Ottawa Magazine‘s Summer Edition includes a 25-page Outside Guide. But there’s still so much going on around here that we’ve found more to include. From boating to spa retreats to cycling adventures, 16 more ways to get the most out of the summer.
BY LAURA BYRNE PAQUET
MESS ABOUT IN BOATS
Tour marshland by pedal boat at Éco-Odyssée.
Éco-Odyssée
Taking his cue from the local beavers, former Gatineau Park animal conservation officer Michel Leclair transformed 70 acres of marshland outside Wakefield into a water labyrinth with 6.4 kilometres of meandering canals, which visitors can explore by pedal boat. Groups of at least six can also book guided dawn and twilight trips on a pontoon boat. The award-winning attraction, which opened in 2008, recently added a canoe route and a two-kilometre hiking trail. 52, ch. des Sources, Wakefield, 819-459-2551, www.eco-odyssee.ca.
Jenda Paddlesports
Don’t own a kayak? Your canoe sprang a leak? Don’t worry — you can still get out on the water by renting a boat from Jenda Paddlesports in Osgoode. They’ll even throw in PFDs, paddles, a safety kit, and the gear to attach the watercraft to your car. The Rideau River is a short drive away. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 5426 Dalmeny Rd., Osgoode, 613-826-0922, www.jenda.com.
Ottawa Magazine Staff | June 4, 2011 at 10:00 am
Tools and trimmings to get you in gear By Sabrina Doyle
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Ottawa Magazine Staff | May 6, 2011 at 11:00 am
DEMOLITION DERBY
If this is indeed the last day of the last SuperEx at Lansdowne, you’ve got to be here. And if you’ve got to be here, you’ve got to see the last demolition demolition derby. As the promo says “Come to Ottawa SuperEx and hit another car without having to call your insurance company!” Categories include mini smash and pro-modified class. Grab a poutine, head for the stands and cheer on your favourite wrecks. Aug. 29. 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. $7-$12. Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St. www.ottawasuperex.com
Photo courtesy NCC
ALCATEL-LUCENT SUNDAY BIKEDAYS (FREE!)
Round up the family and hop on your bikes (or rollerblades) during the last few days of summer for some traffic-free riding. On Sunday mornings until Sept. 5, more than 50 kilometres of road are closed to cars, including Colonel By Drive from Laurier Bridge to Hogs Back Falls along the canal. The kids might protest getting up early for a ride, but they’ll thank you when they’re older. See website for road locations and closure times. 613-239-5000. www.canadascapital.gc.ca
HILOTRONS
Wakefield seems to up its cool quotient on a weekly basis. As summer draws to a close, it’s all about Wakefest, which swings into action with four days of music and dance. A highlight on the bill are the ultra-cool popsters known as the Hilotrons. Aug. 28. 8:30 p.m. $10 (earlybird); $12 at the door. 753 Riverside Dr., Wakefield, 819-459-3228. www.theblacksheepinn.com or www.wakefest.org
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Dayanti Karunaratne | August 25, 2010 at 3:35 pm
(Photograph: Angela Gordon)
The people who introduced gearheads to cooperative ownership are at it again, this time drumming up enthusiasm for cycling in the city. On Sunday, June 20, Mountain Equipment Co-op will host its first Bikefest at Lebreton Flats. Scheduled events include demos and clinics, plus there’s bound to be plenty of gossip among local cycling groups about the new bike lanes coming to Ottawa streets.
The look: Pretty and practical
The labels: MEC, Patagonia, Prana
Perfect for: weekend warriors, city dwellers who bike to work, and camping enthusiasts looking for a cute campfire ensemble
USP: Mandatory $5 (lifetime) membership to buy or rent
366 Richmond Rd., www.mec.ca
Ottawa Magazine Staff | June 15, 2010 at 8:00 am
Ottawa Magazine Staff | June 4, 2010 at 8:30 am
