Northern Scene (Dates TBA)
| April 23, 2013 | to | May 5, 2013 |
Northern Scene in 2013!
Details to come.
Contact Information
General: 613-947-7000
General information: info@prairiescene.ca
Website: www.prairiescene.ca / www.scenedesprairies.ca
Volunteer information: www.prairiescene.ca / www.scenedesprairies.ca
Navan Fair
| August 9, 2012 | to | August 12, 2012 |
Let Navan Fair be your summer tradition! Launched in 1946, this rural celebration has all the countrified events one would expect from a great country fair. Located only 20 minutes south-east, in the village of Navan.
• Live entertainment all weekend long
• Midway
• Demolition derby
• Horse shows (Heavy Horse, Light Horse & Western)
• Agricultural displays and exhibits
• Livestock competitions
• Antique machinery and tractor display
• Parade
Located only 20 minutes south-east of downtown Ottawa, in the village of Navan.
Festival Information:
General information: 613.835.2766
General information email: navanfair@bellnet.ca
Location: 1279 Colonial Road, Navan
On the Web
Website: www.navanfair.com
Map:
Canada Day Arts Festival
| June 22, 2012 | to | July 1, 2012 |
This year’s Ottawa’s Canada Day Arts Festival begins on June 30, 2011 with a special performance by the Nepean Concert Band. The Canada Day Festival has talented performers, unique entertainment and fun for the whole family from June 22 through July 1. We invite everyone to Andrew Haydon Park in the city’s west-end to savor foods for every palette and enjoy the colourful entertainment and activities offered by a variety of stellar performers. There’s something for everyone – midway rides and games, helicopter rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, a car show, face painting, live musical band, entertainment, beer tent, cultural events and a Canada Day fireworks display like no other. Best of all, admission to the festival is free!
Event Highlights:
- Marching band
- Live entertainment
- Children’s games
- Pony rides
- Petting farm animals zoo
- Car show
- Cultural events
- Food concessions
Festival Information:
General information: 613.567.4532
General information email: info@canadadayfestival.com
Locations:
Julianna Park – 870 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON
Dow’s Lake – 1001 Queen Elizabeth Drive, Ottawa, ON
Tickets:
On the Web:
Website: www.canadadayfestival.com
Map:
View Larger Map
Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival
| June 21, 2012 | to | June 24, 2012 |
FREE Admission – Donations Gratefully Accepted
For a number of years now, the Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival has been providing families a unique opportunity to experience and celebrate the diverse Aboriginal cultures of the National Capital Region. Ongoing, lively and interactive programming will keep your family entertained throughout the day including extensive Family activities (pony rides, petting zoo, bouncy castles, stilt-walkers and more) Aboriginal artisan village (featuring interactive arts workshops, demonstrations and vendors) and our popular Main Stage featuring headliner Shane Yellowbird, Shy Anne Hovorka, Kaiva, Aboriginal Canada We’ve Got Talent! and ongoing cultural showcases throughout the day.
Festival Information:
General information: 613-261-3637
General information email: nadottawa@gmail.com
Locations:
Lebretton Flats Park (behind the War Museum)
Museum of Civilization
(Please consult the Summer Solstice website)
On the Web:
Website: www.aboriginalexperiences.com
Canadian Folk Music Awards
| November 24, 2012 |
A national, juried award programme for Canadian folk music.
This year’s award ceremony will take place at the Isabel Bader Theater (Toronto) on Sunday, December 4th.
In addition to the Award Gala and Reception (Dec. 4), we also have a movie premier on Friday (Dec 2) evening, the Nominee Showcase on Saturday (Dec. 3) night and Workshops on Sunday afternoon (Dec. 4).
You can find all the details of the events on the CFMA website.
Festival Information:
General information: 613.730.2887
General information email: info@folkawards.ca
Location: Isabel Bader Theater, Toronto
On the Web:
Website: www.folkawards.ca
Tours, hotels offer way into the spirit of Ottawa via its ghostly past
OTTAWA – Getting into the spirit of Canada’s capital usually means a day at the Parliament Buildings, a walk through the farmer’s market or a visit to the many museums or galleries.
But those with a spectral frame of mind might want to skip the usual attractions and just go for the spirits themselves.
Dozens of ghosts are claimed to haunt Ottawa, living everywhere from the posh Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel to the suburbs of Barrhaven.
Some are historical figures, such as the spectre rattling around the castle-like Chateau Laurier, said to be that of Charles Melville Hays. He was general manager of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway of Canada, which commissioned the hotel.
He travelled to Europe to choose furniture for the hotel dining room, made what turned out to be a poor choice for his return trip and sailed back on the Titanic. It sank and Hays died, never to see his grand hotel open to the public.
Ever since, guests and staff have reported seeing a man resembling Hays wandering the hotel or they have observed objects shake and move at random.
Read more at : www.winnipegfreepress.com
REDISCOVER MACKENZIE KING ESTATE STARTING THIS WEEKEND
2010 SUMMER SEASON BEGINS SATURDAY, MAY 15
The National Capital Commission (NCC) is pleased to announce that the Mackenzie King Estate, located in the heart of Gatineau Park, will officially open to the public on Saturday, May 15, 2010, until October 17, 2010.
