45+ things to do in and around Ottawa, April 6 to 12

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Whatever your interest—vintage records, river paddling, hockey, craft markets, live music, theatre, or fashion and dining bargains—there’s something for you in this week’s list of events in Ottawa, the Outaouais, Eastern Ontario and Montreal. And read on to find out where you can gaze at the stars, see new French-language films, see model trains, have your tea leaves read and much more.

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Check out a show for people 55 and over in Ottawa

The Fifty-Five Plus Lifestyle Show is coming to the EY Centre in Ottawa on April 10 and 11. As you meander around booths promoting products aimed at those of a certain age, you can enter draws for all sorts of prizes. Live musical entertainment will include The Canadian Cowboys on April 10 and Alan Doyle on April 11.

Enjoy a film festival in Gatineau

A wide range of French-language movies are screening this week in Gatineau as part of the Festival du film de l’Outaouais (April 9 to 19). The festival features movies from Canada, France and beyond. Note that next week, the festival will have several satellite screenings in Papineauville (April 13 to 15).

Laugh for a good cause on Elgin Street

Live on Elgin is presenting a comedy night on Monday, April 6, featuring Roz Kennery, Christina Muehlberger, Melanie Paige, and The Power of the Mind, and hosted by Christina Flemming. It’s a fundraiser for Ten Oaks Project, which works with 2SLGBTQ+ youth and families.

Dine well in Perth and Prince Edward County

Looking to save money but still dine well? Perthalicious (April 8 to 22) will give you the chance to do just that. Throughout the two-week promotion, 15 Perth restaurants will be offering deals on special three-course prix fixe menus. It’s a great chance to try a new-to-you restaurant or revisit an old favourite.

Similarly, Countylicious (April 9 to 26) is a chance to get a good deal on good food in Prince Edward County. Over a dozen restaurants are offering multi-course prix fixe menus for lunch, dinner or both, starting at $20 per person, excluding gratuities.

Celebrate maple syrup in Aylmer

Rue Principale in downtown Aylmer is the scene for Le Vieux-Aylmer se Sucre le Bec (April 11 and 12), a weekend-long celebration of all things maple. Enjoy live entertainment as you shop for syrup and more.

Get home improvement ideas in Cornwall

The Home & Leisure Expo at the Benson Centre in Cornwall (April 10 to 12) will feature a wide range of exhibitors, including renovation, home decor, landscaping, and health and wellness companies. There will be a makers’ market and a kids’ zone, too. Free admission.

Shop for fashion in Montreal

The Big Fashion Sale by Quebec Designers is coming to the Marché Bonsecours in Montreal from April 9 to 12. Shop for the latest offerings from dozens of fashion and accessories designers.

Eat pancakes in Cornwall

For early risers, the Cornwall Rotary Club is hosting a pancake breakfast at St. John’s Presbyterian Church in Cornwall from 7am to noon Saturday, April 11. Proceeds will benefit the Salvation Army Food Bank.

Meet a photographer in Carleton Place

Black-and-white works by Carleton Place photographer Donna Allen are the subject of a new exhibition, 44 Steps, at the Carleton Place Gallery. You can meet the artist at a vernissage on Sunday, April 12.

Cheer at a game in Ottawa

Want to go to a game this week? You have lots to choose from. In hockey, the Ottawa Senators face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday, April 7, and against the Florida Panthers on Thursday, April 9, both at the Canadian Tire Centre. Meanwhile, the Ottawa Charge will play the Seattle Torrent on Wednesday, April 8, at the Arena at TD Place.

In lacrosse, you can see the last regular season home game of the Ottawa Black Bears on Friday, April 10, when they take on the Toronto Rock at the Canadian Tire Centre. It’s also Fan Appreciation Night.

See the stars near Kaladar

Near the night of the new moon each month, weather permitting, the Lennox and Addington County Dark Sky Viewing Area offers a free Laser-Guided Stargazing Tour on Friday and Saturday nights. Each tour starts about an hour after dusk and lasts approximately 90 minutes. You’ll get a laser-guided tour of the night sky and perhaps peek through a telescope. The next tour nights are April 10 and 11. Even though the tour is free, you should go online to reserve a spot if you’re interested. The viewing area is in Erinsville, just south of where Highway 7 intersects with Highway 41 in Kaladar, Ontario.

Browse for plants in Kingston

The Kingston Botanical Market at the Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning (Saturday, April 11) will showcase rare plants and local botanical artisans. Vendors will be selling plants, pots, hangers, terrariums, art, flowers and more, and there will also be a free plant swap. Admission is by donation, with part of the proceeds going to the Kingston Humane Society.

Thrill to dinosaurs in Nepean

Dino Light is a glow-in-the-dark, prehistoric adventure for kids that blends puppetry, technology and dance. It tells the tale of a famous scientist with magical powers who brings a friendly dinosaur to life. Then the dinosaur meets creatures that light up the darkness and help him discover the meaning of love. There will be two afternoon shows at the Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe on Saturday, April 11.

Paddle the Raisin River near St. Andrews

The arrival of spring means many canoeists are keen to get their paddles in the water. One of the first opportunities of the season is the Raisin River Canoe Race, happening in St. Andrews West (just north of Cornwall) on Saturday, April 11. You can register online in advance. You may also be able to register in person on the day of the race, if space is still available. The event includes a pre-race breakfast in St. Andrews Parish Hall and a post-race dinner at the St. Mary’s Centre in Williamstown.

