Do you like to save money? Keep reading to find out how you can get a $100 gift card just by staying overnight in Kingston. Does the thought of the coming winter have you shivering? Tourisme Outaouais has tips on places to cocoon when the temperature drops. In this Heads Up post, you’ll also learn about a small-town Christmas shopping event, two chili competitions, a country star whose shows are hot tickets in Burnstown, and one chef’s votes for the best poutine places in Montreal.
Stay in Kingston and get a $100 Visa gift card
Book an overnight stay in Kingston between November 18 and December 22, and you’ll get a $100 Visa gift card on selected hotel packages. The Visit Kingston list of packages adds the caveat “while supplies last” to the gift card offers, so you might want to look into this soon if you’re keen. Some hotels are offering different perks if you book, such as food and beverage credits or afternoon tea.
And if you’re heading to Kingston anyway…
…why not do some small-town Christmas shopping along the way? The Local Christmas Shop and Hop (November 29 to December 1) is a three-day promotion showcasing stores in Lansdowne, Lyndhurst, Seeley’s Bay, Delta and Elgin. The five small communities are northeast of Kingston, along some pretty back roads. Collect stamps from retailers to be eligible to win one of 32 gift certificates.
Act quickly if you want to see Jason Blaine in Burnstown
Pembroke’s own country superstar Jason Blaine is playing two shows at the Neat Coffee Shop in Burnstown next month. The December 6 concert is already sold out, but some tickets remain for his December 7 show. (P.S.: He’ll also be playing at the Ottawa Senators’ game against the Detroit Red Wings on December 5.)
Tourisme Outaouais has a few cozy suggestions
As someone who is perpetually cold from November through March, I love this Tourisme Outaouais blog post packed with ideas for staying warm and cozy across the Outaouais. From four-season camping domes and steamy spas to places to enjoy coffee and baked treats, there’s lots of inspiration here.
Early-bird tickets to the Originals Christmas Craft Sale are available
Planning to head to the Originals Christmas Craft Sale, taking place at the EY Centre from December 4 to 8? You can save 25 percent on admission by buying an early-bird ticket online. (P.S.: If you like Christmas craft sales, don’t miss my giant list of holiday markets.)
Montreal chef praises his favourite Montreal poutines
Long-time Ottawa Road Trips readers will know my feelings on poutine. (Alas, I’m a bad Canadian, as I’m no fan of the dish. But, hey, I do like Nanaimo bars and butter tarts, so don’t revoke my passport just yet.) If you ARE a fan of fries, cheese curds and gravy, a top Montreal snack bar owner pinpoints his faves across his city in this BBC article. And, speaking of picking favourites…
Firefighters pick Ottawa’s best chili…and you can, too
Well, OK, they only had three options to choose from. But in advance of Grey Cup weekend, a group of Ottawa firefighters sampled three bowls of chili on CTV Morning Live and voted for the meatiest.
If you’re envious of those firefighters, take heart: You can go to the Great Stray Dog Chili Challenge at Stray Dog Brewing in Orleans on Sunday, November 24. Celebrities will be judging the chilis made by a range of local restaurants, and diners can vote for the People’s Choice award. (A tip of the hat to The Ottawan for making me aware of this one.)
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.
