Read this week’s Heads Up post to learn how you can save 30 percent on an Ottawa family fun pass, treat Mom to some fun on Mother’s Day, score free admission to local museums, avoid a nasty tick encounter or peek behind the doors of some fascinating buildings. And if you’ve ever dreamed of raising goats, do I have the sale for you.
VIA has a new early-morning train and a 40% discount offer
If you’re a morning person and you need to get to Toronto early in the day, perhaps you’ll be interested in VIA Rail’s newest addition to its Ottawa-to-Toronto service. According to this CP 24 story, Train 641 will leave Ottawa at 4:19am daily, from Monday through Thursday. It will stop in Kingston, Brockville and Cobourg en route to Toronto, where it is scheduled to arrive at 8:48am. The new service is set to begin on May 29 and you can book tickets now.
P.S.: VIA Rail is also offering up to 40% off summer fares on a wide variety of routes and trains, if you book by May 7.
You can save money on Ottawa family activities this summer
Planning a staycation with the kids? Then you might want to check out the Ottawa Summer Savings Pass from Ottawa Tourism. It’s aimed at visitors, so you’ll have to cram all the activities into a three-day timeframe. Depending how energetic you are, you can enjoy up to seven activities, such as the drive-through wildlife preserve at Parc Oméga, the Haunted Walk, the Mountain Coaster at Camp Fortune and bike rentals. Heck, the pass even includes a BeaverTail! If you purchase by June 16, you can get 30% off the regular price.
It’s not too late to plan for Mother’s Day
There are those organized folks who plan special fun for their moms months in advance. And then are those who don’t remember the big day is coming until it’s practically here. If you’re in the latter camp, don’t despair! Tickets and tables are still available for the following special events and meals (but don’t procrastinate):
- Mother’s Day high tea (on Saturday) at the African, Caribbean and Black Wellness Resource Centre in Ottawa
- Mother’s Day playdate retreat (on Saturday) at Monkey Bar Fitness in Orleans
- Mother’s Day Eve dinner and Brazilian music show (on Saturday) at Festival Japan in Ottawa
- Mother’s Day brunch at the Herb Garden in Almonte
- Mother’s Day brunch at CC’s on the Rideau in Rideau Ferry
- Mother’s Day brunch buffet (moms eat free) at Moose McGuire’s in Orleans
- Mother’s Day brunch at Le Vignoble de Chelsea in Chelsea
- Mother’s Day brunch at Catered Affairs in Kemptville
- Mother’s Day escape rooms at Escape Manor in Ottawa (Elgin and Hintonburg locations)
- Mother’s Day Mom & me manicures at Aphroditi Escape Spa and Salon in Kemptville
- Mother’s Day lunch and dinner at Biagio’s Kitchen + Catering in Ottawa
CTV Ottawa has tips for free fun
With the prices of just about everything hitting the stratosphere, we’re probably all eager to hear about fun things to do for free. CTV Ottawa has rounded up a dozen free things to enjoy this spring, including beaches, parks, tulips and museums.
A Merrickville farm is selling its goats
Chatterfield Farm in Merrickville is looking for new homes for its beloved goats. If you or anyone you know is in the market for any, check out the farm’s Facebook post.
Communities across Ontario have announced their Doors Open dates
Doors Open is a popular free festival that sees cool buildings opening their doors to the public. Close to 30 communities across Ontario have announced their 2024 Doors Open dates, including Ottawa (June 1 and 2), Loyalist Township (June 15), Kingston and Area (July 20), Cornwall and SDG Counties (August 17 and 18), Belleville (September 7), Carleton Place (September 14) and Mississippi Mills (September 22).
Ticks are on the move
This uncharacteristically mild spring has ticks out and about earlier than usual. CBC Ottawa has some good tips on dodging the pesky pests when you’re out on the trails and dealing with a tick if one does latch onto you.
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.