We’ve come across a couple great Ottawa-themed videos in the past few days that we wanted to share. The first is an ode to Ottawa by local rapper The Joynt called Capcity:
And this one is great, too — featuring a couple of young Ottawa soccer players showing off their impressive skills in front of some of the region’s most popular attractions.
Any favourite parts? Please share below!
Enjoying free wi-fi within view of Parliament Hill.
Visitors to Canada’s capital who still have a bit of work to catch up on — or who want to share their photos right away, or blog — now have a beautiful new setting to get it done!
The National Capital Commission has installed 20 bright red Muskoka chairs on a plaza just off the east side of Elgin Street where it meets Rideau Street. They’ve stretched some shade sails (from a local company called House of Canvas) across the top to provide a bit of shade. All in all, a beautiful spot — and the best part is, it offers free wi-fi!
So within view of the Fairmont Château Laurier, Rideau Canal, National Arts Centre, National War Memorial, Parliament Hill and steps from a Capital Bixi bike station, you can get caught up on your online life — for free!
The pilot project, based on an employee’s suggestion, runs till October 11, 2011. Check it out!
Not everybody using the chairs is surfing the web. Some are just having fun, enjoying the day, like these children!
Well, the euphoria of the Royal Visit to Ottawa of Prince William and Kate Middleton (the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge, that is) on Canada Day is finally starting to fade a wee bit. But don’t despair! There are still lots of great activities to fill your days in Ottawa during this early part of July. For example:
The fabulous Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest– a musical party spanning six stages and 12 days just outside the Canadian War Museum – runs July 5-17. Whatever your musical tastes, you should find something that satisfies, from Buddy Guy to Huey Lewis & the News, from Peter Frampton to Death Cab for Cutie, from Jane’s Addiction to Blue Rodeo, plus comedy acts and more!
The Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest attracts a huge crowd each year -- but there are six stages, ensuring you'll find something you like!
If you’d prefer the strains of classical music, don’t miss Music and Beyond, which runs July 7-17. The opening night event has a Shakespearean theme and features great Canadian actor Christopher Plummer!
If you want to be active (or watch those who are), you can’t miss the HOPE Volleyball Summerfest on July 9 — the world’s largest one-day beach volleyball tournament! The action’s at Mooney’s Bay Beach and features performances by Big Sugar and Tokyo Police Club. Awesome!
If you’re more a laboratory bum than a beach bum, you’ll love the Canada Science and Technology Museum‘s Chemistry Uncovered event, July 7-10. Besides taking part in exciting hands-on experiments, you can see an amazing magic show, taste some delicious liquid nitrogen ice cream, or, on July 9, catch David Cronenberg’s critically acclaimed movie The Fly (PG-13, with French subtitles), at the Museum’s outdoor after-dark screening (bring blankets or folding chairs and a donation to the Ottawa Food Bank).
If theatre’s more your thing, take a drive to the picturesque town of Perth to catch the Classic Theatre Festival‘s performance of Bell, Book and Candle July 8-31 (or catch The Fourposter August 5-28). Or enjoy the intrigues of a fast-paced version of Shakespeare’s Antony & Cleopatra performed in local parks by the frenetic Company of Fools (until August 20).
The Changing the Guard Ceremony is a longstanding summertime tradition in Ottawa.
Finally, check out some fun FREE activities on Parliament Hill (beyond the tours) like the daily Changing the Guard ceremony at 10am on the front lawn (until August 26) or the spectacular Sound and Light Show — called Mosaika — that uses the Parliament Buildings as a gigantic screen, projecting images and special effects while telling the story of Canada through its people. It’s a winner, running July 6-September 5). Both events are weather permitting.
Get out there and enjoy!
The TD Ottawa Jazz Festival offers free progamming in Confederation Park on Canada Day.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are coming to Ottawa for Canada Day and the residents of Canada’s Capital Region couldn’t be happier!
The official itinerary has been released, showing visits at the National War Memorial, Rideau Hall, Canadian Museum of Civilization, Parliament Hill during the Canada Day Noon Show and the Canadian War Museum. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to come out and say hello to the newlyweds!
