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Winterlude is just around the corner!

6 Dec

Ottawans love to skate on the frozen Rideau Canal Skateway each winter.

The snow has started to fall in Ottawa and thoughts are turning to Christmas, the holidays and the whole winter season!

This winter marks the 42nd season of organized ice skating on the frozen Rideau Canal Skateway. The Canal snakes 7.8 km (4.8 miles) through downtown Ottawa— kids skate to school, people skate to work! It’s the equivalent in size to 90 Olympic-sized ice rinks, giving it the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink.

It takes several consecutive days of -15° Celsius (-5° Fahrenheit) or colder temperatures to ensure that the ice is at least a foot thick. That’s when the National Capital Commission deems it safe enough to open to the public — usually in late December or early January.

Skating on the Rideau Canal is the centrepiece activity of Winterlude, the capital region’s annual celebration of all things winter. The event takes place February 3 to 20, 2012.

Most activities are held on the weekends— learn-to-skate clinics, a hockey tournament, a winter triathlon, children’s entertainment—but the ice sculptures, skating on the Rideau Canal and the Snowflake Kingdom children’s snow playground are offered during the week as well (except Tuesday and Wednesday for Snowflake Kingdom). Best of all, most activities are free!

Foodies will love Taste of Winterlude, which runs from January 26 through February 20. Some of the capital’s best local restaurants create unique culinary events—wine and food pairings, chef demonstrations, walkabout winter feasts and more.

Book your visit to Ottawa with the Winterlude Rendezvous for Two package or the Winterlude Family Getaway! And don’t forget, participating Ottawa-area hotels are offering Third Night Free for travel until March 31, 2012.

New water taxi service links Ottawa – Gatineau – Casino

16 Sep

The Gatineau dock (with beautiful view of Parliament Hill) for Au feel de l'eau's new environmentally friendly electric aquabus.

A new water taxi service is linking sites along the Ottawa and Gatineau Rivers. Au feel de l’eau operates a pollution-free electric boat that can hold up to 12 passengers, 2 wheelchairs and 4 bicycles.

Until October 9, it departs each morning at 9am from the Casino du Lac-Leamy, and arrives at the Ottawa wharf (located where the Rideau Canal empties into the Ottawa River, near the Bytown Museum) around 10:00am. At 10:15am, it begins to shuttle back and forth between Ottawa and a site on the Gatineau side of the Ottawa River near the Canadian Museum of Civilization until 12:20 when it departs Ottawa for the Casino again.

At 1:30pm, it leaves the Casino and between 2:35 and 6:15pm, it shuttles back-and-forth between Ottawa and Gatineau. The final run from Ottawa to the Casino departs at 6:15pm, arriving at 7:15pm.

If weather conditions permit, the company will continue the Ottawa-Gatineau shuttles for an additional week, until October 16. In 2012, the service will run between May and October.

The cost is $5 per person (tax included) for the Ottawa-Gatineau shuttles and $15 per person for the Ottawa-Casino shuttles.

The company also offers private group bookings.

UPDATE (September 18): Until further notice, the water taxi will operate in the afternoon only!

Savour Ottawa Harvest Table a success!

14 Sep

Savour Ottawa Harvest Table

On Sunday, August 28, a delicious family-style meal was served to 100 lucky gourmands at the first-ever Savour Ottawa Harvest Table. Savour Ottawa is a group that works to identify and promote locally grown, raised and produced food. They promote local area farmers; restaurants/caterers who show a commitment to buying local goods; and retailers who sell local food.

The Harvest Table event was the group’s first public event. Up to now, most of their work has been done behind the scenes, linking chefs and farmers and creating new business opportunities.

But on that Sunday — while Hurricane Irene skirted the east coast and produced a chillier-than-normal overcast day in Ottawa — guests were treated to a multi-course feast under tents and on tables decorated with burlap and fresh wildflowers.

The food was amazing — from an antipasti plate of local meats and cheeses to fresh salads bursting with flavour to 3 delicious main courses (wild boar and beef and mushroom tourte) to delectable desserts. Guests also received two sample tickets they could use to indulge in local favourites, Kichesippi Beer or Domaine Perrault wine. They could also enjoy some fresh corn-on-the-cob with gourmet butters.

Mayor Jim Watson and Councillors Maria McRae, Doug Thompson and Katherine Hobbs also attended. Mayor Watson and Councillor McRae announced the $10 Local Challenge, encouraging Ottawans to spend $10 per household on local food.

Ontario author Lynn Ogryzlo, whose cookbook The Ontario Table, is a work of art devoted to Ontario farmers and chefs, created the $10 local challenge across the province — if every household were to spend that $10 per week on local food, at the end of the year, that would mean $2.4 billion in the province’s economy. Lynn was on-hand to sign copies of her book.

Enjoy this short video with highlights of the Harvest Table event:

New video: First-class bhangra!

