I have lots of restaurant news in this week’s post, including the scoop on two pop-up restaurants in Perth, a dining challenge in the Glebe and, sadly, the closing of a lovely little bistro in Alexandria. You’ll also find out about new, non-stop flights between Ottawa and five winter vacation destinations, and about Belleville’s bid to host the World’s Biggest Yard Sale.
The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino opens in Ottawa
As of Thursday, July 3, the former Rideau-Carleton Raceway will officially be known as Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa. Two big-name shows will entertain guests during opening week: David Foster and Katharine McPhee (see video above) on Thursday, July 3, and Avril Lavigne on Saturday, July 5.
Belleville to host new indie music festival
The first-ever Beautiful View Music Festival is happening in Belleville on Saturday, September 13. Multiple indie acts are slated to hit the stage, and the daytime concerts are free! You do need to get a free pass online, though. In the evening, there’s a concert featuring Julie Doiron, Hayden and Bells Larsen, which requires paid tickets.
Speaking of Belleville ….
… the city is aiming to break the record for World’s Biggest Yard Sale on Saturday, July 19. It’s a fundraiser for United Way Hastings and Prince Edward.
You could win $1,500 to spend at Glebe restaurants
This summer, the Glebe BIA is holding a Wine & Dine passport challenge. Here’s how it works. Pick up a passport at any of the 10 participating restaurants. Spend $75 (before tax and tip) at a participating restaurant to get a passport stamp. Collect stamps from at least seven of the restaurants by September 14 and you can enter a draw for a $1,500 grand prize, consisting of a $150 gift card from each of the 10 restaurants.
A new hiking trail has opened in Renfrew
The Bonnechere River Hiking Trail is a short, new trail that opened in Renfrew on July 1. How short? I haven’t been able to find a definitive answer, but from the project’s website, it looks to be about 1.9 kilometres right now, with the potential for further expansion.
Porter announces non-stop flights to sunshine destinations
Good news for snowbirds: Porter Airlines has just announced non-stop service between Ottawa International Airport and five sunny winter destinations. Starting in December 2025, travellers will be able to fly non-stop on Porter to Cancun, Mexico; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Nassau, Bahamas; Grand Cayman; and Liberia, Costa Rica.
Pop-up restaurants are opening in Perth this summer
Terrace on the Tay is a pop-up restaurant location next to Stewart Park and overlooking the Tay River in Perth. This summer, it will play host to two pop-up restaurants: Pik-a-Pizza Canteen (July 2 to 14), whose name is self-explanatory, and The Hungry Planet (July 17 to August 31), which will be dishing up international specialties.
Alexandria bistro is set to close in August
Sad news from Alexandria: the Marché du Buvette bistro will be permanently closing on Saturday, August 23. It’s a lovely little spot that I’ve written about before. So if your travels take you to Alexandria this summer, check it out before it disappears.
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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.