Best of Ottawa 2020: Ottawa Festivals

 After over 20-years writing about life in Ottawa, we think we have a pretty good idea of the best of what this city has to offer. In this weekly series, we share our picks with you — our top hotels, live music venues, local brews, bands and more. Check, share and discuss

What to do when in Ottawa

 Ottawa is Canada’s capital city, and as in any capital city there is plenty to see and do while visiting there. No matter what time of year, you will always find something to do and see while on vacation here. But if you are looking for something special to check

Top things to do in Ottawa this winter

 If you’re planning a visit to one of Canada’s biggest cities this winter, you will not be disappointed. The capital is located on the south bank of the Ottawa River and, apart from the river-specific activities, it offers plenty of museums, national parks, zoos, and important buildings to visit. Here

What’s Happening in Ottawa: February 7-9, 2020

 What: Capital Hoops Classic When: February 7th, Where: TD Place Arena Price: $14 - $40 Long-time rivals Carleton and OttawaU go head to head this weekend! Both the Women's and Men’s basketball teams of the respective schools will compete for the 2020 Capital Hoops title! Tickets are going fast, so

Downtown Rideau get a funky new art installation

 Above: Artists Dems & Doll are pictured with their light and sound installation, Geometric Crystalline Geometric Crystalline, a new experiential sound and light art installation found its home at ‘The Underpass’ in Downtown Rideau for the duration of Winterlude. The launch party was filled with fire performances by PoiSin, a fire pit,

BEST OF OTTAWA 2019: Festivals

 After over 20-years writing about life in Ottawa, we think we have a pretty good idea of the best of what this city has to offer. In this weekly series, we’ll share our picks with you — our top hotels, live music venues, local brews, bands and more. Check, share and

Polar bear spotted in the Glebe

 A typical winter in Ottawa is frequently visited by animals of all kinds. From owls and beavers to seals and even polar bears, Canadians can take photos with the impressive wildlife without fear. Just outside the patio of Pure Gelato, at Bank Street and Fifth Avenue, an eight foot tall

Erik Guay attends Gatineau’s Winterlude to introduce children to alpine skiing and snowboarding

 With 10 more days to go, Winterlude is officially in full swing! Yesterday, festival goers at Jacques Cartier Park in Gatineau received a special visit from recently retired decorated skier Erik Guay to launch the MySnow Experience - free ski and snowboard initiation activity for children aged from 5 to 8.  MySnow

Winter Bucket List in Ottawa

 Winter is the most dreaded time of the year here in Ottawa, but it doesn’t have to be all that bad! The National Capital Region provides various outdoor activities to beat the winter blues, becoming an outdoor fun haven bringing light at the end of the tunnel for the darkest

10 Things to Do in Ottawa for Under $10

 Just because you’re on a budget, doesn't mean you can't get out and enjoy the beautiful city of Ottawa. Here are ten good eats, hot spots and activities for you to enjoy, all for under $10! See a Movie at Imagine Cinemas ($4 - $6) Going to the movies literally

40 Years and We STILL Love Our Winterlude!

 Lordy, Lordy, look who’s 40! We’re not busting out the ruby red for you, Winterlude, because, as always, you’re all about the winter white. Ottawa’s festival dedicated to all things snow, ice and sub-zero (you know, in case you didn’t step outside today) opted out of purchasing a sports car

BEST OF OTTAWA: Festivals

 With 20-years writing about Ottawa life we think we have a pretty good idea of the best of what this city has to offer. In this new weekly summer series we’ll share it with you. From our top picks of hotels, live music venues, local brews, bands and more, check,

WINTERLUDE’S Canada 150 Signature Concert

 Photos by Emily Jefferies It was the second weekend of Winterlude festivities, and Saturday night welcomed the Canada 150 Signature Concert as apart of the Sub Zero Concert Series. Pan-territorial artists associated with Music Yukon and Canada C3, a project of the Students on Ice Foundation, came to share their

