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20 Free Things to Do in Ottawa

Free Things to do in Ottawa: visit “Maman” (Photo: pixelocity)

As Canada’s capital, Ottawa attracts visitors of all stripes—families, business travellers, tour groups—with diverse tastes. But if there’s one thing that can unite people like nothing else, it’s the urge to get something for nothing. Our local experts put their heads together and came up with this brilliant list of 20 free things to do in Ottawa that will be sure to keep you busy on bupkis.

See the list of free things to do in Ottawa »

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Five New Features Along the Rideau Canal

Photo: Ottawa Tourism

Need another reason to visit the Rideau Canal this summer? How about five. The National Capital Commission has implemented five exciting new features along the canal, providing visitors with even more to enjoy along the shorelines.

All features can be found between the Government of Canada Conference Centre and Bronson Avenue, and will be in place until this fall.

CAPITAL READING GARDEN
Located south of the Corktown Footbridge, the Capital Reading Garden was inspired by the Bryant Park Reading Room in New York City. The space offers seating, tables, umbrellas, Wi-Fi access and some reading material for the public one weekend per month from June through September.

POP-UP PATIOS
This one is for the foodies. A gourmet food truck offering a variety of cuisine can be found along the esplanade on the east side of the Rideau Canal along Colonel By Drive in front of the Ottawa Convention Centre. Every Thursday through Sunday from June to October, grab some grub and chow down on the accompanying pop-up patio.

RIDEAU BEACH & 8 LOCKS FLAT
Inspired by the temporary urban beach along the Seine in Paris, 8 Locks Flat is a temporary, contained beach and patio located on the east side of the Canal, just north of the Corktown Footbridge. Visitors can enjoy soft sand, beach chairs and umbrella rental, plus uniquely Canadian food and beverage offerings. The beach is scheduled to open sometime this weekend and will be open daily through October.

ICECO LTD. ICE CREAM PUSH CARTS
When the weather’s hot, few things are more cooling than ice cream. Four ice cream push carts can be found in popular locations along the Rideau Canal between Laurier Avenue and Dow’s Lake. Open daily throughout the summer.

DECORATED BIKE RIDE
This one-day event will be held on September 2 during Sunday Bikedays. Perfect for families, the event sees riders decorate their bikes and then participate in a community ride. Over the next three years, the project plans to attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest decorated bike ride.

For more information, contact the NCC at 1-800-465-1867, or visit the www.canadascapital.gc.ca

Canada’s Best New Summer Attractions Awards 2012

Each year, the editors of Canada’s Where magazines release their top picks for summer’s most anticipated attractions. Winners of the Best New Summer Attractions awards could be brand new, significantly improved, or celebrating major milestones.

From adrenaline-pumping roller-coaster rides to rich explorations in science and history, this year’s coast-to-coast list offers a set of thrilling diversions for travellers planning their summer vacations in Canada.

See the best new attractions for 2012 »