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Canada > Central Canada > Ontario > Ottawa

STAY, DINE, DO: Find a hotel, restaurant or attraction.

Listings to get the most out of the city: where to dine, what to see, where to shop, and more.

Ottawa

Hot Art: Retro Road Trip Art

"After 8" at Wall Space Gallery opens Feb. 4 and runs to Feb. 26. Photo credit: Andrew King, "Closed Til Further Notice."

Have you ever felt an urge to recreate the past? Artist Andrew King had that feeling, and decided to go for it. For 10 days in November, King drove from Ottawa to New York City as if it were the mid-20th century. He drove a vintage car, only took two-lane highways, and ate and stayed at places from that time period. On his journey, he absorbed everything he saw, especially after 8pm when, in his words, “small town diners, motels, stores and other locales have a ghostly lit, neon, almost surreal look to them.” The sketches and paintings (along the lines of this artistic rendering) that were inspired by his trip will be on display in the exhibition “After 8” at Wall Space Gallery and Framing from Feb. 4 to 26.

Hot Attraction: Animals Up Close at Parc Oméga

Wolves are just one of the types animals you can spot on a visit to Parc Oméga.

If you’re willing to drive about an hour and twenty minutes east of Ottawa, you’ll be rewarded with a highly unique experience that brings you face to face with the animal kingdom. Located in the beautiful area of Montebello, Quebec, is Parc Oméga, an 1,800-acre park where wild animals such as bison, deer, wolves, and boar roam free. As you drive along a 10 km circuit, animals will come right up to your car (especially if you hold a carrot out the window!). Available year-round, rain or snow, this outdoor activity is magical for children and adults alike.

Weekend Roundup: Best Bets for February 3 to 5

Quinsin Nachoff is just one of the performers taking the stage at the Ottawa Winter Jazzfest.

Friday, Feb. 3
Jazz up your weekend by taking in the international and local talent at the first annual Ottawa Winter Jazzfest. Whether you’re a seasoned jazz enthusiast or looking to diversify your musical tastes, this festival promises to thaw that winter chill. Hop all over downtown Ottawa, from the National Arts Centre to Club SAW to the Mercury Lounge to catch the smooth sounds of artists such as Megan Jerome, Quinsin Nachoff, Remi Bolduc, and the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble of Chicago.

Experience Ottawa’s diverse architecture and examine the relationship between architecture, the arts, and politics through music with Polytectures. This sound walk was created by Montreal’s Antoine Bédard and 10 local musicians. Through a variety of musical styles, Polytectures allows visitors and locals alike to experience Ottawa’s architecture in new ways by pairing songs with local landmarks. Although the entire walk is an hour long, it has been divided into sections with warm-up breaks for Winterlude.

If you’re a film buff with a soft spot for independent cinema, then you’re going to want to Get Iced this weekend. The Independent Filmmakers Co-operative of Ottawa is presenting 10 new Super 8 short films made by local filmmakers in cooperation with Winterlude. Afterwards, unwind with drinks at the Soviet-style reception hosted by Avant-Garde Bar and Gift Shop. The party continues at the bar after 9:30pm with live music and no cover charge.

This Friday, Yamantaka //Sonic Titan and Boyhood bring the party to Babylon. Yamantaka //Sonic Titan are a psychedelic opera group that fuses noise, metal, folk, and pop music to create an east-meets-west culture clash extravaganza. Boyhood is new on the Ottawa scene, bringing catchy songs with haunting melodies. (more…)

Winterlude: A Canadian Tradition

Skating on the Rideau Canal is an essential Ottawa experience. Photo credit: NCC.

From Feb. 3 to 20, Ottawa transforms into a winter wonderland. This annual festival offers an abundance of indoor and outdoor activities, so we’ve rounded up some of the highlights from this classic Canadian event. By Misa Kobayashi. (more…)

Fitness on the Go:
3 Places to Get Your Workout on in Ottawa

When you’re travelling, it’s easy for your fitness regime to slip up.  All of a sudden you’re no longer hitting the gym – and all the eating out and afternoon drinks start to add up. Luckily for you, Ottawa has no shortage of fitness options, so we’ve rounded up three great ones with drop-in rates that will get you moving. By Erin Morawetz. (more…)

Hot Dining: Tasty Eats at The Village Café

Head over to Westboro for a scrumptious meal at Village Café.

