OK, I’ve settled on a name for my new weekly roundup of deals, alerts and other timely tips: “Heads Up.” Watch for a column like this every week on the website (probably on Sundays, but I’m still trying to determine which day of the week works best).
This week, I have the inside scoop (pardon the pun) on the re-opening of a popular Merrickville ice cream shop, as well as early-bird prices on a marathon and a bike ride, a concert by one of Canada’s best-known folk singers, a posh new lounge in Montreal, and a new Canadian website for family travel. Read on for lots of quick tips you can use right now.
Valdy is playing McDonalds Corners
Heads up, all you folkies of a certain age (I know you’re out there). Canadian folk icon Valdy is giving an afternoon concert at the MERA Schoolhouse in McDonald’s Corners on Sunday, April 21. I suspect this one will sell out quite a while in advance.
Merrickville ice cream shop re-opens under new ownership
The Downtowne Ice Cream Shoppe at 165 St. Lawrence Street in Merrickville has re-opened. The new owners have kept the same name and are working with the previous owners to make the same recipes.
Montreal hotel opens fancy winter lounge
Until March 30, guests at the W Hotel Montreal can enjoy a special perk on Friday and Saturday nights: the W Insider Lounge. From 5pm to 8pm on Friday and Saturday nights, you can get a complimentary cocktail as a DJ spins cool tunes, and get the scoop on local events and attractions.
Family Traveller launches Canadian website with Florida contest
Family Traveller, a U.K.-based website providing travel planning tips for families of all ages, has launched a new site, Family Traveller Canada. It’s currently running a contest for a family trip to Pensacola, Florida; details are on the home page linked above.
You can sign up for a marathon, obstacle course, ride or walk
Attention, runners: Last year, the St. Lawrence Marathon in Cornwall sold out at least a month in advance. So if you’re keen, I’d register now. The event takes place on Saturday, April 27.
Also for competitive types: Early-bird registration now available for Cannonball Crush, a 5km obstacle course race taking place at Fort Henry in Kingston on Saturday, June 8. You can save $15 if you sign up by March 28.
Early-bird rates are available until April 16 for the CN Cycle for CHEO, an Ottawa fundraising event for kids with cancer on Sunday, May 5. New this year is a 100km Century Ride, with a registration cap of 500 participants. There are also 15km, 35km and 70km cycling routes, as well as 2km and 5km walking routes.
Passes available for two big events at TD Place
Would you rather cheer for athletes than get sweaty yourself? Passes for the Wrestling Canada Championships (March 14 to 17) and Ottawa games of the Volleyball Nations League tournament (June 4 to 9) are available now. (Tickets for both events are available on the same web page.)
Rental cars for eclipse destinations are going quickly
According to Matador Network, demand for rental cars is skyrocketing along the path of totality of the April 8, 2024, total eclipse. The website adds that hotel prices and flights are also in high demand. Fortunately, Eastern Ontario lies right in the path of the eclipse, so we won’t have to go far (or, in some cases, anywhere) to see it. Don’t miss my eclipse planning guide if you want to be in the right place on the big day.
Looking for more tips on things to see and do in and around Ottawa? Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter or order a copy of my book, Ottawa Road Trips: Your 100-km Getaway Guide.
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.