Exploring Ottawa: A Guide to the Capital’s Top Attractions and Activities

 Ottawa, the picturesque capital city of Canada, is a vibrant hub of culture, history, and natural beauty. From its stunning architecture to its captivating museums and lush parks, Ottawa offers a myriad of attractions that cater to visitors of all interests. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or

The Evolution of Ottawa: From Wilderness to Capital City

 Nestled on the banks of the Ottawa River, the vibrant Canadian capital, Ottawa, boasts a rich history that spans centuries. Its journey from a remote trading post to a thriving metropolis reflects the country's growth and transformation. Exploring the city's history reveals tales of exploration, conflict, nation-building, and even modern

Which University to Choose in Ottawa: A Comprehensive Overview

 Selecting the right university for further studies is a pivotal moment in every student's life. With a multitude of factors to consider, from the course offerings to the overall campus culture, this decision can feel overwhelmingly complex. It becomes all the more intricate when you consider the array of high-caliber

Why everyone should visit Ottawa during the summer of 2023

 Ottawa is famous for its winter activities. But there is still so much to do and so much to see even during summer. The weather is perfect for every tourist to enjoy, from world-class museums to its beautiful parks and garden. Visitors love tours, sports activities, and attending immersive events.

Quick Guide to Ottawa: Top Things You Can’t Leave Without Doing

 Welcome to Ottawa - Canada's capital city! There's so much to do and see in this vibrant city that it can be overwhelming for both first-time visitors and locals. From historic landmarks and cultural attractions to outdoor activities and world-class museums, in this quick guide, we'll take you through the

Thomas Mackay: The Most Famous Ottawan no one Knows About

 Thomas Mackay: The Laird of Rideau Hall and the Founding of Ottawa Author: Alastair Sweeny Publisher: University of Ottawa Press Paper ISBN: 9780776636788 In 1792, John Graves Simcoe, the Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada, extended an invitation to American Loyalists to move north and accelerate colonization. Thomas Mackay: The Laird of

Le Boat is back for another season with a brand new Ownership Program

 ABOVE: Le Boat has a local fleet of 30 boats available for rental on the UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal. (PHOTO:COURTESY LEBOAT) One of the national capital regions’ best travel and tourism excursions is back for another season. 2022 marks the fifth anniversary of Le Boat traversing through the UNESCO World Heritage

Add a LeBoat staycation to your ‘Le Bucket List’

 One of the unintended benefits of Covid-19 was that the pandemic made us look at the travel possibilities closer to home. One of the greatest trips in Canada, and certainly one that should be on everyone’s bucket list, is taking a week-long sojourn on ‘LeBoat’ through the breathtaking, beautiful Rideau

Discovery and escape: five days in a canoe on the Rideau Canal

 Above: On day three of their adventure, Dan and his friend Bill approach Opinicon Lake. (RIGHT) Opinicon Lake looking to the N.W." by Thomas Burrowes, 1840, www.archives.gov.on.ca. (BACKGROUND IMAGE) Mr. Samuel Clowes, "Map of the proposed Canal for uniting Lake Ontario with the River Ottawa by way of the Rivers Catarcquay, Gananoque and

The best things to do in Ottawa — sights and attractions

 Canada has a thriving reputation as a tourist destination for visitors from across the globe. Ottawa, the country’s capital city, is no exception, having some of the most inspiring sights and attractions imaginable. It is a multi-cultural city that incorporates cultures from all over the planet. This has been achieved

Le Boat — Close to home yet far from ordinary 

 If you are looking for a summer vacation close to home, you can’t go wrong with Le Boat. After taking my first Le Boat excursion on the beautiful and historic Rideau Lakes and canal system I kept wondering why I had not done this earlier and am already planning for

Drum roll please . . . Announcing the 2020 OLA winners

 The old adage it was the best of times-it was the worst of times will never apply to 2020. It seems as if it was just the worst of times — an annus horribilis — if there ever was one. Despite the lockdown, layoffs, CERB, social distancing, handwashing, masks, and news that a

Best of Ottawa: Insta-worthy spots

 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

Take a no-travel holiday this summer right here in Ottawa

 After months of isolation, you might find yourself going a little-stir crazy. Spring is in bloom, Summer’s around the corner, but there’s nowhere to go! Thankfully, there are many ways to have some fun for a day or a couple of days. The Ottawa area is full of wide green

TVO presents the premiere of “TRIPPING the Rideau Canal”

 Opened in 1832, the Rideau Canal is one of Ottawa’s most popular tourist destinations and is the oldest continuously operated canal in North America. Attracting nearly one million visitors per year, the waterway spans 202 kilometres and connects the National Capital the St. Lawrence River at Kingston. Open from May to October,

Explore the Best of Ottawa’s Outdoors this Summer

 Explore the best of Ottawa this summer by cycling through the Gatineau Hills to hiking up the Eardley Escarpment. Ottawa is not only a government city but, one full of nature and hidden gems. Celebrate the best of Ottawa, this summer, through exploring the city by bike, to hiking through

5 skating rinks to try this winter

 Ice skating has proved to be a great sport for family and friends to enjoy together, it helps relax and free our mind of our daily busy life. Ottawa city has the most outdoor skating rinks in Canada. With over 250 outdoor skating rinks, this is one winter activity that

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

5 of The Best Things To Do In Ottawa

 Every person in Ottawa knows just how lovely the city is. After all, it is Canada’s capital. If you are planning to visit the city – be it with your friends or family – it sure does help to know a thing or two about it. As such, you want

“Memory Space” and the Delicate Nature of Home

 All photos courtesy of Viktoriia Krasiukova Have you ever found yourself walking through an unfamiliar place? Perhaps the better question is: have you ever found yourself walking through an unfamiliar place? You may recognize a reflection in the watercolour canvases of Viktoriia Krasiukova, whose vernissage “Memory Space” is currently on

Reawakening the past with Parks Canada

 Photos by Anne Dion Perhaps the problem with summer in Ottawa is the abundance of opportunities we have to choose from, but never take the time to indulge in. Parks Canada believes they have the answer, with activities that get you out and about while helping people of all ages

Did Ottawa Really Need Another Skating Rink?

 Photo by Emily Kathen 2017 in Ottawa was a year full of excitement. From the Red Bull Crashed Ice championship, to the fire-breathing La Machine, to the 150th Grey Cup Festival, Ottawa was the place to be to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary of confederation, and unsurprisingly held the number one

Turn Meal Time Into HANG Time at Sky Lounge

 Ottawa Life’s Festival City Series is back! We'll provide a unique look at some of your favourite events. We’ll go beyond the music with artist interviews, volunteer profiles, concert reviews and spotlights on the tastes, sights and sounds of the festival season.  Your city! Your festivals and events! Like a good sunscreen,

Feast + Revel’s Fresh Take on the New Frontier

 Photos by Ali Matthews There is no doubt that, in the upcoming months leading up to Canada’s 150th Celebration, that many Ottawa restaurants will attempt to rift on “Canadian” cuisine. However, I doubt as many will do it as successfully as Executive Chef Stephen La Salle and the staff at

Top Valentine’s Day Date Spots in Ottawa

 Valentine’s Day is here and if you’re looking for a special spot in the city to bring your sweetheart, look no further! Here is a list of some fun and romantic hot spots in the National Capital where you can celebrate this special day with your loved one. Corktown Footbridge Major