Ever tried a caesar salad with grilled romaine hearts? If not, drop what you’re doing and head to The Village Café in Westboro. The unique, smokey flavour will change how you look at this restaurant staple. Described as “fresh, contemporary, handcrafted comfort cuisine,” there’s really no better way to sum up the food, which includes vegetarian pot pie, a daily sustainable catch, stuffed chicken, and Brome Lake duck salad. And that’s just dinner – they also do lunch and Sunday brunch. 295 Richmond Rd., 613-728-2162.

Hot Attraction: Evolution of Ottawa at the Bytown Museum

Bytown Musuem is an easy stop on a day of sightseeing.

Want to know how Ottawa ended up as the nation’s capital? Pop into the Bytown Museum to learn all about it. Located right beside Parliament Hill at the Rideau Canal locks, this museum can easily fit into a day of downtown sightseeing. View over 7,000 artifacts, learn how Bytown formed – and later became Ottawa – and check out their newest exhibition, “Six Moments in the History of an Urban Forest,” which explores the role of trees in Ottawa’s history. Even locals will learn a thing or two about this city!

Weekend Roundup: Best Bets for January 27 to 29

Friday, Jan. 27
This weekend, the NHL All-Star Game hits Ottawa! One of the many events happening in the city is the Energizer Night Skate, hosted by the NHL and the Sens Foundation. Come out with friends and family for this one-of-a-kind 5K skating event along the Rideau Canal. All participants will wear a headlight to light up the skateway, giving the evening a magical glow. Money raised goes towards the construction of future outdoor ice rinks in eastern Ontario and western Quebec. Make young hockey players’ dreams come true while having a great time yourself! (Editor’s Note: This is a weather dependent event, for a full list of activities taking place this weekend, see here.)

This Friday night, get your laugh on, because CHICKLES: A GALa Comedy Event is back! This hilarious evening features two talented female comedians, Kate Davis and Allyson Smith, each of whom have found great success in the Canadian comedy circuit. Hosted by Jo-Anna Downey and guest Wendi Reed, this event will not only make you die laughing, but will also raise money for the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa, which helps young at-risk-females. Combining female empowerment with hilarity, this event is sure to be a winning evening.

Barbara Reid illustrates her popular children's books using modeling clay. Photo credit: Barbara Reid, photo by Ian Crysler.

Saturday, Jan. 28
If your kid loves to read – or you’re hoping one day they will – there’s no better place to be this Saturday afternoon than the Canadian Children’s Museum. As part of the Children’s Reading Series, author/illustrator Barbara Reid (Two by Two, The Party) will be reading from her latest book, Picture A Tree. Youngsters will also have a chance to experiment with modeling clay, similar to the designs in Reid’s books. And while you’re there, check out “Much More Munsch,” a fun and interactive exhibit based on Robert Munsch’s popular children’s literature.

This Saturday, Ottawa’s Chinatown is ringing in the year of the dragon with a spectacular lion dance for Chinese New Year. Lions will be going door-to-door visiting local businesses on Somerset Street West to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. Take in a meal at one of the delicious Asian restaurants in the area and wait to see the lions in action, or simply come out to the street to watch this spectacular cultural celebration. (more…)

Hot Dates: The NHL All-Star Game Comes to Ottawa

Scotiabank Place. Photo credit: Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images.

After months of waiting, the stars are finally coming to town…the NHL All-Stars, that is! Just in time to celebrate the Ottawa Senators‘ 20th season, Scotiabank Place will be the battleground for the 2012 Tim Hortons NHL All-Star Game on Jan. 29, which sees some of the best players in the league face off (and our Captain, Daniel Alfredsson, lead one of the teams). But the game itself is not the only event taking place. On Jan. 28, check out the NHL Skills Competition, and from Jan. 26 to 28 the NHL Fan Fair will offer interactive games and attractions, plus special appearances, entertainment, and more. It will definitely be a weekend to celebrate Ottawa, hockey, and the National Hockey League.

Hot Date: Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour

A still from the film "Sfinga."

Jan. 23 and 24. The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour travels across the world, hitting 32 different countries and presenting audiences with films on exploration and adventure, culture and environment, and winter sports. Programming for each stop on the tour is tailored to suit each and every locale, meaning the experience is never the same. Besides the beautiful cinematography, the joy of this yearly film fest is that you get the experience of climbing a mountain without having to leave your seat!

