Summer in Ottawa has flew by but it’s not over yet! Fall officially starts on September 22nd. Here’s everything you need to do for summer before it runs out:
Casino du Lac Leamy Sound of Light Fireworks
The last night of the Casino du Lac Leamy Sound of Light fireworks show is on August 19th. The fireworks are launched above the Ottawa River between Parliament Hill and the Canadian Museum of History, offering great viewpoints on both sides of the river. The fireworks are set to music and are some of the best i’ve ever seen! You can purchase tickets to view them from the Museum of History or Nepean’s Point. Tickets for Nepean Point are $10 and profits go to the Montfort Hospital (free for kids 11 and under with a general admission ticket). You can also get a great view of the fireworks for free from Majors Hill Park.
Zumba at Parliament Hill
Join Zumba on the Hill every Sunday at 1:30pm until the end of September. These classes are by certified zumba instructors and are a great opportunity to get active outdoors.
Ottawa Welcomes the World
This Ottawa 2017 event series is the perfect way to experience another culture without leaving Ottawa. It’s hosted at the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne and each edition features a new country. You’ll be able to learn more about the countries traditions, history, tourism, cuisine and more! Pick up an Ottawa 2017 passport while you’re there and get it stamped at each event. This series goes until the end of the year but here are the ones you should check out before the end of summer:
Go to an Ottawa Fury Game
Head to Lansdowne and cheer on the Ottawa Fury. Click here for 5 reasons you need to attend a Fury game.
Brunch at Andaz
Head to Andaz on August 27th for their Beats + Brunch! You’ll have the best view in the city while a DJ spins some beats as you enjoy their fancy buffet brunch! This brunch fills up quick so make sure to reserve your spot ahead of time. Details here.
Movie in the Park
Head to the South Court at Lansdowne at dusk (8:30-9pm) for a move in the park. On August 28th they’ll be playing Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Make sure to bring a chair, blanket and your favourite movie snacks! Details here.
Le Café at the National Art Centre
Visit at Le Café for a business lunch or after work drinks. Their menu focuses of local seasonal ingredients. Grab a seat on their patio for a nice view of the canal while you unwind.
Salsa at City Hall
Salsa at City Hall is every Wednesday from 6-11pm until the end of August, head to City Hall for a free introductory Latin Dance class. Rain or shine the lesson goes on (indoors or outdoors).
Free Ottawa Walking Tour
Spend some time with Ottawa Free Tours for a free walking tour of Ottawa. Join them for their Capital City Tour or Ottawa After Dark tour.
Free Yoga on Parliament Hill
Join hundreds of yogis as they practice yoga on Parliament Hill. This free event is held every Wednesday from 12:00pm-1:00pm until August 30th.
NOKIA Bike Sundays
Enjoy cycling on Sundays until September 3rd on car-free road’s in the capital region. Over 50km of parkways are open for cyclists, runners, skaters and walkers. It’s a great way to get outside and be active while taking in some stunning views. Visit their website for more information about routes. Don’t have a bike? Head to one of the VeloGo Bike Share stations and rent a bike for the day. Visit their website to find out when bikes are available. Rent a bike in one area and drop it off at the next available station. It’s a great way to see the city.
Dinner in the Byward Markert Courtyard
Here you’ll find a collection of restaurants in the market that back onto a cute cobblestone courtyard. It has a great ambience and perfect for time with friends or date night.
Inspiration Village
You’ll find Inspiration Village on York Street in the Byward Market as part of the Ottawa 2017 events until September 4th. Visit the pods and learn about other tourist destinations in Canada like PEI, Quebec Region, Nunavut, Cape Breton Island, Parks Canada and more! Its open daily from 12pm-8pm and they also have live performances.
World’s Largest Scavenger Hunt
Be a part of breaking a Guinness World Record by participating in Escape Manors World’s Largest Scavenger Hunt on September 10th. You can participate as a team of 4 and work together to rush through the downtown core to gain as many points as possible before time runs out.
