What’s Happening In Ottawa This Week: This is a busy week in Ottawa, where lots of events are planned to keep people from all over the city interested. There are so many exciting cultural events going on in the city. You can watch the Ottawa 67’s play hockey at TD Place or the Ottawa Musicals’ Sleeping Beauty – An Annual Panto at the Gladstone Theatre.
For music fans, the Shenkman Arts Centre has the Hotel California – the Original Eagles Tribute on Saturday and Sunday. This one-of-a-kind show honors the Eagles’ famous songs.
As the Christmas season comes to an end, take advantage of the last weekend of Magic of Lights at Wesley Clover Parks. You can drive through a magical world of lights. The amazing show uses the newest LED technology and computer graphics to make a feast for all the senses.
As part of the Winter Lights Across Canada program, downtown Ottawa and Gatineau are lit up with thousands of lights. These lights cast a beautiful glow on important sites like the National War Memorial, Confederation Park, Jacques-Cartier Park, Portage Park, and the Supreme Court of Canada.
You are about to start a week full of different events that honor the arts, sports, and the fun atmosphere in the middle of Ottawa.
Ottawa History
The first people to live in the Ottawa area were from the Algonquin First Nation. They built cities around the Ottawa River valley. The Ottawa tribe did stay for a short time in the middle of the 1600s, but their main home range was farther west on Lake Huron. The Ottomans were well-known for being traders who took part in the local fur trade. Their name is thought to come from an Algonquian word that means “to trade.”
The father of New France, Samuel de Champlain, first wrote about the area that is now Ottawa in 1613. Over the next few decades, the rivers were important routes for explorers and fur sellers. After the Treaty of Paris in 1763, which gave Great Britain New France, the Napoleonic Wars increased Britain’s need for wood for building ships, which led to more people moving to the Ottawa River valley.
In 1800, Philemon Wright and a group of farmers from Massachusetts built Wrightsville, which was the first stable town in the area. This helped the timber trade grow. In the 1810s, stable settlements began to appear on the south shore of the river. This was done because the St. Lawrence River was at risk during the War of 1812. Thank you. From 1826 to 1832, Col. John By oversaw the building of the Rideau Canal and planned a town site on the south side, which he called Bytown. It was made a town in 1850 and a city in 1855, and it still stands as a reminder of the area’s rich history and important role in Canada’s development.
What are the best things to do in Ottawa?
The beautiful Gothic revival building on Parliament Hill, which is on the southern shore of the Ottawa River, is a symbol of Canadian pride. Along with the famous Peace Tower and other statues, the complex makes for a beautiful setting in the riverfront farmland. The Peace Tower’s bells that chime every quarter-hour make it even more interesting. Free guided tours let you see inside the legislative buildings, putting you right in the middle of the Canadian government.
The Rideau Canal is over 200 kilometers long and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its historical importance. The canal has hand-operated locks and blockhouses that have been preserved. In the summer, it becomes a recreational sanctuary where boat tours offer unique views of Ottawa’s animals and landscapes. It turns into the biggest public ice rink in the world in the winter.
Byward Market is Ottawa’s lively outdoor market, where you can see fresh veggies from local farmers and buy a lot of local goods and crafts. The old gardens with trees for shade and roads that connect them make for a beautiful scene. There are specialty snack bars, cafés, art galleries, and fashion stores in the area around the market that add to its busyness. There are also more tourist attractions close to historical sites like Clarendon Court.
Why choose Ottawa
“Ottawa, a city embraced by the testimonies of individuals from diverse backgrounds, stands out as a green and environmentally friendly haven with an abundance of parks. Andrei from the Republic of Belarus commends the city’s balanced size and the array of services like LINK, OSICO, and Algonquin College, making it an ideal starting point for new immigrants embarking on their Canadian journey.
Anja from Germany emphasizes the allure of local professional opportunities, the city’s welcoming environment, and its cultural advantages, offering a middle ground between the bustle of Toronto and the charm of a capital city. She highlights the value of exploring multiple preselected places before settling, a process that enriched their understanding and certainty about where to make their home.
Cristina from Romania paints a vibrant picture of Ottawa, portraying it as a safe, clean, and bike-friendly city with a thriving arts and culture scene. The abundance of outdoor activities, from bike trails turning into ski trails to the scenic Rideau Canal, lends the city a resort-like ambiance. She also underscores the warm, friendly community that characterizes Ottawa, encapsulating the sentiment of a ‘big city with a small-town feeling.’
Hashm from Iraq succinctly expresses the essence of Ottawa as a safe and quiet town with a remarkable community. Lastly, the sentiments of the anonymous contributor resonate with many, praising Ottawa for its safety, friendly reception to newcomers, recreational options, cleanliness, and the support offered by numerous immigrant-serving organizations, making it a well-rounded choice for settlement and a place to call home.”