Visitors to this 231-hectare estate can share William Lyon Mackenzie King’s love of horticulture and landscaping while admiring the romantic Victorian gardens, the picturesque ruins and the Waterfall Trail. History buffs can learn more about the life, career and era of Canada’s tenth Prime Minister by visiting King’s two summer havens, Kingswood and Moorside cottages, or by viewing short films on Mackenzie King’s life and times. Visitors can re-live this extraordinary era thanks to guide-interpreters who re-create the enchanting atmosphere and setting of the Mackenzie King Estate in the early 20th century.
HERE’S WHAT VISITORS CAN DO AT MACKENZIE KING ESTATE:
• Visit the restored cottages accompanied by experienced guide-interpreters.
• View films on Mackenzie King’s life and times.
• Stroll through the gardens.
• Photograph the collection of ruins.
• Enjoy a succulent meal or a traditional English tea at the Mackenzie King Tearoom.
• Discover King’s favourite trail: the Bridal Veil Falls.
• Join costumed volunteer guides for a commented visit in the gardens at Moorside on weekend and holiday
afternoons between Canada Day and Labour Day.
2010 PROGRAMMING ACTIVITIES:
• May 15 — Opening of Mackenzie King Estate and Tearoom.
• July 1 — Canada Day activities.
• July 24 and 25 — The Estate in Bloom.
• September 4 to 6 — Labour Day Weekend activities.
• October 2 to 17 — Fall Rhapsody at Mackenzie King Estate and in Gatineau Park.
NEW — HULL-CHELSEA-WAKEFIELD STEAM TRAIN
• Travel on the Hull-Chelsea-Wakefield Steam Train, then climb aboard a luxury motorcoach and visit the Mackenzie King Estate. The Grand Tour of the Gatineau Hills includes a guided tour of the Estate and lunch.
• Every Thursday and Friday, from June 24 to August 27, 2010.
• Rate — $89 per person, plus applicable taxes (GST or HST and/or QST). Children 2 years and under, free.
• Reservations required: 1-800-871-7246 or 1-888-278-7777.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Summer Hours of Operation
From May 15 to September 6, 2010, the Estate will be open:
• everyday from 11 am to 5 pm.
Fall Hours of Operation
From September 7 to October 17, 2010 the Estate will be open:
• weekdays from 11 am to 5 pm, and
• on weekends and statutory holidays from 10 am to 5 pm.
Mackenzie King Tearoom is open everyday from 11 am to 5 pm. For more information or reservations, please call 819-827-3405.
ADMISSION
$8 Day pass – car
$30 Day pass – minibus (20 passengers or less)
$50 Day pass – bus
$65 Season’s pass (access to all Gatineau Park beaches and Leamy Lake beach, and Mackenzie King Estate)
Free access to the Estate’s parking lot for school groups participating in guided or non-guided tours.
GUIDED TOURS
Minimum 20 people (reservations required)
• For group reservations, please call 1-800-461-8020 or 613-239-5100.
• Please note that reservations are not required for non-guided tours and that parking fees will apply, except for school groups.
PUBLIC INFORMATION
For more information on the Mackenzie King Estate or activities offered in Gatineau Park, the public may contact the NCC at 819-827-2020, 1-800-465-1867, 613-239-5090 (TTY) or 1-866-661-3530 (toll-free TTY), stop by the Gatineau Park Visitors Centre located at 33 Scott Road, in Chelsea, or visit the NCC’s website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca/king.
NCC INSTALLS CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ON PARLIAMENT HILL
Preparations are underway for the 25th edition of the National Capital Commission’s (NCC) Christmas Lights Across Canada program. During the next few weeks, the installation of 200,000 LED lights along Confederation Boulevard will be completed, with one tenth of them on Parliament Hill.From December 12, 2009 to January 7, 2010, hundreds of thousands of multicoloured lights will illuminate approximately 70 NCC and partner sites along Confederation Boulevard, including Parliament Hill, national museums, institutions, monuments, embassies and other prominent landmarks. Residents and visitors are invited to join us for the official illumination ceremony on December 12, 2009 on Parliament Hill. This year, the celebration is set to coincide with the arrival of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay in the heart of Canada’s Capital Region.
For more information on the Christmas Lights Across Canada program, members of the public may contact the NCC at 613-239-5000, 1 800 465-1867 or visit the NCC’s website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca. TTY (text telephone for the hearing impaired) is available at: 613-239-5090 or toll-free 1 866 661-3530.
WANTED: SNOW SCULPTING TEAMS FOR WINTERLUDE 2010
By: John Vetterli on Flickr
The National Capital Commission (NCC) is seeking applications from teams across the country to represent their province or territory in Winterlude 2010’s National Snow Sculpture Competition in Canada’s Capital. Teams compete for awards and prizes with a total value of $10,500. The deadline to submit applications is Monday, November 30, 2009.The annual competition sees teams of up to three members from each province and territory transform blocks of snow measuring 3.7 m wide x 3.7 m deep x 4.9 m high (12 feet x 12 feet x 16 feet) into works of art. The theme for this year’s competition is “Winter Fun!” Each participating team will be asked to create a work of art that represents the joys and excitement that winter brings to Canadians each year – including physical and sporting activities, games, and traditions.
