Happy Monday, Ottawa! Do you have air conditioning? If not, you're most likely already feeling that sticky Ottawa humidity that rolled into the city last weekend.
It's officially starting to feel like summer, which means it's time for the activities of the summery season. What's that? You don't know what to do in Ottawa this summer? My friend, leave your fears at the door, as you are already reading Ottawa's weekly guide to help you get through these hot summer-like weeks in the capital.
Whether you're wanting to head to the beach to cool down, sip on a fruity cocktail on a sun-kissed patio, dance the night away, or attend one of Ottawa's many festivals; I've got you covered.
Every single Monday I'll be keeping you updated on Ottawa's weather, upcoming events, things to do, food to try, local entertainment and so much more.
With all that said; let's get into it.
🗞️THINGS TO KNOW🗞️
🌩️ OTTAWA WEATHER 🌩️
Be ready for an angry and furious Mother Nature for the first half of this week. You should expect soupy-air, occasional rain, and a high-risk of thunderstorms with temperatures reaching 24 C to 31 C until Friday morning.
After being pelted with raindrops, the sound of booming thunderclaps and the humid stew-like air, you should expect cooler temperatures of 18 C to 21 C and sunny blue skies all weekend.
Air quality should be at healthy levels this week as little smoke will be passing over the city.
🎆 VICTORIA DAY FIREWORKS 🎆
For those wanting to watch those beautiful booming explosions in the sky on Monday, head over to the Rideau Carleton Casino for a fun-filled evening for all ages. Barbecue food will be on offer, accompanied by the lively beats of a DJ and, of course, a dazzling firework show to end the night, which will start as soon as it becomes dark at 9 p.m.
Price: Free admission
Address: 4837 Albion Road, Ottawa, ON
When: May 20, 2024, from 7:00 p.m, with the firework show starting at 9:00 p.m.
Rideau Carleton Casino website
🎭 BROADWAY MUSICAL "SIX", IS IN TOWN! 🎭
From Tuesday until Sunday, the award-winning musical production "Six" will be showing at the National Arts Centre.
"Six" is the modern retelling of the six wives of King Henry VIII of England in the form of a pop musical. In this hit theatrical broadway musical production, King Henry's six wives compete against each other to decide who will be the lead singer in their band.
The show has won a grand total of 23 awards, including a Tony Award, and is great for families with children over the age of 10.
🌊 SPLASH PADS ARE NOW OPEN 🌊
If you have a little one who loves playing in the water, I have good news for you! Splash pads are now officially open all summer long, before they close again on September 15.
All splash pads in Ottawa operate from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. Each splash pad is now fully operational with the exception of Atrium Park, Cobble Hill Park, Deer Run Park, Eugene Martineau Park, Joe Jamieson Park, Mantha Park, and Queensway Park, which remain closed for repairs.
Unfortunately for those hoping to dip their toes in a pool, you'll have to wait until mid-June when city pools officially open for the season. Even though beaches are technically open, supervised swimming won't officially start until June 15.
🥰 DATE SPOTS YOU AND YOUR BOO MUST TRY 🥰
Can't afford the ole' dinner and movie date, but still want to make your partner feel like they're the most special person in the world? You need not be afraid my broke, moneyless, destitute friend!
Last week I compiled a list of 10 Ottawa romantic and intimate date spots that won't break the bank, just for you.
Whether it's a romantic picnic, a scenic drive, watching an intimate drag show, or getting drunk at the arcade; I have well and truly got you covered!
🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTS 🗓️
☀️ KICK OFF THE POWWOW SEASON ☀️
Price: Free
When: Saturday and Sunday, May 15 to 16, 2024, from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Address: Canadian Police College, 1 Sandridge Road, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Odawa Native Friendship Centre is hosting their 45th Annual Traditional Powwow all weekend long to kick off the Powwow season.
Head over for traditional dances, drumming and, of course, plenty of delicious food. All members of the community are invited to join the festivities and are encouraged to learn as much as they can about Indigenous culture.
Odawa 45th Annual Traditional Powwow Eventbrite
🕺 DANCE TO EDM PERFORMED BY LOCAL DJS 🕺
When: Friday, May 24, 2024, from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m.
Address: 164 Laurier Ave W, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: It's time to get wild. Head on over to FORTRESS V002, an event lead by Ottawa & Montreal DJs @sweet_morgane and @lilfr1dge. Pull up if you're a fan of EDM and prepare to move your legs, because it's going to be a night full of Montreal-style partying.
This event is exclusively for those above the age of 19, so please bring valid I.D.
