Slowly but surely, live events are returning. This week alone, you can see the Sens take on the Habs, catch a concert in Perth or Pembroke, or see a couple of plays in Ottawa. You could also head to the woods to learn about maple syrup making or forest bathing. Prefer to stay indoors? I have the scoop on an online francophone writers’ festival. Enjoy!
Cheer on your favourite hockey players in Ottawa
On Saturday, February 27, the Ottawa Senators take on a little team you might have heard of called the Montreal Canadiens, at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. Given that Ottawa is full of homesick Montrealers, expect lots of rivalry among fans in the stands for this NHL match. (Above are highlights from the teams’ matchup on October 7, 2021; Ottawa won that one 5–4.)
Head to a sugar bush
One of my favourite things about maple syrup season is that it’s a sign that spring is on its way! And this year, a number of sugar shacks in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais will be opening for visitors. See maple syrup being made, hike on forest trails, nosh on taffy or pancakes, pat barnyard animals, and more. Several sugarbushes are already open for the season or are opening this weekend; see my new sugar shacks post for details. (P.S.: I’ve also updated my list of places to buy local maple syrup, online or in person.)
See a play in Ottawa
This is the final week for Kanata Theatre’s production of Outside Mullingar. The gentle comedy by John Patrick Shanley about a strong-willed Irishwoman and the shy farmer of her dreams runs from February 22 to 26. (If the story sounds familiar, it’s because Shanley also adapted it for the 2020 Emily Blunt film Wild Mountain Thyme.)
Tuesday, February 22, is opening night for Blissful State of Surrender, the new production at Ottawa’s GCTC. Billed as a dramatic comedy, playright Zanita Fejzić’s play tells the story of a Bosnian-Canadian family. Having arrived in Canada as refugees, the members of the Muslim family—parents and their three grown daughters—don’t always see eye to eye. The show runs from February 22 to March 6.
Try forest bathing near Kingston
Have you heard about the Japanese-inspired practice called “forest bathing”? It involves walking through woods slowly and thoughtfully, while reflecting on meditations, as a way to reconnect with nature. Intrigued? You can join a two-hour guided forest bathing walk for families at the Kingston Forest and Nature School in Harrowsmith on Saturday, February 26, starting at 10am.
Discover francophone authors online
The Salon du livre de l’Outaouais is all-virtual this year (February 24 to 27), but that doesn’t mean you can’t still get the latest news on francophone authors from across Canada and beyond. With online events focused on everything from children’s authors to poetry, there’s a lot to tempt fans of francophone literature at this writers’ festival.
Enjoy some laughs in Ottawa
I think we could all use a few good belly laughs after the last few weeks/months/years. If you agree, you’re in luck, as there are several comedy nights on the calendar this week. On Tuesday, February 22, it’s Broadway Laughs: A Stand-Up Comedy Showcase at Broadway Bar and Grill Central on Prince of Wales Drive. On Saturday, February 26, it’s Comedy Night at the One Up in New Edinburgh. Pour Boy on Somerset Street West hosts a weekly comedy night on Thursdays, as does Meow That’s Hot at Bank and Catherine streets in Centretown.
And while this isn’t solely a comedy show, MIC Drop: A Black History and Legacy Celebration (Sunday, February 27) is billed as an afternoon of poetry, comedy and music, in honour of Black History Month. It features a roster of Femme, BIPOC performers, including Dawn Xanklin and DJ Seiiizi. You can attend in person at the GCTC or via livestream.
Have some family fun in Chelsea
If you’d like to do this, act quickly; you need to register in advance by 4pm on February 22. During Winter Fun Days in Chelsea (February 26 and 27), you can learn to cross-country ski (all equipment will be provided) or participate in a challenge to build Quebec’s biggest snow fort. And if you’re looking for other amusements in the area, don’t miss my guide to Gatineau Park.
See a concert in Ottawa, Perth or Pembroke
There’s lots of live music to choose from this weekend.
Fiddle on Fire II is a concert combining the talents of the Pembroke Symphony Orchestra and eight-time Canadian Fiddle Champion Louis Schryer. It’s on stage at the Pembroke Festival Hall Centre for the Performing Arts on Saturday, February 26.
Also on Saturday, Toronto’s Barrel Boys bring their five-string bluegrass sound and renowned harmonies to the Studio Theatre in Perth.
And finally, Lynne Hanson describes her blend of folk, blues and country as “porch music with a little red dirt.” You can catch the Ottawa-based musician in concert at the Gladstone Theatre on Saturday, February 27, online or via livestream.
Drive carefully: Ice storm warning
If you’re planning to be out and about in the early part of the week (Tuesday and Wednesday), please be aware that there’s an ice storm warning in effect. Here’s the alert for the Ottawa area and here’s the alert for Gatineau.
Looking for more ideas for things to see and do in our region? Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter or pick up a copy of my book, Ottawa Road Trips: Your 100-km Getaway Guide, from which this post is adapted.
As the owner of Ottawa Road Trips, I acknowledge that I live on, work in and travel through the unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation. I am grateful to have the opportunity to be present on this land. Ottawa Road Trips supports Water First, a non-profit organization that helps address water challenges in Indigenous communities in Canada through education, training and meaningful collaboration.