School’s out and the grandchildren will soon be arriving. Get set for the time of your life. Plan some extra special adventures you’ll all remember for years to come. The Ottawa area is chock full of cultural, recreational and entertainment attractions that are guaranteed to please. Whether you’re seven or 70, these options are sure to be a hit.
Spend a few days sightseeing in Canada’s capital city. Tour the National Gallery, Bytown Museum, Canadian Museum of Nature and the Canada Science and Technology Museum. Check out the Canadian Museum of History, including its Children’s Museum and CINÉ theatre. And don’t miss an opportunity to explore the Canadian War Museum.
Exciting things are always happening in the city during July and August. Take a tour of the Diefenbunker, Canada’s Cold War Museum, or find out about those fabulous flying machines at the Canada Aviation Museum. Explore the Byward Market, have a picnic at Major’s Hill Park or wander through the Dominion Arboretum. There’s lots to do, so enjoy. For ideas and details, take a look at ottawatourism.ca and ncc-ccn.gc.ca.
Head to Maxville for the Glengarry Highland Games. The two-day event, slated for August 2 and 3, sets the stage for spectacular music, dance, fiddling, sports and pageantry. Listen to the pipe bands— there are dozens of them—and watch as dancers kick up their heels in highland dance competition. See kilted challengers test their mettle in traditional Scottish heavyweight events and immerse yourself in the Scottish culture. glengarryhighlandgames.com
Head downtown for an outdoor extravaganza. The Ottawa International Busker Fest is happening August 2 through 5 on Sparks Street. The four-day fest includes over 20 different acts on four different stages, plus clowns, jugglers, face-painters and stilt-walkers performing on the street.
There’s also a Grand Finale Monday, August 7 at 5 p.m., featuring the 12 favourite acts. It’s all free and suitable for both the young and young at heart. For details, see ottawabuskerfestival.com.
Remember Mr. Dressup and the puppets Casey and Finnegan? Puppets continue to enchant. And the Puppets Up! International Puppet Festival promises a fun time in a lovely community. It’s happening in downtown Almonte from August 9 to 11. See puppeteers, puppetry and street performers in action, framed by the captivating backdrop of the town’s historic main street. Six theatre venues, lively street entertainment, a vendors’ market, a children’s craft tent and a puppet parade are all part of this celebration.
Established since 2004, Puppets Up! has been inspired and led by award-winning puppeteer and puppet builder Noreen Young, who created the children’s TV shows Hi Diddle Day and Under The Umbrella Tree. Noreen is also known for her caricature puppets of famous Canadians such as Peter Mansbridge and Adrienne Clarkson. In that vein, Puppets Up! offers all-ages entertainment. For details and tickets, see puppetsup.com.
