Whether you’d like to save 40 percent on tickets to a September festival, take a bus to Montréal’s airport, jump in the river near the Canadian Museum of History, relax on a shaded seat in the ByWard Market or go on a free archaeological dig, you’ll find useful intel in this week’s Heads Up post. I also have the scoop on a new tick danger, today’s scary weather forecast and the reason our air looks so yellow lately. Read on!
Events
Photo courtesy of the National Capital Commission.
The National Capital Commission (NCC) has announced the 2026 dates for its popular archeological digs. They’ll take place between August 4 and 30 at two locations, Leamy Lake and Philippe Lake. Registration for the Leamy Lake digs will open soon; I’d keep watching the website if you’re keen, because spots usually get snapped up quickly. The Philippe Lake digs will be open to everyone on a first-come, first-served basis. All of the digs are free of charge.
OK, this is my kind of race! The Great Big Cookie Run, taking place in Ottawa on Saturday, October 24, is a fundraiser for the Girl Guides of Canada. Everyone who runs, walks or rolls the 5K adult/youth course or the 1K course for kids will receive Girl Guide cookies at end of the race. Registration is open now.
Discounts and deals
Planning a train trip soon? VIA Rail’s Tuesday deal this week is a $10 discount on select trains in the Quebec City–Windsor corridor, if you book by midnight tonight (July 14) and travel between July 21 and 28.
You can save 40 percent on tickets to the Latin Sparks festival, happening on Saturday, September 5, on LeBreton Flats. Presale tickets are going for $34.99, rather than the regular price of $59.99. The festival features bachata and salsa dance classes, food trucks, dance battles, and lots of live and DJ’d Latin music.
Other news
CTV News Ottawa’s latest One-Tank Trip focuses on Uplå, a treetop trampoline attraction in Val-des-Monts. (See video above.)
The NCC’s new dock on the Ottawa River behind the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau is now open for swimmers.
Air Canada has launched a new shuttle bus between downtown Montréal and Montréal-Trudeau International Airport. A one-way ticket costs $9 plus taxes.
Speaking of Montréal, did you know that Orléans Express offers bus service from Ottawa and Gatineau to Montréal-Trudeau International Airport and downtown Montréal? (See my post on travelling from Ottawa by bus and train for lots of other transit tips.)
I just came across this contest for a two-night trip for two to Kingston. Enter by July 24.
A new, temporary public space has opened in the ByWard Market on George Street, just west of the ByWard Market Building. Carré ByWard Square features pop-up shops, play structures and shaded seating, and there will be 24/7 security. It will be in place until September 27.
The water tower is a well-known downtown Smiths Falls landmark.
The water tower that has dominated the Smiths Falls skyline for 102 years will likely be demolished. Town councillors recently decided against commissioning an engineering feasibility review of the old structure, which has already been replaced by a new water tower.
Wondering why the air has been looking hazy in our region lately? Québec wildfires are to blame. Be careful outdoors if you have any sort of breathing issues.
The weather forecast for Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais for Tuesday, July 14, is a bit worrisome, with the possibility of hail and/or tornadoes. If you see or hear an alert, please take it seriously. And you might want to charge up your devices, power banks and batteries in advance, just in case.
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.
