From a blend of Crokinole and curling in Portland to Styx tunes in Gatineau, a home reno show in Ottawa, classical music in Almonte and more winter carnivals than you can shake a snowball at, I have lots of recommendations for great road trips in and around Ottawa this week!
Cheer on speed skaters in Portland
Skate the Lake Portland takes to Big Rideau Lake this weekend (January 25 and 26) with a series of speed skating events, but that’s just the beginning of the fun. Even if you don’t lace up a skate, you can enjoy fireworks, sleigh rides, a spaghetti lunch, Crokicurl (a hybrid of curling and Crokinole) and more.
Enjoy classical music in Gatineau, Kingston or Almonte
On Thursday, January 23, Quebec neoclassical composer and pianist Alexandra Stréliski will be on stage of the Maison de la Culture de Gatineau. Her music first came to the attention of mainstream audiences when it was featured in a range of movies and TV shows by Quebec director Jean-Marc Vallée, including the trailer for his HBO series Big Little Lies.
On Saturday, January 25, the Kingston Symphony and Kingston Choral Society are presenting Last Night of the Proms, a celebration of British music. Guests are encouraged to wear their red, white and blue.
And on Sunday, January 26, Almonte in Concert is presenting violinist Jasper Wood and pianist David Riley. The two musicians, who have been performing together for 25 years, will be playing a wide range of works, including pieces by Beethoven and Chopin.
Try your luck in Perth
The Perth and District Community Foundation is holding a fundraising Casino Night on Saturday, January 25. The evening at Code’s Mill on the Park in Perth will feature live casino games, music by Under the Covers, appetizers and prizes.
Play in the snow from Petawawa to Laval
There’s lots of winter festival fun in the region this week: the Alice in Winterland Carnival in Laurentian Valley (January 24 to 31); the Embrun Carnival (until January 26); Laval en blanc (January 24 to 26); Shiverfest in Manotick (January 24 and 25); the Greely Winter Carnival (January 23 to 26); Les Féeries du chevreuil in Duhamel (January 24 to 26); the Morewood Winter Carnival (January 24 to 26); Winter Fun Day in Brockville (Saturday, January 25); and the Lanark Highlands Frosty Fling (January 24 to 26). Looking for festival ideas later in the winter? Check out my list of more than 30 winter carnivals.
Get home-reno inspiration in Ottawa
Planning some renovations this year? Get inspiration at the Ottawa Home and Remodelling Show at the EY Centre (January 23 to 26). There will be a large roster of vendors and speakers, including Anita Murray, co-founder of the local real estate and renovation website All Things Home (full disclosure: All Things Home is a client of mine). If you buy your tickets online in advance, you’ll save $2.
Sail away with Styx tunes in Gatineau
If Styx was on your favourite mix tape back in high school, then you just might enjoy Styx Experience with the Grand Illusion, a one-night tribute to the band’s music at the Casino Lac-Leamy in Gatineau on Saturday, January 25.
Catch a movie in Cornwall or Watertown
The Aultsville Filmfest in Cornwall (January 24 to 26) will screen eight independent movies over three days, including films from Canada, Sweden, Israel, Macedonia, South Korea, France and the U.K. Pass holders will get treated to social events, too. It’s a fundraiser for the Aultsville Theatre.
The Snowtown Film Festival in Watertown (January 24 and 25) includes a Friday night “flannel casual reception” and showings of a wide range of movies, many with a connection to New York state or Canada.
Catch a concert in Renfrew
Acclaimed singer-songwriters Lynn Miles and Dean Batstone will be on stage together at Batstone’s Northern Ramble in Renfrew on Saturday, January 25.
Celebrate Scotland in Ottawa, Almonte, Wakefield or Montreal
In honour of one of Scotland’s most famous poets, the Ottawa Senators Foundation is hosting a Robbie Burns Supper for Roger Neilson House at the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club on Saturday, January 25. The event starts with a whisky tasting, and business or traditional Highland attire is requested (dig out those kilts, lads!).
That same day, Montreal’s edition of the Great Canadian Kilt Skate is on at the indoor Patinoire Atrium from 2pm to 4pm.
And on Sunday, January 26, there’s a Robbie Burns Scottish Tea at the Royal Canadian Legion in Almonte. The afternoon event will feature tea, scones and live music, and is a fundraiser for the North Lanark Regional Museum. That afternoon, Bobby Watt & Ecosse will also be celebrating Robbie Burns Day with a show at the Black Sheep Inn in Wakefield.
Enjoy free winter fun at Lac-Simon
Sépaq is Quebec’s province-wide parks authority. As part of its winter open house day on Saturday, January 25, many activities at the Centre touristique du Lac-Simon in the Outaouais, including ice fishing and a guided hike, will be free.
Skate, run, drink and raise money for a good cause in Ottawa
The rowdy Carleton Cup Marathon (motto: Skate – Run – Drink) takes place on Saturday, January 25. This fundraiser for cystic fibrosis research includes a few kilometres of skating on the Rideau Canal (weather permitting), a 1K run through the Byward Market, and post-race beers at the Aulde Dubliner and Pour House.
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