From the sobering (war monuments) to the quirky (painted cows), I’ve rounded up all sorts of activities you can try this weekend in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and beyond. Go for a hike, check out an outdoor market or an online craft fair, or see paintings by Rembrandt and his contemporaries. Wherever you go, stay safe!
Pay respects to those lost in war
Remembrance Day is coming up next week (Wednesday, November 11), but the big ceremony at the National War Memorial and most other commemorative events are cancelled due to COVID-19. However, there are still many places throughout the city where you can learn about Canada’s military history and the victims of past conflicts, and remember the fallen privately. As well as the National War Memorial, they include the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument in Confederation Park, Reconciliation: The Peacekeeping Monument, the National Holocaust Monument and the Canadian War Museum. Ottawa Tourism has a detailed post listing these and many more.
Get a dining deal in Prince Edward County
Until November 22, you can enjoy special dishes and meals at 18 restaurants in Prince Edward County during Countylicious. Depending on the restaurant and your preference, you can try a casual takeout lunch, an elegant prix-fixe dinner or just about anything in between—from Texas-style pork side ribs in a “bubble barn” at Big Mike’s BBQ to a Japanese tasting menu at the Koenji Whisky Bar.
Bask in real or virtual lantern light
If you can’t make it to PEC in person, you can still enjoy one of the County’s popular fall events—online. The Firelight Lantern Festival has gone virtual this year, with performances by Kashka, Lisa Bozikovic and other local artists. It’s all free, and it starts at 7pm on Saturday, November 7.
That night, the MERA arts centre in McDonalds Corners is holding a night lantern walk in the non-virtual world, starting as dusk falls at 5pm.
See painted cows in Prescott-Russell
OK, how cool is this? Since the popular Festival de la Curd couldn’t happen this year, the festival organizers have brought some of the fun to the community by placing whimsical painted cows all over the southern part of Prescott-Russell. They call the event Hey Cow, I See You Now! A total of 20 life-sized statues created by 17 artists have popped up in several communities, including Embrun, Casselman and St. Albert. Many are on dairy farms, and visitors are invited to drive themselves around the region to admire them from their cars. There’s a map on the website, as well as biographies of the artists.
The Vankleek Hill newspaper The Review also has a fun article about the event. (Thanks to reader Connie Allen for giving me the heads up about this one.)
Shop for gifts all over the region (or online)
Sure, Halloween is barely done, but online and real-world craft shows and pop-up sales are in full swing—partly because many people expect the post office to be extremely busy this year and want to get their holiday shopping done early. Here are just a few you can check out this weekend.
- Vintage Pop-Up 613 is running its last outdoor pop-up shop of the season in the parking lot of Bread by Us in Hintonburg on Sunday, November 8. Browse for antiques, vintage jewellery, clothing and more.
- The Richmond Village Ottawa Market is hosting a Christmas-themed outdoor market at the Richmond Fairgrounds on November 7 and 8, from 10am to 2pm.
- The Carp Farmers’ Market is running its Christmas in November market on Saturday, November 7 (there will be another one on Saturday, November 14).
- This is the last weekend for the One World Bazaar in Manotick Station, which closes on Sunday, November 8. You can shop online or in person for goods from many countries.
- In Smiths Falls, the annual Girls’ Night Out shopping event has become Girls’ Week Out. You can collect stamps at participating stores to be eligible for a grand prize. The event runs until Sunday, November 8, and you need to drop off your stamped shopping passport by 9am on November 9 to be eligible for the prize.
- The Orleans United Church Online Christmas Market runs until December 5.
- The Watson’s Mill Virtual Market is open until December 6.
- Three online fairs are running from November 5 to 8: Home for the Holidays (Ottawa Handmade), the“Oh What Fun” Happy Holiday Shopping Event (Cheerfully Made), and the Pride, Not Prejudice Online Craft and Community Fair.
Looking for more holiday art and craft show ideas? Check out my new roundup of online holiday shopping events.
See Dutch paintings in Kingston
If you’re in the Kingston area and you’re an art lover, you might want to check out the current exhibition at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre. Rembrandt and Company: Seventeenth-Century Dutch Paintings From the Bader Collection puts Rembrandt’s work in the context of his life and times, and includes works by him and by his contemporaries/rivals. The museum is open to visitors, and the show runs until April 11, 2021.
Go for a hike
The weather forecast for this weekend is pretty phenomenal for November, with lots of sunshine and temperatures in the high teens. It’s a great chance to check out one of the many local hiking trails I profiled a few weeks ago. Just remember: Lots of other folks will probably have the same idea, so head for one of the lesser known spots or go early in the day to avoid crowds.
Walk through an illuminated forest in Mirabel
For my readers in the eastern Outaouais in particular (since I always encourage people to keep their road trips close to home!): La Magie de Nöel à Mirabel is a one-kilometre pedestrian trail illuminated with 350,000 lights. Stroll through an illuminated forest, where you may meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. The attraction opens on November 6 and runs on select nights until December 30.
Looking for more ideas for things to see and do in the Ottawa region? Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter.
2 comments
Just wanted to make sure you knew about the outdoor Navan Market by Country Moments Spa on November 15th 10-3.
Thanks! I’ll add it to next week’s roundup!