One Hell of a Kickoff to Winterlude

 Photos by Owen Maxwell Despite relentless cold and ice sculptures in virtually every direction, it was hard to feel cold Friday as Coleman Hell brought the heat to Winterlude's opening ceremonies at Confederation Park. Hell ran out to start the show dancing up and down the stage, pushing his party

Ottawa Reclaims a Guinness World Record

 All photos courtesy of Sofie Sharom What’s more Canadian than building a snowman? Answer: building 2069 of them in less than an hour! This past Sunday over 1500 eager Ottawa area residents came out to help the city proudly reclaim the Guinness World Record for the most snowman made in

On The Rocks: In the Caribbean Brings The Heat

 Oh, the weather outside may be frightening, but inside Jean Pigott Place, City Hall on February 5th, the Caribbean awaits. Year after year the Ottawa Art Gallery (much to the delight of many cold Ottawans) celebrates a country or region around the world for its annual Winterlude fiesta: On the

The Ottawa Art Gallery Celebrates Winterlude 2016

 It’s that time of the year, Ottawans. Winterlude is here again, beginning on January 29th! The Ottawa Art Gallery has announced a partnership with Winterlude and Chill Factor of the Downtown Rideau BIA. This partnership will bring a series of events that are sure to delight attendees of all ages.

Winterlude: the key to enjoying winter in Ottawa

 By Katie Burley (Photo courtesy of Canadian Heritage) From Jan. 30 to Feb. 16 Ottawa's winter comes to life as people gather from all over to enjoy Winterlude in the nation’s capital. On the weekend of Feb. 7 and 8, many gathered in the frigid cold to enjoy ice-skating, beavertails

Winter cheer with craft beer

 2015 is the year to drink more locally-made beer. With more than 12 craft breweries in the area where you can drop in and try the latest concoctions, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. You’ll find many more beers than at your local pub, on the shelves of the LCBO or even

Bite the Winter Blues With Ottawa’s Gastronomic Extravaganza

 Photos courtesy of Anne Girard ’Twas the night before Winterlude, when in downtown Ottawa… Leading hotel chefs were stirring and sipping fine wine! The second annual Dine Wine Wintertime will take place the evening of January 29 at Ottawa’s City Hall in support of the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa. For

Top Nights out in Ottawa

 Ottawa has quite a reputation to live up to. Voted by consulting firm Mercer as the city with the second highest-quality of living in North America and fourteenth highest in the world, it is a city that takes to heart every aspect of good living. Arts and entertainment is one

The Frozen Sound of Ice Music: World-renowned ice musician Terje Isungset will perform in Ottawa on instruments made of ice.

 By Marie Harbo Dahle Norwegian percussionist and ice musician Terje Isungset creates music from instruments made entirely out of ice. On February 16, ice music will be played in Canada for the first time when Isungset performs for a Winterlude audience. In 1999, Norwegian jazz musician Terje Isungset was invited to

Hockey and Ribs: An Unbeatable Combination!

 As part of this year’s Winterlude festivities, Ottawa Life Magazine and St. Louis Wings and Ribs (2-399 Elgin Street, just north of Gladstone) are hosting the first Annual St. Louis Wings Winterlude Skating Party on February 9 for families. The outdoor rink at Jack Purcell Park will offer family- friendly

Canadian Museum of Nature brings the Arctic to Winterlude in special photo exhibit

 This is Canada’s Arctic!, a new photo exhibit organized by the Canadian Museum of Nature for Winterlude, will be on view at Confederation Park from February 1 to 18, 2013. “The exhibit is a tribute to the Arctic, which has been a frontier of Canadian scientific discovery for 100 years,” says Meg

Last Weekend to Experience Winterlude in Ottawa

 A winter highlight in the capital region since 1979, Winterlude offers adults and children alike the opportunity to embrace the carnival benefits of living in a snow (and ice) covered landscape. If you have not taken part in Ottawa’s Winterlude activities in 2012, this weekend is your last chance. Outdoor