Get vacation inspiration in Ottawa

Planning your summer vacation? All kinds of exhibitors—representing Canadian and international destinations—will be on hand with ideas at the Travel and Vacation Show at the Rogers Centre in downtown Ottawa (April 11 and 12); seniors aged 60+ are admitted free on Saturday. That same weekend, you could also check out the Ottawa Cottage Life & Backyard Show at the EY Centre (April 10 to 12). Vendors will be on hand selling everything from water toys to barbecues.

Shop for unique items in Ottawa and Merrickville

National Capital Artisans are holding their Spring in Bloom Craft Market at Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School in Orleans on Saturday, April 11.

The Merrickville Spring Makers’ Market (April 11 and 12) will feature a wide range of local artisans. Shop for jewellery, art and many other unique pieces at the Merrickville Community Centre.

Catch a concert in many places

This week’s selection of live music includes shows by local singer-songwriter Emma Lamontagne at the Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe in Nepean, a disco night at the Théâtre de Casino in Gatineau, Jennifer Noxon at the Cedar Hill Schoolhouse in Pakenham, Kellylee Evans at the MERA Schoolhouse in McDonald’s Corners and Tom Allen at the Aultsville Theatre in Cornwall. For links to these and many other shows, see my big concerts list.

Hear Canadian stories in Seeley’s Bay

Storyfest is an annual tradition in the small community of Seeley’s Bay, northeast of Kingston. In this year’s edition on Sunday, April 12, local writer, explorer and raconteur James Raffan will be presenting his latest show, The Road to Reconciliation: Small Steps Toward Re-Thinking Canada. The afternoon of stories, images and songs will also feature Algonquin master birchbark canoe builder Chuck Commanda.

Shop for art in Prescott

In Prescott, you can check out the South Grenville Guild of Fine Art’s spring show and sale, All Aboard for Art (April 10 to 12). It’s taking place at the Royal Canadian Legion branch at 141 Henry Street West, and parking and admission are free.

Test your trivia smarts in Aylmer

The Symmes Inn Museum in Aylmer is hosting a trivia night on Friday, April 10. Questions will focus on local history, and there will be snacks and prizes.

See improv at Arts Court

Ten improv actors from Westboro Improvisational Theatre will be Arts Court on Saturday, April 11. They’ll be creating scenes based on audience suggestions and vying for a coveted $5 (!) prize.

Learn about wellness in Brockville

The Zen Acres shop in Brockville is hosting a Spring Into Spirit and Wellness event on Saturday, April 11. Tarot readers, reiki practitioners, tea leaf readers, Ayurvedic massage providers and other practitioners will be on hand.

Shop for retro records and more in Ottawa

If you like music you can hold in your hand, rather than just stream or download, the Ottawa Record Fair is the place to hunt for vinyl 45s, LPs and EPs, as well as CDs of all descriptions and cassettes. It’s happening at the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre in Centretown on Saturday, April 11.

If the ’90s are your jam, then head to House of Targ in Old Ottawa South on Wednesday, April 8, for Rex Manning Day. Paying homage to an in-store event from the movie Empire Records, the House of Targ night will feature vendors selling ’90s-themed music, collectibles and vintage goods from 5pm to 9pm, and ’90s karaoke from 8pm to 11pm. It’s a fundraiser for Ottawa Stray Cat Rescue.

Take a trucker-inspired tour of the NAC

Camions (fantômes de la liberté) is a 50-minute, French-language audio walking tour of the NAC, suitable for participants aged 9 and up. Delving into the 2022 truckers’ protest in Ottawa, it features voices and stories from a wide range of people and explores concepts such as social justice and democracy. It’s available from April 8 to April 19.

Find great clothes in Montreal

The Montreal version of the Big Fashion Sale by Quebec Designers is happening from April 9 to 12 at the Marché Bonsecours in Old Montreal. It is just what the name implies: a huge event with dozens of fashion and accessories designers gathered all in one place.

See model trains in Prescott

The Prescott Model Train Group is holding its third annual Model Train and Toy Show on Saturday, April 11, at the Leo Boivin Community Centre in Prescott. The fun will include operating layouts, and model train sales and swaps.

Enjoy a play in many places

Plays galore are on stage across our region this week. The comedy Kimberly Akimbo continues at Ottawa Little Theatre, while new productions include the eco-thriller cicadas at the NAC, Pride and Prejudice at the Gladstone Theatre and The Miss Magnolia Senior Citizen Beauty Pageant at the Cobden Agricultural Hall. See my play roundup for details on these and many other shows.

Have breakfast in Carleton Place

The Capt. Roy A. Brown Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion in Carleton Place is hosting a community breakfast on Saturday, April 11. Drop by between 8am and 10:30am for bacon, eggs, pancakes and more. Kids 6 and under eat free.

Browse for bargains on fashion and more in Ottawa and Gatineau

Opportunity Bridal is holding a pop-up sale of new wedding dresses at the Holiday Inn Ottawa East (near St. Laurent Shopping Centre) on Saturday, April 11. The company promises discounts of up to 80 percent on gowns galore.

The Workshop Spring Trunk Sale (April 9 to 12) is a big sale of fashions by Canadian designers at the Next Door Market and Event Space on Gladstone Avenue in Little Italy. Samples, old styles and more will be available for up to 70% off.

Over in the Hull sector of Gatineau, La Grande Fripe (April 10 and 11) bills itself as “the biggest second-hand clothing and accessories sale in the Outaouais.” Bring a reusable bag to cart your treasures home.

And on Sunday, April 12, the Canterbury Community Association is holding its Gigantic Garage Sale at the Canterbury Community Centre in Alta Vista, from 10am to 2pm.

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.