Whether you’re looking for Black Friday bargains on everything from rafting to spas, or you’re hoping to escape winter on a sunny beach, this week’s Heads Up post has something for you. I’ll even tell you about a carpenter who makes tiny reproductions of Perth landmarks in Lego!
Cover photo by Tamanna Rumee on Unsplash.
New Thai restaurant opens in Morrisburg
Courtesy of the excellent Off the Hook newsletter—which covers Cornwall, Akwesasne, and Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Counties—comes this tidbit: The family behind the Nakhon Thai restaurants in Kemptville and Brockville has opened a Thai restaurant in Morrisburg called Tan’s Fusion.
Kids can get their picture taken with the Grinch
Sure, just about every mall gives you the chance to get a photo of your kids on Santa’s knee. But how many places will snap a picture of your tot with the Grinch and/or Krampus? (Krampus, I just learned today, is a horned villain from European legends.) Book in advance to get a photo session with one or both of the bad guys at the Coffin Creek Coffee House in Carleton Place on Saturday, December 7. (P.S.: The organizers promise that the Grinch and Krampus will be on their best, non-scary behaviour.)
Grinchy weather is on its way
The weather this week is going to be unsettled, to say the least. It looks like Ottawa is going to miss the worst of it, but check this post from the Weather Network if you’re planning a road trip. Depending where you’re headed, rain, freezing rain or snow could slow you down. Don’t forget to put on those snow tires and stock up on salt. (I’m patting myself on the back for remembering to get the shovels out of the garage yesterday.)
Porter launches new non-stop connections from Ottawa to Florida
Does the weather forecast have you dreaming of sunnier places? Porter Airlines has just launched two seasonal non-stop connections from Ottawa to Florida. Service between Ottawa and Tampa started on November 22, and flights between Ottawa and Fort Myers will begin on November 28.
P.S.: For more inspiration, see my just-updated list of all the non-stop flight connections between Ottawa and sunshine destinations.
Black Friday deals abound
Looking to save a bit of cash on travel in the upcoming year? Here are some of the Black Friday travel deals that have crossed my desk this week. (And, yes, I know Black Friday started in the U.S., but Canadian companies have enthusiastically joined in!)
- Parc Oméga in Montebello is offering up to 40% off accommodations.
- Ottawa Press and Publishing is offering its travel, hiking and outdoors books (including my two guidebooks) at half price.
- Air Canada has a wide variety of deals on flights, packages, car rentals and more.
- Wilderness Tours Rafting Resort in Foresters Falls (on the Ottawa River) is offering deals of 25% to 50% off select rafting trips, kayaking programs, and kids and teens camps.
- OWL Rafting, also in Foresters Falls, will be offering discounts on 2025 trips from Friday, November 29, until Monday, December 2 (check their site then for details).
- Air Transat has deals on flights and a discount of up to 50% on sun destination packages.
- The Ottawa Senators have a buy-one, get-one deal: Buy tickets to a game in November or December and get free tickets to a January game (only applies to certain games).
- VIA Rail is discounting fares by up to 40%.
- Sunwing is offering up to $1,000 per person off packages for two people to sunshine destinations.
- You could save up to 30% on international tours with G Adventures.
- Strøm Nordic Spa, which has five locations across Quebec, has Black Friday discounts of up to 35%.
Perth carpenter also builds with Lego
Here’s a story that’s just plain fun: a Perth carpenter named Jon Andrews builds intricately detailed replicas of local landmarks…with Lego! Hometown News has the details, with photos.
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.
