Oh boy, would you look at the calendar! It's almost Father's Day weekend and you've got no plans, no money, and a high likelihood of disappointing your dad all over again.
But there's no need to fear, because there are plenty of things to do in Ottawa this weekend, and it doesn't have to cost you much. So go grab your dad, pack some beers for the road and get ready to spend some quality time with the man who helped bring you into this world.
Even if you don't plan on celebrating Father's Day, there are tons of free activities in Ottawa for you too. Whether it's gawking at some awesome sports cars, perusing through one of the city's many markets or just enjoying the great weather — there's something for everyone.
So, without further ado, here are eight free things to do in Ottawa this weekend.
Roll up to a Ferrari Festival
When: Friday, June 14, to Sunday, June 16
Address: Little Italy, Preston Street, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Calling all car lovers! You're going to want to head on over to the FCA Ottawa Ferrari Festival in Little Italy this weekend, where you can watch a Ferrari parade, take a Ferrari for a joy ride, peruse through rows of beautiful sports cars or just take in the festive vibe of the whole thing over a coffee and a cannoli.
This is a perfect event to bring your car-loving father out for a beautiful day of gawking at rare, expensive dream cars.
Accessibility: Accessibility varies
Build your own bouquet
When: Saturday, June 15, 9 a.m. to. 1 p.m.
Address: Parkdale Public Market, 366 Parkdale Avenue, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Who said flowers are only for Mother's Day? Show your dad that you love him to the moon and back by making him a custom arrangement of vibrantly coloured blooms! The Ottawa Flower Market Collective comes to the Parkdale Public Market once a month during the warm months and is Ottawa's very own build-your-own-bouquet bar. You can pick out the perfect selection and gift your dad (or anyone else) a one-of-a-kind bouquet that's hand-picked by you.
While it's free to attend the market and admire the gorgeous selection of blooms, note that the price of your bouquet will depend on what flowers you choose.
Accessibility: Parkdale Public Market is wheelchair accessible.
Snag a last-minute Father's Day gift at a pop-up flea market
When: Saturday, June 15, 10 a.m. to. 4 p.m.
Address: Aberdeen Square, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Let me guess — you still haven't gotten a gift for your dad yet? Luckily for you, Ottawa's iconic flea market is happening the day before Father's Day, so you can peruse for the ultimate gift at the first outdoor 613flea of the season.
With over 140 vendors, you're sure to find a gift your dad will adore. 613flea also has tons of delicious food, and is great for a thrifting day with some friends — you won't want to miss it.
Accessibility: Aberdeen Square is an accessible venue.
Have a beach day
When: 24/7. Supervised swimming is every day from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. starting Saturday, June 15.
Address:
- Britannia Beach, 2805 Carling Ave., Ottawa, ON
- Petrie Island Beach, 727 Tweddle Rd., Ottawa, ON
- Mooney's Bay Beach, 2926 Riverside Dr., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Supervised swimming is officially starting this weekend for Ottawa's three city-owned beaches. From 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., enjoy supervised swimming starting this Saturday and lasting every day this summer until August 25. Grab a towel, some water, a beach ball, sunscreen and maybe some snacks; it's time to go to the beach!
Accessibility: Beach-accessible wheelchairs are available to borrow for free at all three beaches. There is no lift on site. Ottawa's beaches have wheelchair-accessible bathrooms.
Peruse the Summer Indigenous Art Market
When: Saturday, June 15, 11 a.m.
Address: Atrium O'Brien, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: This Saturday, head on over to the Summer Indigenous Art Market at the NAC, where you can admire and purchase all kinds of amazing artwork by Métis, Inuit and First Nations makers. Browse through all sorts of jewellery, beadwork, sculptures, mittens, moccasins, crafts and more!
Accessibility: The NAC is a wheelchair-accessible venue.
Take Dad for a hike in Gatineau Park
When: 24/7. A shuttle is also available on the weekends from downtown Ottawa-Gatineau every 30 minutes from 9:10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Where: Gatineau Park, 33 Ch. Scott, Chelsea, QC
Why You Need To Go: Go experience nature with the man who raised you! The National Capital Commission offers a free shuttle from downtown Ottawa-Gatineau directly to Gatineau Park on weekends all summer long.
You can look out at the elegant Meech Lake while talking to your dad about World War II, check out the Carbide Wilson Ruins while still talking about World War II and go for a hike through the woods while finishing up your conversation about World War II. Aside from a hike with Dad, Gatineau Park is also perfect for a date with that special someone or even just hanging out with friends.
Accessibility: The shuttle and many park paths are wheelchair accessible.
Walk through a community art crawl
When: Saturday, June 15, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: Bradford Street, Britannia Village, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Head on over to the quaint little beachside cottage-esque village of Britannia for the Britannia Village Community Art Crawl, where you can check out all kinds of locally made art. Whether you're a fan of sculptures, paintings, handicrafts, wood bowls, photography or even just locally grown produce, you'll find something for you! It's perfect if you want to pick up a last-minute gift for your art connoisseur of a father.
Accessibility: This event is not wheelchair accessible.
Treat your teddy bear to a picnic
When: Sunday, June 16, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Address: Canada Aviation and Space Museum, 11 Aviation Pkwy., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: The CHEO Teddy Bears' Picnic is an annual celebration thrown by CHEO to thank the community and all those who support its work throughout the year. Come celebrate the 50th anniversary of the children's hospital!
Join CHEO in the morning (make sure to bring your teddy bear), and help yourself to a complimentary pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. There will also be a volunteer-run stuffed animal hospital that will help you fix your fluffy friend, along with music, games and more. A build-a-bear workshop is also available for a fee.
Accessibility: The Canada Aviation and Space Museum is an accessible venue.
Have a great weekend and happy Father's Day!