What’s happening in Ottawa this weekend: Jan. 5-7
Catch the Ottawa 67’s in action twice this weekend at TD Place. On Friday night, they’ll be hosting the North Bay Battalion at 7 p.m., followed by a Saturday encounter against the Kingston Frontenacs at 3 p.m.
For a beautiful family adventure, witness the magical performance of Sleeping Beauty – An Annual Panto presented by Ottawa Musicals at the iconic Gladstone Theatre till Sunday.
Experience the nostalgia of the Eagles with Hotel California – the Original Eagles Tribute at the Shenkman Arts Centre on both Saturday and Sunday.
Take advantage of the final weekend of the immersive Magic of Lights at Wesley Clover Parks. This drive-thru holiday lights experience displays your favorite holiday themes and characters employing cutting-edge LED technology and digital animations, concluding on Saturday.
Delight in the Winter Lights Across Canada program, where thousands of lights illuminate downtown Ottawa and Gatineau this weekend as part of the Pathway of Lights. The National War Memorial, Confederation Park, Jacques-Cartier Park, Portage Park, and the Supreme Court of Canada will be magnificently lit during the holidays, offering a festive ambiance to treasure.
Family musical at the Gladstone Theatre until Sunday.
Embark on a thrilling adventure with the family as the Gladstone Theatre in Ottawa shows a fascinating family musical till Sunday. This wonderful performance promises to be a lovely experience for all ages, providing a fantastic opportunity for families to join together and share memorable memories. The Gladstone Theatre, famous for its peculiar charm and modest setting, sets the stage for a theatrical adventure that transcends decades.
Attendees may expect a beautiful spectacle that combines music, storytelling, and visual grandeur to transport them into a realm of wonder and fantasy. Whether it’s the fantastic cast, the painstakingly crafted sets, or the moving narrative, this family musical at the Gladstone Theatre tries to evoke delight and make a lasting impression on every member of the audience.
As the curtains rise and the lights illuminate the stage, families are invited to immerse themselves in the enchantment of live theater, where every note, every phrase, and every scene contributes to a shared experience of laughter, wonder, and perhaps a touch of nostalgia. Take the chance to be part of this limited-time engagement that promises to be a highlight of the weekend for families seeking clean entertainment and a bit of theatrical enchantment.
Why is Ottawa important today?
Ottawa has the highest proportion of university-educated residents among Canadian cities and is home to several colleges and universities, research and cultural institutions, including the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, Algonquin College, the National Arts Centre, the National Gallery of Canada; and …
Ottawa acts as Canada’s political capital and functions as the central headquarters for the federal government. The city hosts a number of foreign embassies, essential government bodies, and prominent institutions, such as the Parliament of Canada, the Supreme Court, the official residence of Canada’s ruler, and the Office of the Prime Minister.
Originally established in 1826 as Bytown and later incorporated as Ottawa in 1855, the city’s limits saw expansions through several annexations, culminating in a thorough city incorporation and amalgamation in 2001. The municipal administration of Ottawa is governed by the City of Ottawa Act of the Government of Ontario, and it is comprised of an elected city council representing 24 wards and a mayor elected at large.
Ottawa has the highest proportion of university-educated citizens of any Canadian city. The city is home to prestigious educational institutions such as the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, and Algonquin College. Ottawa is also home to many important research and cultural institutions, such as the National Arts Centre, the National Gallery of Canada, and a number of national museums and historic sites. Ottawa is one of Canada’s most popular tourist destinations, and every year, it gets over 11 million visitors. These visitors bring in more than $2.2 billion, which is very good for the city’s economy.
Why is Ottawa so famous?
As Canada’s capital, Ottawa attracts people from all over the world to tour its historic sites and landmarks, enjoy its arts and culture, and appreciate its sights and sounds. Ottawa is recognized as a beautiful city by day and night, where families and visitors of all ages will find something to enjoy.
“Ottawa stands out as a green and environmentally friendly city, adorned with numerous parks that contribute to its scenic beauty. Striking a balance between size and accessibility, the city offers a range of services, including LINK, OSICO, and Algonquin College, providing a welcoming environment for newcomers like myself to embark on a new life in Canada.” – Andrei, from Belarus.
“For us, Ottawa became the obvious choice due to its local professional opportunities, appealing environment, and the unique advantage of being a capital city without the overwhelming size of Toronto. Our meticulous exploration of various preselected places across two provinces, consulting job centers, and immigration services, allowed us to acclimate to Canada mentally. After this journey, we were unequivocally certain about our decision to settle here.” – Anja, from Germany.
“Ottawa, with its safety, cleanliness, and bike-friendly layout, offers a vibrant arts and culture scene that is both enriching and financially accessible. Beyond the bustling city core, it provides an array of outdoor activities reminiscent of a resort, from bike trails transforming into ski paths in winter to the picturesque Rideau Canal for kayaking and skating; Ottawa caters to outdoor enthusiasts.”
