The last few weeks have been a tour of some of the gems Ottawa has to offer, and it makes me excited for the summer to come.
I hit up the chocolate factory in Almonte, checked out the flea market at Lansdowne before then attending a Pride-themed PWHL game, went to a sugar shack, and saw the Breakfast Club at the Bytowne. All were teeming with life.
There’s a certain appreciation for places that I have during my travels that I sometimes forget to apply back home. A certain awe. It’s a mistake, because Ottawa has a lot on offer.
I see people dismiss this place on account of the small town vibe, the dilapidated and lethargic city center, and the lack of mountains and ocean. And if you don’t know where to look, or don’t have access to a car, this place will absolutely be hard to appreciate. But if you know better and have wheels, it’s lovely – doubly so in warm weather.
Nature is accessible here. Heck, there’s a lake to swim in surrounded by trees a short walk from my downtown-adjacent neighbourhood. There’s a whitewater kayaking/canoeing course right downtown, at the Pumphouse. Take a drink at the Tavern by the Falls – great view and rarely busy.
Towns like Almonte and Wakefield offer Hallmark-movie perfect day trips. There’s off-road trails for my Jeep throughout Eastern Ontario. The Baskatong Reservoir is a great kayaking destination, and don’t forget to hit up the binerie in Kazabazua on the way back. There’s a dark sky preserve in the Frontenac Park. Hike to the Wilson Carbide Ruins and swim in Meech Lake. Boulder by Eagle’s Nest. Backcountry camp in Algonquin Park. Watch a movie at the drive-in in Port Elmsley. Get little things for the kitchen at Makerhouse.
Summers bring out the best in Ottawa, and mine has already started.