick St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5K4, Canada
SHIPMATES!! Our annual fundraiser for the Dalhousie Food Cupboard is back!! Join the us on Friday, December 19, 2025, for an unforgettable night of sea shanties, community spirit, and holiday cheer!
Fri, Nov 14
Sing a Sea Shanty @ Beyond the Pale - Nov 2025
Ottawa
Details
Nov 14, 2025, 8:00 p.m.
Ottawa, 250 City Centre Ave Bay 106, Ottawa, ON K1R 6K7, Canada
YARR SHIPMATES! THE CREW SAILS AGAIN ON FRIDAY NOVEMBER 14!! Join your favorite band of brigands, the Bytown Sea Shanty Collective, for another unforgettable sea shanty singalong at BTP!