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New Year’s Eve in Ottawa

13 Dec

Are you spending New Year’s Eve in Ottawa this year? Check below for some options to ring in 2012 in style!

Enjoy dinner at Le Café within the National Arts Centre before catching the Blue Man Group this New Year's Eve!

At the National Arts Centre, you can spend New Year’s Eve with the Blue Man Group, followed by a post-show party in the lobby. Tickets range from $55 to $135 before taxes and charges. To really splurge, sign up for the pre-show dinner at Le Café. It’s a 3-course meal with coffee, tea, and live music for $69.95 per person (plus tax and gratuity).  NOTE: Dinner tickets are only available upon purchase of show tickets.

Across the Rideau Canal from the National Arts Centre, you can celebrate the arrival of 2012 at the sexy Ottawa Convention Centre. Called Dancing in the Stars, tickets are $159 per person and include a 4-course gourment dinner with wine, champagne toast at midnight, the soul funk disco sounds of the Hammerhead and two trips available to be won.

The brand new CE Centre near the Ottawa International Airport is marking New Year’s Eve with a gala event called Timeless 2012. $50 for the party, $125 for gourmet dinner and party.

If you really want to maximize the glitz factor, consider dinner and a show at the Casino du Lac-Leamy where you can groove to the funky beats of rhythm ‘n’ blues at the Esquire Show Bar revue. Starting at 8pm, tickets are $211.22 per person (which includes tax but not service and gratuities) .

In Ottawa’s Little Italy neighbourhood — also known as Preston Street — the Sala San Marco is dishing up a gourmet, black-tie optional evening for its guests. Tickets are $150 for adults, $95 for children 12 and under. The event has sold out for the last two years and features a 40-foot midnight buffet table, party favours, a photo booth and a 12-piece band!

In the Kanata neighbourhood, you can welcome in 2012 at the contemporary Brookstreet, with a five-course dining experience with live music, from $99.95 per person.

If you just want to dance your way into the new year, consider Zaphod Beeblebrox in the ByWard Market neighbourhood. A $10 cover fee gets you in to hear some great music and maybe try a Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster to celebrate!

Ottawa on video

3 Nov

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!

Ottawa Tourism and National Capital Commission win Ontario Tourism Awards

5 Oct

Ottawa Tourism and the National Capital Commission were victorious in two categories at the Ontario Tourism Awards gala held at the Hamilton Convention Centre  on October 4.  Ottawa Tourism accepted the award for Best Tourism Advertising and the National Capital Commission accepted the Tourism Innovator of the Year Award for their popular Mosaika Sound and Light Show.

“It is extremely gratifying to have the work of our Ottawa Tourism team and that of our agency of record, Mediaplus Advertising, recognized by the province in front of our peers,” says Noel Buckley, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism. “Similarly, the accolades for Mosaika—a spectacular summer attraction in Canada’s capital that we heavily promote—are well-deserved.”

This is not the first success for Ottawa Tourism with these awards. In 2008 and 2010, they took home the gold award in the Best Tourism Advertising category, and silver in the same category in both 2006 and 2007. In 2009, they were a finalist for Best Interactive Marketing. In 2010, Savour Ottawa won the Culinary Tourism Leadership Award, and was a finalist in 2009, the category’s inaugural year.

The awards were presented at the annual Ontario Tourism Summit, which ended today.  The Summit, hosted by the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation (OTMPC) and the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO), is a forum for the provincial tourism industry to gain insights on the latest trends and ideas as well as celebrate excellence and innovation.

Casino du Lac-Leamy Presents Sound of Light

5 Aug

Sound of Light, August 14, 2010 - Germany, Photo Credit Mike Alexander

Beginning Saturday, August 6, the Casino du Lac-Leamy Sound of Light hosts 5 unforgettable evenings of international pyromusical fireworks synchronized to original soundtracks. Fireworks experts from around the world compete for the Zeus Trophy, which was captured by Germany’s Steffes-ollig in 2010. A must see event from August 6 – 20 on Wednesday and Saturday evenings. The pyromusical competition begins at 9:30pm.

Sat Aug 6, 2011 – China
Wed Aug 10, 2011 – Italy
Sat Aug 13, 2011 – Canada
Wed Aug 17, 2011 – Germany
Sat Aug 20, 2011 – Casino du Lac-Leamy’s Grand Finale

To enjoy the show, you can bring your own chair or blanket and purchase general admission tickets for Lac Leamy beach or opt for the convenience of grandstand seating with a reserved ticket. To get to the action, a shuttle service is provided by the STO bus service from Ottawa (Wellington Street) and Gatineau (Les promenades, Loblaws (Hull area), Parc-o-bus Robert-Guertin) for $3 per person round trip, FREE for kids 11 years and under.