The competition will take place from February 9 to 13, 2010, in Canada’s Capital Region. Transportation, accommodation and meals are provided to participating snow sculpting team members. The brochure and application form are available on the NCC’s website on the Sun Life Snowflake Kingdom page.
Teams interested in competing or seeking more information are encouraged to contact Lyne Bérard, Program Assistant, National Snow Sculpture Competition, at 613-239-5058 or lyne.berard@ncc-ccn.ca, as soon as possible.
The 32nd edition of Winterlude will take place from February 5 to 21, 2010. Each year, this family-oriented event attracts more than 600,000 visitors to Canada’s Capital Region. For further information, members of the public may visit www.winterlude.gc.ca.
THIS FALL, EXPERIENCE THE RHAPSODY
Gatineau Park is starting to blush with the colours of the season. As this scenic canvas unfolds, the National Capital Commission (NCC) is pleased to present Fall Rhapsody, from October 2 to 18.
The program seeks to communicate environmental values and practices linked to responsible use of natural spaces and offers information and facts on environmentally responsible behaviour. In this spirit, the NCC would like to inform residents and visitors to Canada’s Capital Region on how to get the most from fall activities in Gatineau Park.
- Explore over 90 kilometres of trails by bicycle or on foot. Using sustainable transportation is environmentally responsible and has positive impacts on overall quality of life. Air and noise pollution are reduced, as is road congestion.
- Visit mid-week to experience the autumn splendour at its tranquil best.
- Admire the fall colours at scenic Philippe Lake or Camp Fortune.
- Enjoy activities for the whole family at the Visitor Centre and learn about the hidden treasures in the Park. Visitors can take in the exhibit Gatineau Park: Protecting Nature and Sharing Our History, pick-up a variety of brochures or receive detailed information from Park Information Officers.
- Discover the Luskville Falls sector. An interpretive path will take you to the Falls and then on to the top of the Eardley Escarpment, giving you a spectacular view of the Ottawa Valley.
FALL RHAPSODY 2009 ACTIVITIES:
FOLLIES OF THE FALL FOREST
October 3 and 4 (10:30 am in English / 1:30 pm in French)
October 10, 11, 12, 17 and 18 (10:30 am in French / 1:30 pm in English)
Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, 33 Scott Road
An NCC nature interpreter will demonstrate how to recognize some of the 50 species of
trees found in Gatineau Park during guided tours. Participants will also learn more about
what causes the leaves to change color and fall. These approximately two-hour programs include a short presentation at the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, followed by a guided hike on the Sugarbush Trail. Free!
HIKE WITH THE OTTAWA VOYAGEURS WALKING CLUB
October 3, registration 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Phillipe Lake
Hikers can explore the trails around the picturesque Phillipe Lake in Gatineau Park. This tenth annual event is organized by the Ottawa Voyageurs Walking Club. Participants can sign up at Parent Beach at Philippe Lake between 9 am and 10:30 am, where the 5 km and 10 km hikes depart. Bring a picnic to enjoy!
(Participation in the event is free. For those participating in the IVV credits, as the walk is sanctioned by the Canadian Volkssport Federation, the fee is $2.00.)
STROLL BACK IN TIME AT MACKENZIE KING ESTATE
Mackenzie King Estate – open daily, except Tuesdays, until October 18
The Tearoom – open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., until October 18
(including Thanksgiving Day – October 12)
Re-live Canadian history as you visit the restored chalets of Canada’s longest serving Prime Minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King. Wander the quiet wooded trails that lace through the estate and discover the collection of ruins that pepper the landscape. Or take a break and savour a delicious meal at the Mackenzie King Tearoom.
PARKWAY RESERVED FOR OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS
Tuesday and Thursday evenings, from 5 :00 pm to dusk
Saturday and Sunday mornings, from 7:00 am to 9 :30 am
Outdoor enthusiasts will be able to enjoy the breathtaking fall colours of Gatineau Park by foot, bicycle or roller-blades when over 8 kilometres of scenic parkways are temporarily closed to vehicular traffic on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, as well as Saturday and Sunday mornings. This will be offered in partnership with Cross Country Canada until the seasonal closure of the parkway network later this fall. The NCC would like to remind users that, as the daylight hours wane, the use of reflective clothing and other equipment to help increase visibility is recommended.
Vivid hues and striking scenery draw thousands of people to visit Gatineau Park each autumn during the three weekends of Fall Rhapsody. The NCC launched the Fall Rhapsody program in the 1980’s, to provide a quality experience for visitors who were coming to the Park to admire the brilliant foliage. Gatineau Park, a superb nature reserve managed by the National Capital Commission (NCC), is the Capital’s conservation park, located just 15 minutes from Parliament Hill. For more information on activities in the Park, the public may contact the NCC at 613-239-5000, 1-800-465-1867 (toll-free), 613-239-5090 (TTY) or 1-866-661-3530 (toll-free TTY), or visit the NCC’s website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca.
