It’s not too late to get tickets for a popular Christmas home tour, to camp in the Outaouais or to register your vote for Kingston’s official bird—just read this week’s Heads Up post for details! I also have the scoop on Ottawa Tourism’s new rom-com, an upcoming fundraising walk, and some airline and rail developments.
Tickets are available for the Vankleek Hill Christmas Home Tour
Attention, home decor mavens: Tickets are available now for the Vankleek Hill Christmas Home Tour. The event on Saturday, November 8, will showcase six festively decorated homes in the community about an hour’s drive east of Ottawa. [UPDATED TO CORRECT THE DATE.]
Kingston is holding a vote for its official bird
Hey, Kingstonians: You have the chance to vote for the city’s official bird. The poll is part of Kingston’s bid to become known as a bird-friendly city. The ballot includes all sorts of birds, from the humble house wren and the colourful northern cardinal to the distinctive eastern screech owl and pileated woodpecker. You have until October 3 to choose your champion.
You can sign up now to walk for a good cause
Light the Night is a fundraising walk for leukemia and lymphoma research and support services. This year’s Ottawa walk is taking place at the Canadian War Museum on Saturday, October 25. Sign up now so you’ll have lots of time to rustle up funds from your nearest and dearest for this cause that’s near and dear to my heart.
Trailer for Ottawa Tourism’s rom-com is on YouTube
Sure, we all know that Ottawa and Eastern Ontario are popular filming locations for romantic comedies. But did you know that Ottawa Tourism has commissioned its own 17-minute rom-com? Written by local public service employee Graeme Archibald, Magic on Set tells the story of Sarah, a Hollywood actress who falls for an Ottawa baker named David while she’s in town making a movie. (Not coincidentally, the flick promotes Ottawa as a great filming location.) In November, after Magic on Set premieres in Toronto, you’ll be able to watch it on Ottawa Tourism’s YouTube channel and on Air Canada flights. For now, you’ll have to make do with the trailer above.
It’s not too late to camp in the Outaouais
In the mood for a little fall camping? Tourisme Outaouais suggests a few fall campgrounds to check out—including one where the tents are suspended from the trees!
P.S.: Speaking of fall, don’t forget to check out my post outlining lots of great spots to enjoy the fall colours.
Air Canada is temporarily suspending Ottawa–London service
As expected, Air Canada is suspending its direct Ottawa-to-London flights for the winter. The last flight for the season will be on October 25, 2025. The airline plans to start service on this route again on March 30, 2026.
These trains won’t stop here
Speaking of transport: On September 29, VIA Rail will start testing a new non-stop service between Montreal and Toronto. That means, several times a day, trains will power right past Cornwall, Brockville, Gananoque, Kingston and Belleville without stopping. Don’t panic, though; VIA will still be running lots of trains that do stop in Eastern Ontario en route between Montreal and Toronto.
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.