Check out the schedule of activities for the complete line up of events happening at Lac-Leamy Park and on the Tim Hortons’s stage.

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):

 

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:

  • Great Big Sea (Newfoundland and Labrador) — Folk / rock
  • Pierre Lapointe (Quebec) — Pop
  • Florence K (Quebec) — Salsa / bossa nova
  • Sam Roberts (Quebec) — Pop / rock
  • Maria Aragon (Manitoba) — Pop
  • Corb Lund  (Alberta) — Country
  • Dan Mangan (British Columbia) — Indie rock
  • Elisapie Isaac (Nunavut) — Pop
  • Jenn Grant (Prince Edward Island) — Folk
  • Au tour de la Bolduc with Florence K (Quebec), Oumou Soumaré (New Brunswick), and Frannie and Fab of Random Recipe (Quebec) — Traditional
  • Les 7 doigts de la main (Quebec) — Circus
  • Dehli 2 Dublin (British Columbia) — World
  • Kumpa’nia (Quebec) — Drum troupe
  • Quartuor Orphée (Quebec) — String quartet
  • Soul Influence (Ontario ) — A cappella / world
  • Zogma (Quebec) — Dance troupe

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:

  • Great Big Sea (Newfoundland and Labrador) — Folk / rock
  • Pierre Lapointe (Quebec) — Pop
  • Florence K (Quebec) — Salsa / bossa nova
  • Sam Roberts (Quebec) — Pop / rock
  • Maria Aragon (Manitoba) — Pop
  • Corb Lund  (Alberta) — Country
  • Dan Mangan (British Columbia) — Indie rock
  • Elisapie Isaac (Nunavut) — Pop
  • Jenn Grant (Prince Edward Island) — Folk
  • Au tour de la Bolduc with Florence K (Quebec), Oumou Soumaré (New Brunswick), and Frannie and Fab of Random Recipe (Quebec) — Traditional
  • Les 7 doigts de la main (Quebec) — Circus
  •  Dehli 2 Dublin (British Columbia) — World
  • Kumpa’nia (Quebec) — Drum troupe
  • Quartuor Orphée (Quebec) — String quartet
  • Soul Influence (Ontario ) — A cappella / world
  • Zogma (Quebec) — Dance troupe

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.

  • Majors Hill Park
  • Jacques Cartier Park
  • Confederation Park
  • In and Around Ottawa-Gatineau

Tulip Ball a colourful success!

10 May

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!

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.

  • Take an open-cockpit biplane or helicopter ride at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum: William is a pilot, after all. There’s no better way to get the lay of the land — and paparazzi wouldn’t be a concern!
  • Indulge in Canadian comfort food at Sweetgrass Aboriginal Bistro, Domus Café, Courtyard Restaurant, Le Café at the National Arts Centre, ZenKitchen, Beckta Dining + Wine to just name a few.  All these restaurants — and more — are members of Savour Ottawa, an initiative to promote locally grown and raised foods. They’ll introduce the royal couple to the tastes of Ottawa!

    Could this be William and Kate this summer in Ottawa?

  • Go for a canoe or kayak paddle or leisurely boat cruise on the Rideau Canal: The Rideau Canal is Ontario’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, after all, built by Lt. Colonel John By of the Royal Engineers between 1826 and 1832.
  • Admire the Group of Seven and more at the National Gallery of Canada: Definitely take in some Canadian content but also check out the  blockbuster Caravaggio and His Followers in Rome exhibit (June 17-Sept. 11, 2011).
  • Visit Rideau Hall, the home and workplace of each Governor General of Canada: Since the Governor General is the Queen’s representative in Canada, it’s a no-brainer. Stroll the beautifully manicured grounds, admire the art collection and official function rooms, watch a cricket game and imagine, in winter, skating on the historic ice rink!
  • Shop in the ByWard Market neighbourhood: Pick up a frock from funky designers on Dalhousie Street — Victoire, Workshop, and vintage shop Young Jane’s are all good bets — and take a break with a BeaverTail, a hot pastry treat that was born in Ottawa, from the kiosk at William and George Streets while listening to buskers.
  • Groove to the beats of the TD Ottawa Jazz Festival (June 23-July 3, 2011): Admission is free on Canada Day and the setting in Confederation Park downtown is intimate.

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.

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