OTTAWA -- Lena Ya-ali knows where she'll be Thursday: On Parliament Hill, trying to see or be seen by President Barack Obama.

The 21-year-old University of Ottawa psychology student is part of the Kurdish Youth Association of Canada, which hopes to gather friends and supporters on the Hill for the U.S. leader's visit.

"It's an opportunity for us to get out there and get known, especially with the Middle East being a great topic on Obama's agenda," Ya-ali said. "Even if we don't get to see him, we'd love for him to see us."

It's not yet clear how much time -- if any -- Obama will spend near Parliament Hill during his quick "working visit" to Canada, but supporters are converging on the capital all the same.

Canadians for Obama, for instance, plans a rally at the downtown First Baptist Church Thursday from 1 p.m to 2:15 p.m., featuring performers from Halifax and Hamilton, along with a local "slam" poet, excerpts of the inauguration speech and remarks from the pastor.

Kenneth Sherman, 72, one of the organizers, expects to fill a couple of buses with Obama fans from around Waterloo, Toronto and Hamilton for a trip to the capital.

"I'm coming dressed as Lincoln, in top hat and tails," he said. "It will be Abraham Lincoln's first visit to Upper Canada."

Immediately following that, the Canadian chapter of Democrats Abroad has organized a "Yes We Span" walk across the historic Rideau Canal's Laurier Bridge, said local spokesman Carl Stieren.

The walk will include a stop at the Human Rights monument near Ottawa City Hall.

"We're hoping people will focus on the broad outlines of Obama's vision: Restoring the economy in an environmentally sustainable way, international peace, and human rights," said Stieren.

The Caribbean and African Radio Network and Friends of the Sudan internship program at the University of Ottawa plan a symposium the night before the visit.

A coalition of environmentalists has organized an "Evening of Obama" tomorrow at a bistro in the Byward Market, where invited guests can mingle and pose with a large cut-out of the president. The groups have also postered the downtown to draw attention to "dirty oil" from the Alberta oil sands.

RCMP spokeswoman Sylvie Tremblay said the lawn in front of the Parliament buildings will be open to the public on Thursday. "We are not anticipating any problems at this time," she said.

CHRISTINA.SPENCER@SUNMEDIA.CA