|
February:
Winterlude
On weekends in February, it's
Winterlude, an extravaganza with parades, ice-sculpture competitions, fireworks, speed skating, snowshoe races, ice boating, curling, and more. One offbeat contest is the bed race on the frozen canal, while the most
exciting event may be the harness racing on ice. (613/239-5000)
more info
May:
Canadian Tulip Festival
Ottawa's biggest event is the Canadian Tulip Festival. For about 2 weeks in mid-May,
when the city is ablaze with 200 varieties of tulips enlivening public buildings, monuments, embassies, homes, and driveways. (Among the best viewing points is Dow's Lake.) The festival began in 1945, when the
Netherlands sent 100,000 tulip bulbs to Canada in appreciation of the role Canadian troops played in liberating Holland. Festival events include fireworks, concerts, parades, and a flotilla on the canal.
(888/465-1867)
more info
R.C.M.P. Musical Ride Sunset Ceremony
613/ 993-3751
With outdoor evening performances of music and horsemanship, including jumping and dressage, as well the ride itself.
more info
National Capital Air Show in late May
613/526-1030
more info
June:
National Capital Dragon Boat Race Festival in late June
613/238-7711
more info
Children's Festival
In early June, the Canadian Museum of Nature holds this extravaganza of dance, mime, puppetry, and music. (613/728-5863)
more info
Festival Franco-Ontarien
In late June, a 5-day
celebration of Francophone Canada, featuring classical and other musical concerts, fashion shows, street performers, games and competitions, crafts, and French cuisine. (613/741-1225)
more info
July:
Canada Day
On July 1, Canadians flock to the city to celebrate a huge birthday party with many kinds of entertainment, including fireworks. (800/465-1867)
more info
Ottawa International Jazz Festival
For 10 days in mid-July, the city is filled with the mainstream and cutting-edge sounds of local, national, and international artists giving more than 125 performances at more
than 20 venues. (613/241-2633)
more info
Ottawa Chamber Music Festival
North America's largest chamber music festival, with 74 concerts in the city's churches. It lasts 2 weeks. (613/234-8008)
more info
August:
Central Canada Exhibition
10-days in mid- to late August. (613/237-7222)
more info
Billings Estate Museum
2100 Cabot St
Annual Heritage trades fair.
Blacksmiths, quilters, cooks and others will demonstrate their crafts, and sell items.: Special historical tours will be offered; tea will be served on the lawn. Local artists will display their work. Daily (except
Mondays and Saturdays): Tea will be served under a large striped marquee in the gardens. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.(613/247-4830)
September:
Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
On Labor Day weekend,
scores of brilliantly colored balloons fill the skies over Ottawa, while on the ground, people flock to musical events and midway rides. (819/243-2330)
December:
In the months of December and
January, Parliament Hill, Confederation Boulevard and the downtown area are ablaze with a dazzling display of lights forming a symbolic link of similar Christmas Lights displays in other provincial and territorial
capitals, as part of the National Capital Commission's "Christmas Lights Across Canada" program.
Return to Homepage
|