But what else is going on in town with a royal theme?
The National War Memorial is a stunning monument in downtown Ottawa.
On Canada Day, the Lord Elgin Hotel on Elgin Street downtown is creating a huge wedding cake in the couple’s honour that members of the public can sample. Right across the street, the TD Ottawa Jazz Festival offers free programming on Canada Day and great shows from June 23 to July 3, 2011.
Meanwhile, at the castle-like Fairmont Château Laurier, you can take it up a notch by indulging in their very popular afternoon tea service. For a limited time, they’re offering “Royal Tea” which includes a glass of Moet et Chandon champagne!
The whole family will enjoy a visit to the Currency Museum of the Bank of Canada on July 1 for their Canada Day Garden Party! Held on the Museum’s outdoor plaza at the corner of Bank and Sparks Streets downtown, they will celebrate the Royal Visit and Canada’s 144th birthday with a British-themed garden party featuring games, music, refreshments and crafts for everyone.
And if that works up a thirst, Mom & Dad can quench it at ZenKitchen on Somerset Street West with a refreshing take on the classic Cranberry Kir Royale with a pomegranate cranberry drink dubbed the Cranberry Kir “Royal Visit!”
For a more active option, head to MKC in the City which is planning a very cool tribute to the Royal Couple. On Thursday, June 30, between 1 and 4pm, you can try your hand at whitewater kayaking. For $30, you can paddle three times through the course at the Pumphouse, which is located at the western edge of downtown Ottawa, not farm from the Canadian War Museum. (Directions: Take Bronson Avenue northbound, turn left (west) on Albert Street, then an immediate right on Rue Commissioner.)
Welcome to Ottawa, Your Royal Highnesses!
Check out what’s happening at our national museums and galleries this summer.
National Gallery of Canada
June 17 – September 11, Ottawa’s National Gallery of Canada presents Caravaggio and His Followers in Rome, an ambitious exhibition on the genius of the great Caravaggio and the impact he had on his contemporaries. The exhibition brings 60 works of this genius to Canada for the first time, and marks the 400th anniversary of his death.
June 23 – October 2. See Hidden Treasures at Bytown Museum. This exhibition presents 41 exceptional artifacts from the Bytown Museum’s significant historic collection, and showcases the quality of its permanent holdings.
May 20 – October 10. Japan: Tradition. Innovation at the Canadian Museum of Civilization is an exploration of the astonishing ways in which Japan’s cutting-edge technology and design are rooted in the traditions of the past. In the aftermath of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, we see once again the resilient, enterprising spirit that has moved Japan beyond darkness before.
June 3 – November 6, the Canadian Museum of Nature showcases Extreme Mammals. This exhibit explores the surprising and often extraordinary world of extinct and living mammals. Find out what makes a mammal “extreme”. Learn why some species died out while others thrived. And discover what you have in common with all other mammals.
May 26 – November 13 at the Canadian War Museum. From the battlefield to rehabilitation, War and Medicine explores the uneasy and evolving relationship between warfare and the medical profession.
From May 12. Be part of the Living in Space adventure, a new permanent exhibition at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. Learn how to adapt to the rigours of daily life in space for months at a time on board the International Space Station (ISS). Discover how astronauts in the weightless environment work, entertain themselves and tackle such basics as personal hygiene, eating and sleeping among the stars.
Let’s Talk Energy: Engaging Ideas for Canada’s Future is a national multi-year program (June 2011 – June 2017) exploring Canada’s energy production and consumption and the implications of greening the country’s energy network. Visit the energy exhibitions at the Canada Science and Technology Museum Corporation’s three national museums to learn more:
June 9, 2011 – June 2017
Energy: Power to Choose
Canada Science and Technology Museum
Produce your own electricity with the Museum’s human hamster wheel. Interact with a map of Canada that identifies locations where energy is produced and where distribution of major sources of energy takes place. You’ll be shocked to discover that one producer of energy is the Museum’s electric eel.
