This week’s Heads Up post has tips on everything from a Nordic-style spa in Hintonburg and a clothes shop Kemptville to a historic ship in Kingston, a Wakefield hotel with its own waterfall, and Dan Aykroyd’s secret island near Kingston. And if my brief mention in May of Perth’s Friends-themed cafe intrigued you, I now have a whole article about the place and its charming owner. Enjoy!
You can tour an Edwardian passenger liner in Kingston
Did you know that one of the largest and oldest surviving Edwardian passenger liners is permanently docked in Kingston? SS Keewatin is five years older than Titanic. While considerably smaller than its famous contemporary, Keewatin is a fascinating ship to tour. It shuttled people and cargo between Port McNicoll (near Midland) and what is now Thunder Bay, Ontario, from 1907 until 1965. You can read more about the ship and the tours in my post about Keewatin for Perceptive Travel.
Celebrities share their favourite places with Canadian Geographic
Our Country—Notre Pays is a surprisingly addictive section of the Canadian Geographic website that features celebrities sharing stories of their favourite Canadian places. The magazine collected the tales over several decades, so some reminiscences are from celebs who are no longer with us. In our neck of the woods, Dan Aykroyd talks about his private island near Kingston, Alex Trebek remembers his student days at the University of Ottawa, author Heather O’Neill recalls her time at McGill University and artist Kent Monkman talks about his PEC farm.
Perth Friends cafe serves up smoothies and nostalgia
Remember that I briefly mentioned a Friends-themed cafe in Perth in a May Heads Up post? Well, now you can read more about it in my Ottawa Business Journal story about Central Perth.
Wellington West has a Nordic spa and fancy cocktails
Speaking of the Ottawa Business Journal: My latest road tripping column for OBJ is an in-town adventure along Wellington Street West. It starts with a Nordic-style circuit (hot, cold, relax, repeat) at Uppliva Spa in Hintonburg and winds up with charcuterie and craft cocktails at Bar Lupulus.
Tourisme Outaouais highlights the Moulin Wakefield Mill
Ever wondered what it’s like to stay at the Moulin Wakefield Mill Hôtel & Spa? This new post from Tourisme Outaouais has some very pretty pictures of the historic property, including its guest rooms, restaurant, outdoor pool and waterfall.
Mama’s Cheeky Boutique moves to bigger digs
The uniquely named Mama’s Cheeky Boutique has moved to a new location at 103 Prescott Street in Kemptville. The new digs offer more room for the shop’s stock of clothing, accessories and gifts.
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.