Don’t miss the chance to sign up for an art or writing workshop, join a free beach book club, or enjoy a restorative nature retreat. I also have the scoop on two hot ticket shows for families, spring fun in the Outaouais and the history of Vanier’s sugar shack. In the sad news category, there’s the cancellation of the Goo Goo Dolls’ Ottawa show and the end of harness racing at Rideau Carleton Raceway. Read on for all the details.
Goo Goo Dolls cancel Ottawa show
If you were planning to head to the Canadian Tire Centre on Monday, April 6, to see the Goo Goo Dolls in concert, don’t! The band has cancelled its Ottawa show because frontman John Rzeznik has pneumonia.
Spring fun abounds in the Outaouais
Outaouais Tourism has come up with a list of 70 ways to enjoy spring in the Outaouais, covering everything from bird watching and macarons to alpacas, picnics and pedicures.
Writing workshop coming up in Alexandria
Looking to start or shake up a writing practice? An upcoming writing workshop in Alexandra may be just the thing. Writer, artist and educator Jessica MacLeod will lead a maximum of 14 participants through exercises designed to get them unstuck, inspired by art and literature. It’s happening at the Alexandria Retreat on Saturday, April 25.
Horse racing ends at Rideau Carleton Raceway
Horses have raced around the track at Rideau Carleton Raceway for the last time. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa recently announced the end of the track’s harness-racing program, effective immediately. This CBC story features comments from some of the farmers and racers affected by the decision.
Vanier sugar shack is unique
Did you know that the Vanier sugar shack—rebuilt a few years ago after a devastating fire—is now a state-of-the-art example of a maple syrup operation? Or that it claims to be the world’s only urban sugar shack? Read this fascinating Ottawa Citizen story by Lynn Saxberg to learn more.
Nature retreat offers respite for clinicians and other helpers
Doctors, nurses and other professional helpers spend their days giving to others. On Friday, April 24, they’ll have a chance to receive, during a restorative day at Frontenac Provincial Park near Sydenham. Facilitated by a nature guide and a psychotherapist, the day will include experiential learning, a farm-to-table lunch, and time for reflection. Register by April 10. (P.S.: If you’re interested in this sort of activity but you’re not a clinician, you might like the three-day Solstice Women’s Retreat in late June, also organized by The Wild Edge.)
Register now for art workshops in Carleton Place and Prescott
Registrations are open for an art journaling and altered book workshop at the Carleton Place Gallery on Saturday, April 18. Artist Anne Waburton will guide participants to alter used books to create vibrant, meaningful journals. Bring any materials you’d like to incorporate, such as photos, paper items, fabric or old magazines; other supplies will be available, too. The workshop includes a light lunch.
You can also sign up now for a two-part wet felted wool workshop, taking place at the Prescott Library on April 26 and May 3. All you’ll need to bring is an old bath towel and a spray bottle; all other materials will be supplied.
Book club will meet at Britannia Beach
Book Club by the Beach is returning to Britannia Beach at 2pm on Tuesday, May 12. So why am I mentioning it now? To give you time to read the featured book! That would be My Friends by Fredrik Backman. The event is free.
Hot-ticket shows for kids at TD Place
If you have kids or grandkids to entertain, here’s a heads-up on two shows coming to the Arena at TD Place that will likely be popular.
First up is The Wiggles: Tree of Wisdom Spectacular on Wednesday, August 26. This one is such a hot ticket that the promoters have already added a second show. In case you don’t know them, The Wiggles are an Australian musical group that has been entertaining preschoolers since 1991.
Next comes K-Pop Infinity (Friday, November 13). Granted, the Korean pop music genre that’s taken over the world isn’t only for kids. But tweens and teens will likely be particularly taken by this musical theatre show, which uses lots of K-pop hits to tell the story of a group of students at the futuristic Infinity Academy who race against time to save a beloved teacher. The promoters promise lots of singing, dancing and special effects.
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.
