Canadian actor Eric McCormack takes some time out of his day to weigh in on some serious issues — like why Canadian money makes him feel like a pirate. To see the rest of Eric’s brand new videos about Canadian culture and identity, head over to www.canadaforfun.com. It’s all part of a great new campaign all about spreading some of our trademark Canadian humour south of the border.
Preston Street (Ottawa's Little Italy) is just one of the neighbourhoods taking part in Jane's Walk Ottawa May 5-6.
This weekend — May 5 and 6 — brings an opportunity for Ottawa residents and visitors alike to discover unique, intimate looks at the Ottawa region. Jane’s Walks are named after Jane Jacobs, a noted urbanist, and this year marks the 5th anniversary of these free strolls in Ottawa.
Start times run from roughly 9:00am to 3:00pm on both Saturday and Sunday and there are walks for every taste. Discover neighbourhoods like Little Italy, New Edinburgh, Vanier, Barrhaven and Manotick, among others. Stroll through Notre Dame Cemetery, the trees of the Arboretum, or you can even learn about edible weeds!
Most walks are presented in English but some are in French — and there’s even a bike tour (new this year).
Best of all — it’s free! See the full schedule here and get walking this weekend!
Summer nights in the capital are full of warm breezes and cool Jazz from June 21 to July 1. The TD Ottawa Jazz Festival brings more than 900 artists to Confederation Park in the heart of downtown and other satellite stages around town.
Acts on the main stage include 2011 Grammy Award Winner for Best New Artist, Esperanza Spalding, who proves that jazz continues to reinvent itself with timeless popularity. Another high energy new young act is American R&B artist Janelle Monáe. Her stunning vocal prowess and smooth dance moves are sure to delight the audience. With catchy songs like “Tightrope” you’re sure to be grooving along with her.
June 25 is a night is dedicated to New Orleans jazz starring Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue. The Grammy-nominated group is sure to get the crowd going with their music fusion of superfunk, jazz, and rock. If you haven’t heard them before, this is one to check out! Shorty is followed by New Orleans living jazz and blues legend Allen Toussaint.
Jazz and blues is stunning music that can pull you into melodic soul of the artist. But maybe you are looking for something more light hearted, if so, June 26 is the night for you! Comedian Steve Martin will take to the stage with the Steep Canyon Rangers for a night of bluegrass and comedy.
When it is time to take a break from the sunshine the Studio and Improv Series right across the street at the National Arts Centre showcases an exceptional line up in intimate venues. The schedule caters to the true jazz connoisseur featuring critically acclaimed performers like The Jack DeJohnette Group and up-and-coming talents like the jazzy improv sounds of IPA.
After the shows at Confederation Park wrap up for the night, the TD Ottawa Jazz Festival keeps your toes tapping with the OLG Late Night Series. Dance the night away with Snarky Puppy and Los Amigos Invisibles plus a host of other hot party bands.
Visit the TD Ottawa Jazz Festival site for the full lineup. Full festival and day passes are available. Book Ottawa Tourism’s Celebration Vacation, Taste of Canada or Rendez-vous for Two package to purchase an exclusive two-day festival pass plus accommodations.
Will and Kate in Ottawa – Canada Day 2011, a set on Flickr.
Exclusive pictures of Will and Kate’s first day in Canada’s Capital.
In Ottawa, we love our Festivals. Whatever the season, Ottawans are always willing to break the routine and head out to celebrate — and that won’t ever change.
But it’s always nice to get noticed.
So you can imagine how tickled we were when The International Festivals and Event Association (IFEA) decided to pin a very nice badge to our lapel: recognition as a 2010 IFEA World Festival and Event City.
Specifically, the award honours Ottawa’s continued commitment to fostering an extremely positive environment in which unique and creative events can blossom. IFEA president Steven Wood Schmader explains it best, in the following quote, courtesy of the IFEA official site:
“The IFEA is pleased to recognize and fly the flag of those cities and markets who have worked, through concerted efforts, to provide an environment conducive to successful festivals and events,” said IFEA president Steven Wood Schmader during the presentations. “Through this award, the IFEA hopes to create a dialogue between events and cities around the world, at a time when each needs to be supporting the other more than ever. The quality of all the entries paints a bright picture for our industry and those cities recognized with this award are helping to build a strong foundation and example that we hope all cities, globally, will work to emulate.”