Hot Art: Art that says “I Love You”

"Love" by Patrick John Mills is just one of the pieces you will see at this exhibit.

With longer nights, cold wind, and Valentine’s Day around the corner, we all need a little love. An exhibition at the Patrick John Mills Contemporary Fine Art Gallery brings you just that. “I Love You,” an exhibit running from Jan. 19 to Feb. 25 features 15 artists, all of whom bring their own interpretations and media of choice to the idea of love. Check out the LOVE Art Party on Feb. 14 for a one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day. Skip the commercialism and head to the gallery, where they will have music, live painters, fire spinners, body painting, and kissing booths (for $15 you can even get babysitting on site). Sure beats dinner and a movie!

Weekend Roundup: Best Bets for January 20 to 22

Absinthe is just one of nearly 30 restaurants partaking in WinterBites.

Friday, Jan. 20
Foodies, hold onto your hats! Ottawa Magazine has teamed up with nearly 30 local restaurants for WinterBites, and they’ve each created three-course menus at a fixed – and affordable – price (lunch is $15-$20 and dinner is $30-$40). The weather may be cold, but a delicious meal is sure to warm you up. Some participating eateries include Absinthe, Kinki, ZenKitchen, and the Urban Pear. Now is the best chance to dine at some of Ottawa’s best restaurants – try out as many as you’d like! (more…)

Hot Attraction: Skiing in Gatineau Park

Gatineau Park makes for a serene skiing destination. Photo credit: National Capital Commission.

Want to get outdoors, but don’t want to go far? Look no further than Gatineau Park. Located just 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa, this conservation park has more than 50 cross-country ski trails ranging in both length (7.9 km- 40 km) and level (beginner to advanced). There’s nothing like gliding over fresh snow on a winter morning. Marvel at the forests and open fields as you fly by, then warm up by a wood burning stove at one of the 10 shelters, which are outfitted with picnic tables so you can enjoy a snack from home.

Hot Dates: Get Lucky at the Casino

The gaming floor is a hot spot at the Casino du Lac-Leamy.

Revel in the energy and excitement at the Casino du Lac-Leamy, where there’s more to do than gamble (although there’s plenty of that, too!). In February, take in one of the shows that are on the bill (ABBA Memories, Dance into the Light, or The British Invasion: Beatles Story). Enjoy dinner at the gourmet Le Baccara or one of the other restaurants, have drinks at one of four bars (including a lounge for cigar aficionados), and then hit the large collection of slots and try your luck on the gaming floor, where someone won $1.86 million in November.

Hot Dining: Back Lane Café Earns Title of Best New Restaurant in Ottawa

The pretty interior of Back Lane Café. Photo credit: Miv Fournier.

Every year across Canada, WHERE editors choose the Best New Restaurant  in their region; in Ottawa, our choice for 2011 was easy: Back Lane Café. Located in the increasingly trendy Hintonburg neighbourhood, this cozy restaurant excels at the details: fresh bread made in house, homemade spritzers (no manufactured soft drinks here), and décor that is part Parisian café, part farmhouse. Open since August, this charming spot is often packed. And it’s no wonder: the unique menu offers wood-fired pizza, creative salads, and mains such as hearth-simmered fisherman’s stew. Save room for dessert though — a glazed doughnut with homemade ice cream is a must. Open for lunch Monday to Friday, dinner Monday to Saturday, and brunch Saturday and Sunday. 1087 Wellington St. W., 613-695-2999.

Hot Art: Inuit Art and National Identity

Just one of the pieces on view for "Truly Canadian." Photo credit: Kenojuak Ashevak, The Owl (1969) Carleton University Art Gallery: The Priscilla Tyler and Maree Brooks Collection of Inuit Art.

Canadians have a reputation for searching for a national identity. Curator Michelle Bauldic sees Inuit art as a Canadian symbol, something that is uniquely “ours.” That’s why she’s put together Truly Canadian: Inuit Art and National Identity at the Carleton University Art Gallery, which explores how and why Inuit is perhaps one of the only aspects of Canadian culture that truly defines us. Check it out until Jan. 29.

Weekend Roundup: Best Bets for January 13 to 15

Works by Pedro Isztin will be on view at Red Wall Gallery. Photo credit: Pedro Isztin, "Wakefield I, Canada 2010."