28 Jul

Internet sensation Wilbur Sargunaraj is at it again! He had so much fun in Ottawa back in February filming the video for the popular The Canada Song, he just had to return in the summer. The result? First-class Bhangra — a catchy tune with an all-Ottawa video featuring Parliament Hill, a Royal Canadian Mounted Police horse, Sparks Street Mall, Aboriginal Experiences, the ByWard Market neighbourhood, Rideau Canal and more!

Check it out (I dare you not to sing along):

 

Free wi-fi near the National War Memorial

14 Jul

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!

Early July in Ottawa

4 Jul

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!

Royal Visit mania strikes Ottawa!

24 Jun

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!

Family Fun Activities

20 Jun

Looking from great family friendly activities this summer? Ottawa has a lot to offer, from splashing in the water parks, to running through hedge mazes, and exploring and learning in a vast array of air conditioned museums with hands-on activities. There’s no shortage of options.

Just Add Water

Calypso Theme Waterpark

Calypso Theme Waterpark, just 20 minutes east of the capital, hosts Canada’s largest wave pool, state of the art slides, a whitewater rafting experience, and tons of other cool features that will be a blast for all ages. 10 new waterslides opened this year including the largest free-standing slide tower on the continent.

Just 20 minutes north of Ottawa in the scenic splendor of the Gatineau hills, Mont Cascades Waterpark features a showcase of water other pool attractions. Their new SplashForest combines all the excitement of waterslides with the new “activewaterplay” structure packed with water cannons and climbing nets.

Outdoor Adventures

Summer is a time for getting outside and reveling in the sunshine. At Saunders Farm , there are plenty of activities to do together, including an exploration of North America’s largest collection of hedge mazes. Navigate your way through more than 23,000 square feet of intricate paths, before climbing aboard a beautifully constructed pirate ship on land, and cooling off in the water spray zone.

Valleyview Little Animal Farm offers a wide variety of animals and birds up close, from alpacas to zebus, goats to geese. Ride the Valleyview Express, enjoy the farm playground, explore Bill’s Old Farm Museum and  watch a puppet show.

In the heart of downtown Ottawa along the Rideau Canal, Pirate Adventures a unique and unforgettable experience aboard a fifty foot pirate ship armed with 12 water cannons. Watch your child transform into a pirate with face painting tattoos and pirate gear then discover a treasure map and solve its secrets. Pirate Pete will make an appearance!

Museum Madness

Canadian Museum of Nature

Gone are the days when museums were considered the realm of the adult. Ottawa’s cultural scene offers plenty of options for children with the right blend of education and amusement through tactile experiences. At the newly renovated Canadian Museum of Nature, toddlers will get a kick out of activity stations that have levers, buttons, and nozzles galore, from the inside of a mini submarine to a supermarket cash register.

Nature lovers will also enjoy taking a tour of the animal barns at the Canada Agriculture Museum, which is part of a working farm located in the heart of the city. There’s more hands on fun to be had at the Canadian Children’s Museum geared directly to youths through a setup that embodies worldwide adventure, complete with passports they can get stamped and take home. Here, young visitors interact with exhibits that take them on a stroll through a Market Bazaar, inside an Egyptian pyramid, and into a tatami room of a Japanese home, among other international outings.

And no visit to Ottawa is complete without a trip to the Canada Science and Technology Museum for a walk through the Crazy Kitchen – a dizzying household room that has become a staple childhood experience for local kids.

Living in Space

3 Jun

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.

Ottawa Race Weekend and Great Glebe Garage Sale

26 May

Two great options for visitors this weekend.

On Saturday, May 28, the famous Great Glebe Garage Sale takes place. An entire neighbourhood, known as the Glebe, holds a garage sale at the same time. The area stretches roughly south of Highway 417 (known as the Queensway — check out an earlier post on “Do you Speak Ottawan?“), west and north of the Rideau Canal and east of Bronson Avenue.

If you’re a true bargain hunter, you’ll arrive early — it’s not unusual to see people roaming at 6am! — but there are bargains to be had throughout the day. Your best bet is to take public transit as the streets get very congested with cars looking for parking spots. Remember, too, that Bank Street — the main thoroughfare — is under construction but that the businesses along it are open and some are offering special deals. Happy bargain hunting!

It's a fun, festival atmosphere at the Ottawa Race Weekend. Photo credit: Victah Sailo

Later that day and on Sunday, May 29, you’ll want to check out Ottawa Race Weekend. It’s Canada’s largest running event, attracting about 40,000 people in its various events. On Saturday afternoon at 4:00, there’s the family-friendly 2K race, leaving from Elgin Street and Laurier Avenue West. At 5:00pm, it’s the 5K and at 6:30pm, it’s the 10K, leaving from roughly the same location. Check out the course maps for details for all races.

On Sunday, it’s the wheelchair marathon at 6:55am, the marathon at 7:00am, and the half-marathon at 9:00am. At 8:00am, children will run the last segment of the “Y Ottawa Kids Marathon” — where they ran one-kilometre distances in the preceding weeks to eventually run a total of 42.2km.

If you’ve never heard the sound of thousands of shoes slappin’ the pavement, it’s quite something. Go on out and cheer on the runners — they certainly appreciate it!

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