Why are people moving to Ottawa?
Many people move to Ottawa for its great job opportunities.
While the Federal Government is the city’s biggest employer, there are also many jobs in high-tech industries and health and education.
If you want to experience the best of both city life and country life, move to Ottawa. This city has more than 1.05 million residents and is a great mix of big-city opportunities and small-city peace and quiet. Ottawa’s skyline is made up of tall buildings, historic sites, large parks, and a lively arts and culture scene.
While Montreal and Toronto are busy, Ottawa is known for its calm atmosphere, which draws people who value sports and nature over nightlife. Ottawa is a great place to raise a family because it is known for being peaceful. The city is home to many different languages and cultures, which makes it very appealing to newcomers who want to live in a place with a lot of cultural diversity. Around 50% of people in Ottawa talk to each other in English, 30% in French, and the rest in a mix of languages, making the city a melting pot of different languages.
Even though you don’t have to be fluent in French to live in the city, being close to Quebec means you will hear it a lot, which makes some people want to learn a few key phrases. Notably, being bilingual is often a requirement for jobs in the government. Ottawa is appealing for more reasons than just its rich cultural heritage. It also has the most educated workforce in Canada. The city has a lot of job opportunities in high-tech fields, health care, and education, as well as with the Federal Government, which makes it a good place to live and work if you want to advance your career and have a balanced life. There were 9600 job openings listed in Ottawa in January 2023, proving that it is a thriving employment hub.
What is unique about Ottawa?
Interesting Facts About Ottawa. Ottawa is the 7th coldest capital city in the world. The Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa is the most visited museum in Canada with over 1.2 million visitors annually. Ottawa is home to the largest per capita population of scientists, engineers, and PhD’s in Canada.
The Champlain astrolabe on Nepean Point is upside down by accident, which is a small flaw that most people don’t notice. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Canadian War Museum, on the other hand, is built so that it faces the sun at 11:11 a.m. on November 11 to remember and honor Canadian veterans on Remembrance Day.
A French sculptor made the “Maman” spider statue, which is near the National Gallery of Ottawa. It shows a mother spider guarding her eggs. Even though it looks scary, it is often linked to Indigenous stories of Anansi, the trickster spider, instead of what it was meant to represent.
Some famous people who live in Ottawa are Annie Murphy, Sarah Chalke, Dan Aykroyd, and others. Ottawans are the people who live there, and 25% of them were not born in Canada. From Ottawa to Kingston, the Rideau Trail runs along the 202-kilometer-long Rideau River.
In the winter, 247 outdoor ice rinks change Ottawa into a magical place to skate. The city also proudly waves its flag, which is a stylized “O” that stands for Ottawa, with a flared section that looks like the Peace Tower and pointed tips that look like a maple leaf. The blue and green parts represent the rivers and parks in the city, which is what makes Ottawa unique.
What is the culture of Ottawa?
The Ottawa region is the traditional and unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin people, who have travelled and inhabited these lands for millennia. We acknowledge the enduring presence of all First Nations, Métis and Inuit people on this land.
In Canada’s capital, you can fully experience the rich and real Indigenous culture of the area and beyond. Ottawa is a great place for many tours, attractions, and events that tell the interesting stories of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples.
Before Samuel de Champlain, a French explorer, set foot in what is now Ottawa in the early 1600s, there were already strong Indigenous communities living, meeting, and trading there. These practices go back hundreds of years. As a result of the Algonquins calling the area “Odawa,” which means “traders,” the name of the city, Ottawa, was born. These Native American groups were kind and willing to teach European settlers important things, like how to cross the dangerous Ottawa River, survive the harsh winters, and get maple sap.
Learn more about these and other interesting stories by visiting the many displays, programs, and events in the heart of the country’s capital that honor the important accomplishments and enduring stories of Indigenous Peoples of Canada.
This week in Ottawa, there are a lot of fun and interesting events for the whole family. Families can enjoy Ottawa Musicals’s captivating Sleeping Beauty – An Annual Panto at the Gladstone Theatre until Sunday. Sports fans can also go to TD Place to see the Ottawa 67’s play back-to-back games.
The Original Eagles Tribute Band Hotel California will play at the Shenkman Arts Centre on Saturday and Sunday. Through the end of the weekend, the Magic of Lights at Wesley Clover Parks has a beautiful drive-thru holiday lights show for people who want to feel festive and enjoy beautiful sights.
For the Winter Lights Across Canada program, thousands of lights are turned on, making downtown Ottawa and Gatineau look beautiful. Places that are worth seeing include the National War Memorial, Confederation Park, Jacques-Cartier Park, and Portage Park.
These events this week add to the rich tapestry of culture in the Ottawa region that shows how much there is to offer. In the nation’s capital, there are many ways to make memories that will last a lifetime and enjoy the spirit of community and celebration, whether through sports, the arts, music, or holiday events.
