Whether you’d like to explore a national historic site, have a few laughs, learn about deer antlers or shop for local art, I have ideas for how you can do all that and more—without leaving the safety of home. Yes, it’s time for another virtual road trip roundup! Rev up your computer and hit the cyber-road with me.
Visit a Canadian national park…via Google Street View
Have you always dreamed of seeing the snow-capped mountains of Banff National Park, the wide-open spaces of Nahanni National Park Reserve or the historic buildings of the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site? Now you can see all of them and many other Parks Canada sites, courtesy of Google Street View. Check out this extensive list of places you can “walk” around with your mouse!
Browse for art in Brockville
Brockville’s King West Art Walk was originally conceived as, well, an actual walk in the “real world.” Now that we’re all staying home, the organizers have re-launched it as the King West Virtual Art Walk (Friday, May 1, 10am to 9:30pm). Throughout the day, participating shops and galleries will be showcasing items—including pottery, quilts, paintings and more—made by local artists and crafters, and explaining how viewers can buy them safely.
Get your musical fix on International Jazz Day
Bummed because the Ottawa Jazz Festival and the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal can’t take place this year? There’s nothing like a great saxophone solo under the stars, but here are some ways to satisfy your jazz cravings (many sparked by International Jazz Day on Thursday, April 30) until we can all get together outdoors again.
- Toronto photographer Kris King has just made her 240-page book Portraits in Music free to view online. Most of the stunning photos are culled from her more than 40 years of photographing jazz festivals, clubs and special events.
- Jane Monheit and Herbie Hancock are among the many artists performing in the free International Jazz Day Virtual Global Concert, which starts at 3pm on Thursday, April 30.
- The National Arts Centre’s Canada Performs series includes free streaming concerts by several jazz or jazz-influenced musicians over the next week, including Kevin Barrett (Friday, May 1), Gentiane MG (Saturday, May 2) and Amanda Martinez and Drew Birston (Tuesday, May 5).
Help scientists count birds
Bird Blitz at Home is a Birds Canada program running throughout May that encourages people across the country to keep count of birds in the backyard or neighbourhood. The information can help researchers monitor our feathered friends. Head to the Birds Canada website to download free bird identification guides and tracking sheets.
You can also participate in a worldwide bird-counting event called Global Big Day on Saturday, May 9; Cornell University’s eBird site has all the details.
Have a few laughs with Mark Critch
This Hour Has 22 Minutes stalwart Mark Critch is giving a free streaming show on Thursday, April 30, at 5pm, courtesy of the National Arts Centre’s Canada Performs series.
“Visit” makers in Merrickville
Merrickville’s On-Line Makers Market is a weekly Saturday event that invites you to discover the village’s artisans each Saturday from 10am to 4pm—and indulge in a little retail therapy, too!
Concoct a hotel-style juice drink
All this time indoors leaving you feeling a bit peaky? Then check out this big selection of healthy juice recipes from the Swissôtel hotel chain. The various concoctions claim to do everything from combat your allergies to ease dry skin woes.
Kick back with Lucky Ron at the Laff
Country music icon Lucky Ron has been a fixture at the Chateau Lafayette (AKA the Laff) in the ByWard Market for over 30 years. If you’re missing his weekend afternoon shows, you’re in luck: He’s now streaming them every Saturday at 5pm. Grill a burger, pour yourself a cold brew and enjoy.
Learn about animals with Parc Oméga
Every Thursday, Parc Oméga in Montebello is releasing a new video about local animals, their habits and their habitat. Videos in the series, which are archived on the park’s Facebook page and other social media, include a look into the wild world of deer antlers and an explanation of the migration of Canada geese.
Looking for more ideas for virtual travel you can enjoy from home in Ottawa, the Outaouais and points beyond? Subscribe to my free weekly e-newsletter!