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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!

Join the Party on Parliament Hill

14 Jun

© Ontario Tourism

Come celebrate Canada’s 144 birthday in the presence of Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who will be visiting Ottawa on the first stop of their Royal Tour of Canada. In a previous article we highlighted some suggested activities for the royal couple to experience on their Ottawa visit. While their official itinerary is a closely guarded secret, we can update you on confirmed activities that hundreds of thousands of people will partake in this Canada Day. The stages on Parliament Hill are already being set up for this spectacular July 1st celebration.

Morning
9:00am – 11:00am

In the morning, at 9:00am, take in a truly unique musical experience; hear the 53-bell Peace Tower carillon concert. At 9:30am, witness the traditional flag-raising ceremony, and Changing the Guard, a stirring military drill, follows at 10:00am.

Noon Show
12:00pm – 1:30pm

The Noon Show will include the traditional and exciting fly-past of CF-18 fighter jets and the Snowbirds Demonstration Team. Come join in the fun with a host of great Canadian talent:

Afternoon Pipes and Drums on the Lawns

2:30pm and 3:30pm, Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa
3:00pm and 4:00pm, The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada

Evening Show
7:00pm – 10:00pm

Rebecca Makonnen and Jian Ghomeshi will be the MCs of this big evening show, with performances by Canadian artists:

Fireworks
10:00pm (approx.) at Jacques-Cartier Park (Gatineau)

The best views of this thunderous pyrotechnics show are from Jacques-Cartier Park and the Canadian Museum of Civilization (both in Gatineau), as well as Major’s Hill Park (in Ottawa) and along the Ottawa River.

What Else Is Happening On Canada Day?

Check out the full line up of Canada Day events at venues across the region.

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!

Jane’s Walk Ottawa shows off diverse neighbourhoods

6 May

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!

Prince William and Kate Middleton to visit Ottawa on Canada Day

29 Apr

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.

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 Canada Song video

17 Feb

Internet sensation Wilbur Sargunaraj visited Ottawa over the first week of Winterlude and filmed his latest video — The Canada Song — on the Rideau Canal Skateway, in front of Parliament Hill and in the ByWard Market neighbourhood. The result is amazing! Check it out:

Winterlude packing guide

12 Jan

So, you’re coming to Ottawa for Winterlude this February. Glad to hear it! (If you haven’t booked yet, check out the Winterlude accommodation packages — for couples and for families – available through Ottawa Tourism (and don’t forget the popular Third Night Free promotion at select hotels).

Especially if this is your first visit to Ottawa in the winter, we urge you to refer to this packing guide to make sure you enjoy yourselves to the fullest. Because no matter how amazing the ice sculptures at the Crystal Garden, how romantic the outing on the Rideau Canal Skateway, or how slippery the ice slide at Snowflake Kingdom, you won’t have any fun at all if your feet are cold!

BeaverTails are a delicious hot pastry treat available on the Rideau Canal Skateway. Don't let cold feet stop you from enjoying one... or two!

 

WINTERLUDE PACKING GUIDE

  • A backpack: It’s great for stashing your boots while you go skating on the Rideau Canal (remember to bring a plastic bag or two to limit wetness on the inside), plus it leaves your hands free to eat a BeaverTail!).
  • Snacks: Raisins, chocolate, power bars—you need something to munch on to keep your energy level up while skating, snowshoeing, skiing, or just wandering around town.
  • Water bottle: Stay hydrated! You may not realize you’re thirsty in the cold, but your body needs water! An insulated version is best.
  • Indoor clothing: Bring an extra layer or two of clothing so if it’s warmer or colder than you think, you’re prepared. This is key! Thin sweaters and shirts that whisk away any moisture are the best and they pack well.
  • Outdoor clothing: A warm jacket or parka is a must. Ideally, it would be a fabric that blocks the wind and repels moisture. Remember to layer in order to stay warm.
  • Ski pants: For so many reasons: they block the wind and add warmth, they protect your pants from snow and slush and prevent you from getting wet and therefore colder, and best of all, they help you whizz down the ice and snow slides at Snowflake Kingdom. If you wear jeans, you’ll get stuck and that’s embarrassing (this is the voice of experience talkin’ here!)!
  • Accessories: A warm hat, gloves or mittens, a scarf…these are necessities. And don’t feel self-conscious—the entire city battleshat-head! The more colourful, the better! Remember, too, that mittenswill keep your hands warmer than gloves (assuming they’re not wimpy things you can see through). Waterproof is best.
  • Footwear: Don’t skimp here! Warm socks and boots are a must (stick an extra pair of socks in your backpack just in case). Stiletto heels just won’t cut it, either—dress for warmth and you’ll enjoy your time outdoors.