June 16, 2011 – June 2017
Green Skies Ahead
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
Take a tour of the innovative carbon-friendly technology that will shape commercial aviation over the next 50 years. See some of the futuristic energy-efficient aircraft designs on the drawing table today and decide if they are science or science-fiction.
July 1, 2011 – June 2017
Energy Park: Nature at Work
Canada Agriculture Museum
See renewable energy in action. Take a stroll through this outdoor park and try your hand at “harvesting” energy. See if you can beat the wind and pump water faster than a windmill!
Book your stay in Ottawa through Ottawa Tourism’s website – check out the Third Night Half Price option for even better value!
Ever wonder how astronauts live on the International Space Station?
A must see this summer and a great new addition to the Canada Aviation and Space Museum is Living in Space, created by the Canadian Space Agency and on display as a new permanent exhibition.
Living in Space exhibition
The exhibit features great hands-on interactive activities for the kids including a computerized game that lets you assemble a space meal. Place your hand on an astronaut’s hand print surrounding a giant rotating globe to learn more about them and other fun facts from space. Find out how able you would be at working in a weightless environment. Check out the various objects, replicas and components used daily by astronauts during a mission.
Fun for the family and kids of all ages.
Guests were greeted by Daniel Richer, Town Crier, and a model wearing one of the spectacular floral gowns.
The Canadian Tulip Festival launched this year’s event with a sparkling Tulip Ball on Friday, May 6 at the gorgeous new Ottawa Convention Centre. Take a look at some amazing photos from that night, featuring one-of-a-kind floral gowns and more!
A gold tulip supplied by the Royal Canadian Mint was under careful watch at the event.
The gowns were created by Joel Marc Frappier, MFA, CAFA and Sylvie Bigras. Students from La Cité collégiale were also involved.
The black tie affair attracted an impressive crowd, who enjoyed fine dining and a silent auction, as well as the impressive view of Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal.
There's a woman in there somewhere!
The 59th edition of the Canadian Tulip Festival continues its run until Monday, May 23. And rest assured that there are still lots of tulips left to bloom. You can book your Tulip Celebration getaway through Ottawa Tourism.
There was a definite safari feeling to this tulip gown.
This whimsical gown is ready for inclement weather -- it incorporates a transparent umbrella!
Colour was not in short supply at the Tulip Ball!
One Jane's Walk will explore Ottawa's Little Italy neighbourhood, including viewing frescos by Guido Nincheri, called the Michelangelo of North America.
Looking for a fun thing to do this weekend — beyond attending the first weekend of the Canadian Tulip Festival?
Why not participate in a Jane’s Walk? You’ll explore neighbourhoods in Ottawa and the region on foot with knowledgable people sharing their passions. For example, local author and naturalist Katharine Fletcher leads a tour of the Central Experimental Farm; you can explore the hidden gems of oft-overlooked Bronson Avenue; meet the Cats of Parliament Hill; or learn to forage for wild food in the heart of the city.
Check out the full schedule of walks, including some offered en français, offered on both Saturday and Sunday, May 7-8. Best of all? The walks are free!
Last year's Canada Day crowds before the fireworks at 10pm were huge. With William and Kate in town this July 1, who knows what to expect? PHOTO CREDIT: Ontario Tourism
Today’s magnificent Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton — now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge — is just the beginning of their life together.
On June 30, the royal couple will embark on their first official foreign visit as husband and wife. They’ll start their trip to Canada in Ottawa, just in time for the huge Canada Day celebrations on July 1.
While the official itinerary is a closely guarded secret, we at Ottawa Tourism thought we’d suggest some activities.
Could this be William and Kate this summer in Ottawa?
What do you think the Royal Couple should do while in the region?
Please add your own suggestions by clicking on “Leave a Comment” below.
The past couple weeks have been great for music lovers in Ottawa. Both the TD Ottawa Jazz Festival and Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest have announced their lineups! These are two of the biggest and best summer festivals in town!