Kontinuum
Head underground to be brand new Lyon Light Rail Station for Kontinuum. You’ll see the station transformed by a multimedia production by Moment Factory. Upon entering you’ll be able to make a digital avatar of yourself. From there you’ll continue through the station and be mesmerized by the light and sound displays. Kontinuum departs from Place De Ville Theatre at 300 Sparks Street until September 14th! It’s open daily from 10am to 10pm.
Northern Lights: Sound and Light Show
Catch the Northern Lights Sound and Light Show projected against Parliament every night. Learn a bit about Canada’s history while taking in the visuals. The show starts at 9:30pm in August and 9pm in September. The show goes until September 14th.
City Folk Fest
City Folk Fest is a music festival on September 13th to 17th at Lansdowne Park. This year’s lineup includes Jack Johnson, Matt Mays, Amanda Marshall, Bahamas, Broken Social Scene and more.
Grab a scoop at Moo Shu
Head to Moo Shu for a scoop of ice cream! One thing I love about this spot is the rotating flavours. Their flavours are made from scratch and they always come up with the best creations like their hong kong milk tea or cinammon toast crunch flavours. You can also get bubble waffles here! Grab a cone and then take a stroll along the canal.
Day on the Water on Dow’s Lake
Head to Dow’s lake and rent a canoe, kayak, paddle board, or paddle boat and enjoy a day on the water. If you’re ambitious, see if you can make it to the canal and back. For more information click here. Afterwards, walk to Preston Street and refuel with some food at a restaurant in Little Italy.
Picnic in the Park
Grab a sandwich and some snacks at La Bottega and then head to Majors Hill Park and soak up some rays. Bring a frisbee or a book and spend the afternoon relaxing.
Sunset at Nepean Point
After your picnic, head to Nepean Point for sunset. It’s a great spot to take in a beautiful view of the capital. You’ll find this spot behind the National Gallery of Canada. From the top you’ll get a great view of the Ottawa River, Parliament and the Canadian Museum of History. The statue is of French Explorer Samuel de Champlain, who explored the Ottawa River in 1613. The hill is located between the National Art Gallery and the Alexandra Bridge.
Explore Outaouais
Hop over to the Quebec side and enjoy some activities in Outaouais like Cirque du Soleil, Mosaicanada, Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival and more. Check a full list here.
Patio Drinks
Head to the Byward Market on a sunny day and enjoy some patio drinks. One of my favourite spots in the market is Heart and Crown. They’re celebrating their 25th anniversary this year and have some great drink specials every weekday from 3 to 6pm. Snap a picture while you’re there and enter their Heart to Heart contest for your chance to win a trip for 2 to Ireland and some great monthly prizes!
Sunset at the Ottawa Locks
Watch the sunset at the Ottawa Locks from the Parks Canada Red Chairs for the best view in town! You’ll see stunning hues of pink and blue as the sun goes down along the water.
Tavern on the Hill
You’ll find this patio nestled in Majors Hill Park! Enjoy gourmet hotdogs and drinks while taking in a view of Parliament, the National Gallery of Canada and Ottawa River. Tavern on the Hill has a range of hotdogs that are internationally inspired including this Korean hotdog.
Remic Rapids
You can access the Remic Rapids Park from the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway. Here you’ll find John Felice Ceprano’s rock art that changes yearly. It’s also another great spot to watch sunset as it sets along the water.
Let me know what’s on your end of summer bucketlist on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.
Julia started Little Miss Ottawa as a way to explore her hometown as a traveller would. She’s always planning her next adventure, whether it’s local or abroad. You’ll find her exploring with her camera in hand. She hopes Little Miss Ottawa helps bring you on new and fun adventures. Happy exploring :)
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I travelled to Ottawa and stayed there 6 weeks many years ago. Glad to see that you now have a light railway I remember sitting waiting for the bus in the cold wasn’t great. I have to say I really enjoyed Hull a little too much.