Friday, Jan. 13
With snow banks all around us and temperatures dipping below zero, we’re reminded of nature every day. So what better time to go check out Pedro Isztin’s new collection of nature photography at Red Wall Gallery? This new exhibit, Study of Structure and Form, displays photographs from all over the world, including Sweden, Spain, and Canada, in a wide range of environments. Isztin looks at shape in the natural world and humankind’s influence on nature – a very timely topic. Opening this Friday, this collection is on view until Feb. 6. (more…)

Hot Shopping: Profile of Vintage Spot Young Janes

Mika Lemm, owner of Young Janes, brings unique vintage looks to Ottawa.

Writer Melissa Schilz heads out to Dalhousie Street for an interview with Mika Lemm, the mastermind behind one of the city’s hot spots for second-hand shopping.

Searching for the perfect vintage shop can get tedious, especially if you’re new to the city. But look no more, the secret is out: Dalhousie Street is home to some of the most unique shops in Ottawa, including one special gem, Young Janes.

Owner Mika Lemm had her start in Manchester, U.K., back in 2006 when she opened her first shop, Chloe’s Closet (the psychology-student-turned-businesswoman says she worked in retail as a teenager and grew to love it). She then made her way to Ottawa and set up shop on Dalhousie in 2008. After a few years accumulating a whole lot of vintage stock in her small store — which became a haven for hipsters, vintage-lovers, girly-girls, and anyone who loves the hunt — she decided it was time for a change. She snagged the perfect space just a block away, closer to the epicenter of Dalhousie, which allowed the store to expand. It’s now garnering more traffic than ever. (more…)

Sweet Tweets: Who We Follow on Twitter and Why We Love Them

 

These days, it seems like everyone is on Twitter. And why not? In 140 characters or less, you can connect with people and businesses that offer insider tips, tell you what’s happening in real time, and sometimes serve up great deals. That’s why we’re sharing who we at @whereottawa follow — and why we love them. By Misa Kobayashi.

@CanadasNAC
For entertainment, the folks at the National Arts Centre are tops. Their Twitter profile is alight with interaction between the NAC and arts and entertainment lovers, which shows the centre’s passion for connecting with its audience. Here you’ll find the latest news, plus neat features from the NAC’s blog, such as profiles and posts on what’s happening behind the scenes. They also do periodic Twitter ticket giveaways, so keep an eye out.
Heard on Twitter: @CanadasNAC What goes on in the mind of a composer? Watch this video to find out bit.ly/tyFjn1 #nacotour /JC

@Ottawa67sHockey
This is the place to go for hockey fans. Tickets are a steal ($12-$21.50), and Ottawa’s junior hockey team uses the account as a place to centralize the buzz surrounding the team. Here you’ll find tweets from players, fan comments, game news, recaps, and more. A very interactive space when you want to communicate with other sports fans.
Heard on Twitter: @Ottawa67sHockey Dalton Smith (@dsmitty33) scores the winner in the 6th round of the shootout and leads the 67′s over the Spirit 6-5!! #OHL #Go67sGo

Play Food & Wine

@playfoodandwine
Play Food & Wine is a fine dining restaurant known for its evolving selection of small plates, as well as its large selection of wines by the glass. It’s also a favourite among local foodies for the attentive service. The same attention is paid to the restaurant’s Twitter account, which is manned by the Wine Director and Senior Service Manager, Grayson McDiarmid. Drop him a line before your visit and he just might stop by your table to say hello, or let him know what you thought of the experience (he loves hearing from customers). McDiarmid’s other tweets include musings on the local food and wine scene, plus great new menu items or wines they’re trying out.
Heard on Twitter: @playfoodandwine: @laurendorphin @nanceTO We are always happy to have vegans. Our chefs get creative with what we call “vegan surprise” with local produce (more…)

Hot Art: Cool Space for Contemporary Art

Orange Art Gallery

The site of an old Stubby Soda Pop factory is now the home of Orange Art Gallery. Open since April 2010, the gallery represents over 20 established and emerging contemporary artists and is making quite a splash in the Ottawa arts scene. From Jan. 4 to 22, check out paintings of the beautiful Ottawa Valley landscape by Crystal Beshara in the exhibition “Winter’s Promise,” or reflect on the experience of visiting an art gallery with “A Conversation with Painting” by Lorena Ziraldo, on from Jan. 25 to Feb. 12. We’re digging the cool, industrial feel of the space, which seems like just the place to spend an afternoon absorbed in the arts.

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