As transplanted Torontonians that now call Ottawa home, we still enjoy exploring the city thanks to an abundance of special events throughout the year. Since our move five year ago, we spent a lot of vacation time in Toronto visiting family and friends. Due to work schedules and our children’s activities, we are staying put this summer, hoping that our posse will come and visit us.
With ulterior not-so-subtle visiting pitches and plans for a fun staycation with the family, I have been paying attention to festivals and attractions happening this summer in Ottawa. I think the spring/summer line-up is exciting. There is really something for everyone.
Here are 10 reasons to come and visit. This is a short list; feel free to add any that I have missed.
- Canadian Tulip Festival (May 6-23) – Roots of this festival go back to the Second World War. Princess Juliana (Netherlands) donated 100,000 tulips to Canada in appreciation for the help Canada provided during the war. The theme this year is “Kaleidoscope – a celebration of spring awakening through colour, culture and community”. The Tulip Festival is more than looking at stunning flower displays along the Rideau River (the largest collection is at Dow’s Lake Commissioner’s Park). There are many outdoor concerts, delicious food from around the world at the International Pavilion and more. Thanks to Spydergrrl I found out that Lego lovers can visit an interactive Lego Community Garden too. Cool.
- Ottawa Fringe Festival (June 16-26) - Celebrates the “fringe” or non-mainstream performing arts. Productions feature stand-up comedy, music, dance, theatre celebrating artistic expression and accessibility. Lottery selections choose 20 different productions per night (more on weekends) covering a range from theatre, comedy stand-up, music, dance, clowns, art and more unrestricted artistic expression.
- TD Ottawa Jazz Festival (June 23- July 3) An annual concert event series featuring jazz performers from around the world. Check out the website for a complete list of artists. Concerts take place at different venues throughout the city.
- RCMP Canadian Sunset Ceremonies (June 23-27) This is a wonderful family event. Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chairs and admire the fast paced equestrian talents of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. On site are pipe and drum entertainment, Detector Dog Service Teams, see mare and foals too. Parking and admission are FREE, however, donations are accepted for the RCMP Foundation.
- Canada Day AND the Royal visit (June 30 – July 1) Prince William and Princess Catherine make their first official visit as a married couple to Canada. Our country turns 144 years old this year.
- Cisco Ottawa Blues Festival (July 5-17) – This is a mostly outdoor festival with an unbelievable lineup. For example, The Tragically Hip, Death Cab for Cutie, Steve Miller Band, Bootsy Collins, Soundgarden, Ben Harper, Peter Frampton and more, more, more!
- Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival - Chamberfest (July 23-August 5) - A two week international festival that “brings together the boldest names in ensemble and solo performance, capped at both ends with the hottest three tickets of the summer concert season.”.
- Capital Hoedown (August 11-13) – A 3-day annual Country Music Festival with another impressive lineup including Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Doc Walker and more. It is estimated that over 135,000 people will attend this year.
- Ottawa International Animation Festival - Technically, it is not the summer (September 21-25) but I include it because it is the largest international animation festival in North America and it sounds cool. If you are a film buff, an art lover or cartoon fan, this festival is your cup of tea. There are also incredible opportunities for kids and teens interested in animation and art.
- Ottawa is Museum Central: The Capital Region is home to over 29 museums, 12 national museums and institutions. So much fun, I have to talk about that in a future post.
If you have been mulling around a road trip or a vacation to the National Capital Region, this might be the season to visit. For frugal travel minded folk, I suggest calling your old roommate from University, poke*/DM your Ottawa Facebook friends or pull out the family tree and find out who settled in Ottawa. No one can turn away a tour group of chums or friendly relatives, especially ones that own an air mattress, come bearing wine, make fluffy pancakes and/or a willingness to wash the odd dish. (On the other hand, perhaps that’s just me?)
For those that enjoy camping, Ottawa offers camping options close to attractions, accessible by car or public transportation (bus). If you like train travel, VIA Rail offers summer discounts for youth 12-25. Ottawa also has lovely hotel/motels and B & B’s to stay too. Lot’s of vacation options…
Did I tell you how much we like Ottawa?
*Does anyone poke anymore?
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks so much for posting this! We have lived in Ottawa for going on fifteen (!) years now which means we have fallen into the rut of being at a loss for Ottawa-centric activities. We had a very large trip to Australia over the Christmas holidays, which means that we are staying put for the summer as well. This will be a great list to keep referring to! And one last thing – I would tell your guests to bring their bikes as Ottawa has a great bike path system which is a great way to see the City. It’s one of our favourite things to do in the summer!
Great list! I’ve lived here forever and haven’t gone to half the events on this list. Thanks for the info. I hope my relatives don’t read this post, don’t want them to visit. lol
girl with flask – Yes, bring bikes! We haven’t experienced the beautiful bike path system…yet. Definitely, on our list. Thanks for the great suggestion.
LC – Visitors are super fun…but you have to get the “right” ones. lol
As a Montrealer now living in Toronto, I miss being able to visit Ottawa on a whim. You just can’t beat a leisurely 1.5-hour drive down a quiet highway. Somebody please rescue me from the 401! On some days the traffic here is so bad that after an hour and a half, you’re still in the GTA.
But I digress. I used to see the tulips every year. Next week will be my first time back for the festival in almost a decade!
I just found out about Capital Velofest: http://www.capitalvelofest.ca/ which is, as you can imagine, a bicycle festival in the Ottawa region. It’s taking place on June 4th.