  • Sleigh rentals are convenient for those in your group who don't skate. Push 'em along the Rideau Canal Skateway!

    Skates and sleighs: If you don’t bring your own pair of ice skates, you can rent some from Capital Skates at two locations on the ice surface: one near the National Arts Centre downtown and the other about half-way along the Canal near Fifth Avenue. Capital Skates also rents sleighs, which are perfect means of transportation for children or non-skaters, and which need to be pushed by skaters. Rates vary.

  • Bandaids: If you haven’t skated in years, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to blisters (though modern skates are MUCH more comfortable than they used to be).
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm: Think about it—the sun reflects off the snow and ice so it’s extra strong.Plus sunglasses might help you combat hat head once you move inside.
  • Tissues and wipes: Cold weather often means runny noses, so you’ll appreciate a handy supply of tissues.
  • Camera, batteries, recharger: You want to record these moments for posterity, don’t you? Pack your camera securely—and warmly—in an inside jacket pocket, not in your backpack! Batteries may deplete faster in the cold—be prepared!

MORE WINTERLUDE TIPS

  • Once you’ve spent all day outside being active, you deserve a reward. Indulge in an activity as part of Taste of Winterlude, a series of culinary special events, including winemakers’ dinners and walkabout winter feasts (where you walk from restaurant to restaurant for each course of a multi-course meal).
  • Use the SnoBus to get around. For $3.50 per adult (free for kids 11 and under), you can get a ride to the major Winterlude sites. The SnoBus runs on Saturdays and Sundays during Winterlude and connects from downtown Ottawa to Snowflake Kingdom (Jacques-Cartier Park) (10am to 5:30pm) and from downtown to Dows Lake (10am to 8:00pm) and the pass is good all day.
  • There are Chalets (or warm-up huts) all along the Rideau Canal Skateway. This is where you can put on your skates, or simply pop in to warm up for a while. Some people leave their boots behind, but most people throw them in a backpack and take them with.
  • There’s nothing more Canadian than standing in your skates with a BeaverTail in one hand and a hot chocolate in the other, on the Rideau Canal Skateway. Take a photo or upload a video to YouTube!
  • Most women in Ottawa arrive at parties with a shoe bag. You wear your boots to get to where you’re going, then you slip on your knock-’em-dead pumps once you’re there. Practical and sexy!

Anything I’ve forgotten? Weigh in below with a comment!

Great Canadian Chill raises money Jan. 1 to fight children’s cancer

20 Dec

Looking for a little adventure to start off 2011? The Sears Great Canadian Chill is a brand new event, to take place on Saturday, January 1, 2011 at Britannia Beach along the Ottawa River in the city’s west end.

You can help welcome in the New Year by raising money to stop kids’ cancer COLD!

Solicit pledges and friends to cheer you on, then take a running plunge into the icy waters of the Ottawa River. What a way to start the year!

This is a new event, scheduled for Ottawa and Toronto in 2011 and more Canadian cities in the future. It’s sure to become a great annual event so why not check out its inaugural run?

Registration takes place at 12:00 noon on New Year’s Day and the plunge itself is at 1:30pm. Don’t forget the costume contest — have fun with it!

The money raised will benefit the Sears Foundation, which funds 17 oncology centers both provincially and nationally. All donations and pledges of $20 or more are eligible for tax receipts which will be emailed or mailed to you within two weeks of when your donation is made online or in-person, respectively.

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