Accessibility: This venue is not wheelchair accessible
🤷♀️ WATCH A MUSICAL ABOUT THE BEAUTY OF MENOPAUSE 🤷♀️
Price: $37.50 - $67.50 (Algonquin students can get $10 off)
When: Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024, 7:30 p.m., doors and bar opens at 6:30 p.m.
Address: Robert C. Gillett Student Commons, 1385 Woodroffe Ave Room E 104, Nepean, ON
Why You Need To Go: Algonquins Common Theatre presents "Menopause the Musical 2: Cruising through 'The Change,'" a sequel to the local smash hit "Menopause the Musical."
Come and grab a couple of drinks with the gals before watching a local production where "menopause was not the end, but the beginning of a beautiful friendship where love conquers all, and friendships never fail."
Accessibility: This venue is wheelchair accessible
Algonquin Student Association website
☠️ ATTEND A MONSTER TRUCK RALLY ☠️
Price: Tickets start at $41.30
When: Saturday, May 25, 2024, from 2 p.m.
Address: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Who doesn't get hyped as hell when they see a bright truck with massive tires make its way into a stadium? You'll for sure be saying "hell yeah brother" this Saturday at Monster Spectacular at the Canadian Tire Centre.
Watch as some of the biggest names in the monster trucking game do all kinds of stunts, including a back-flipping contest and a freestyle motocross.
Accessibility: This venue is wheelchair accessible
🏆 WEEKLY PICKS 🏆
☕ CAFÉ OF THE WEEK ☕
Name: Art House
Price: $3.50 to $14.00
Address: 555 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Art House is one of my favourite meeting spots to grab coffee with an old friend. This 150-year-old heritage-house-turned-coffee-house is filled to the brim with art produced by local Ottawa-based artists and has plenty of different rooms to chat, study, work, or simply just enjoy your coffee.
I absolutely love the vibes here and the coffee ain't bad, either! My favourite part about this place though? It holds all sorts of community events, from speed-dating events, drag shows, jazz shows, and much more. At night they sell excellently mixed cocktails of all kinds, and in general this is one of my favourite coffee houses in the whole city.
Accessibility: Art House is not wheelchair accessible
🥙 SHAWARMA SPOT OF THE WEEK 🥙
Name: Shawarma Palace (Rideau location)
Price: $9.25 to $23.40
Address: 464 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: If you've lived in Ottawa for a while, Shawarma Palace is most likely a household name to you, but that's exactly why it's earned "Shawarma Spot of the Week." There is no other shawarma spot more consistently fantastic than Shawarma Palace, but there is something particularly about its Rideau location that is so special to me.
As a University student, I've relied heavily on this location for the past few years, because the quality is so good and the service is even better. Every time I walk into Shawarma Palace, I feel like I myself am royalty, that's how good I think their shawarma is.
It's just good ole' fashion tasty shawarma, and sometimes that's all you need.
Accessibility: The Rideau location is wheelchair accessible
🍸 BAR OF THE WEEK🍸
Name: House of Targ
Price: $7.25 to $22.75
Address: 1077 Bank St, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: If you're a fan of vintage arcade games, particularly pinball, House of Targ may be your dream bar. Grab your spare change and go absolutely wild at the pinball machine while enjoying beer, cocktails, and so many different varieties of perogi.
House of Targ is known for two things, arcade games and really tasty perogi dishes, such as their perogi poutine, perogi pizza pockets, or their dessert perogi "The Big Sweetie." This arcade basement bar is great for a date or a drunken night with friends.
They also hold all kinds of different community events, like concerts showcasing local bands, pinball tournaments, and much more.
Accessibility: House of Targ is not wheelchair accessible
🧳 TRAVEL UPDATES 🧳
🏖️ COASTAL TOWNS TO VISIT THIS SUMMER 🏖️
Are you looking to spend your summer in a cutesy beachside town away from the hustle-bustle of the city, but don't know where to go? Narcity's Katherine Casperz has once again got you covered with these picturesque coastal towns all over the country that you have just got to visit during these hot summer months.
From the reddish sandy beaches of Prince Edward Island's Cavendish to Vancouver Island's Tofino; you'll get a run down on which Canadian towns by the water are a real must-visit.
🏞️ AN ONTARIO TRAIL WITH A SUSPENSION BRIDGE OVER A WATERFALL 🏞️
If you're hoping to go on a long road trip this summer with the squad, Narcity's Madeline Forsyth may have just found you the ultimate destination.
Pukaskwa National Park, located on the turquoise beaches of Lake Superior, is a 13 hour drive from Ottawa that's completely worth the road trip. Hike through the 60 kilometre trail along the rugged Lake Superior coastline and you'll be rewarded with views from the White Water Suspension Bridge looking over the breathtaking Chigamiwinigum Falls.
That's all I have for you this week Ottawa, see you next Monday!
