Ottawa Road Trips 🇨🇦
@ottawaroadtrips.bsky.social
OttawaRoadTrips.com website is run by Laura Byrne Paquet, freelance writer (also cat staff, keen walker, urbanism nerd) in #Ottawa, Canada. If you like road tripping in Eastern Ontario/Outaouais, check it out! Member, SATW and TMAC.
Did you know that not one, but TWO, restaurant promos are coming up in February? Read this week's Heads Up post for details on those, as well as a tiny home you can book in Lanark County, a unique performance of Macbeth coming up this summer and more. ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/01/12/h...
Heads Up: Restaurant deals, Macbeth, Lanark Highlands tiny house - Ottawa Road Trips
Restaurant promos in Ottawa and Kingston, restored shelter at Philippe Lake, walk-about production of Macbeth, Lanark Highlands tiny house.
ottawaroadtrips.com
January 14, 2026 at 2:11 PM
Did you know that not one, but TWO, restaurant promos are coming up in February? Read this week's Heads Up post for details on those, as well as a tiny home you can book in Lanark County, a unique performance of Macbeth coming up this summer and more. ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/01/12/h...
Reposted by Ottawa Road Trips 🇨🇦
We want to speak directly to members of the Military and the Intelligence Community.
The American people need you to stand up for our laws and our Constitution.
Don’t give up the ship.
The American people need you to stand up for our laws and our Constitution.
Don’t give up the ship.
November 18, 2025 at 1:31 PM
We want to speak directly to members of the Military and the Intelligence Community.
The American people need you to stand up for our laws and our Constitution.
Don’t give up the ship.
The American people need you to stand up for our laws and our Constitution.
Don’t give up the ship.
No, that photo wasn't taken in Ottawa! But there IS a mountain film festival coming to Kingston this week. You can also take art classes in Osgoode and Carleton Place, try a cross-country skiing lesson in Gatineau, check out #Ottawa ComicCon and more. ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/01/12/2...
27+ fun things to do in and around Ottawa, January 12 to 18 - Ottawa Road Trips
Snowshoeing by starlight, art classes in Osgoode and Carleton Place, skiing lessons in Gatineau, Ottawa ComicCon, and a mountain film fest in Kingston.
ottawaroadtrips.com
January 13, 2026 at 12:49 AM
No, that photo wasn't taken in Ottawa! But there IS a mountain film festival coming to Kingston this week. You can also take art classes in Osgoode and Carleton Place, try a cross-country skiing lesson in Gatineau, check out #Ottawa ComicCon and more. ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/01/12/2...
Saw this pop up in my FB feed today. Still makes me smile, 25+ years later. Even if it IS for a terrible beer. (P.S.: I grew up saying "chesterfield" but haven't said it in years. Is that a soon-to-be-extinct Canadianism?) www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRI-...
I Am Canadian
YouTube video by Vinko
www.youtube.com
January 12, 2026 at 7:45 PM
Saw this pop up in my FB feed today. Still makes me smile, 25+ years later. Even if it IS for a terrible beer. (P.S.: I grew up saying "chesterfield" but haven't said it in years. Is that a soon-to-be-extinct Canadianism?) www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRI-...
Back to work, back to school ... and back to road trips! Check this week's road trip roundup to find out where you can take a free guided snowshoeing hike, enjoy a winter carnival, have a cool brunch, catch a museum show before it closes and more this week. ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/01/07/2...
20+ fun things to do in and around Ottawa, January 4 to 11 - Ottawa Road Trips
Start 2026 with a guided snowshoeing hike, a hoop dancing performance, a cross-country skiing challenge, a vision board workshop and more!
ottawaroadtrips.com
January 7, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Back to work, back to school ... and back to road trips! Check this week's road trip roundup to find out where you can take a free guided snowshoeing hike, enjoy a winter carnival, have a cool brunch, catch a museum show before it closes and more this week. ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/01/07/2...
When it's blustery outside, it's the perfect weather for seeing a play INSIDE! I've just added a whole bunch of productions to my big list of 2026 plays in #Ottawa and beyond. Check it out and start filling your winter calendar. ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/11/03/p...
Plays in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and beyond—Theatre for every taste! - Ottawa Road Trips
If seeing live theatre is one of your favourite outings, check out this regularly updated list of upcoming plays in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and beyond.
ottawaroadtrips.com
January 6, 2026 at 8:17 PM
When it's blustery outside, it's the perfect weather for seeing a play INSIDE! I've just added a whole bunch of productions to my big list of 2026 plays in #Ottawa and beyond. Check it out and start filling your winter calendar. ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/11/03/p...
My story about ways the Rideau Canal Skateway's managers are dealing with climate change just went live on the Canadian Geographic website. This was a fascinating one to research. Did you know that the canal has microclimates? #ottawa canadiangeographic.ca/articles/the...
The Rideau Canal Skateway’s climate change challenge
Science, engineering and consistent cold are all factors in ensuring the world’s largest rink opens to skaters each winter
canadiangeographic.ca
January 6, 2026 at 4:46 PM
My story about ways the Rideau Canal Skateway's managers are dealing with climate change just went live on the Canadian Geographic website. This was a fascinating one to research. Did you know that the canal has microclimates? #ottawa canadiangeographic.ca/articles/the...
Winter is the perfect time to discover a new-to-you artist at a local concert. I've just added TONS to this list of shows throughout #Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and the #Outaouais this winter. ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/09/10/d...
Don’t miss these upcoming concerts in Ottawa-Gatineau and beyond! - Ottawa Road Trips
Concerts in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario, the Outaouais and beyond are the subject of this continually updated post. Whether your taste runs to pop, country, hip-hop, jazz, classical or anything in between...
ottawaroadtrips.com
January 6, 2026 at 2:04 AM
Winter is the perfect time to discover a new-to-you artist at a local concert. I've just added TONS to this list of shows throughout #Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and the #Outaouais this winter. ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/09/10/d...
Sad that the holidays are over? Don't be, because lots of winter carnivals in and around #Ottawa are heading your way! ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/01/05/2...
2026 winter festivals in and near Ottawa: Slide, skate and celebrate! - Ottawa Road Trips
Winter festivals in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais are a great way to get out in the snow!
ottawaroadtrips.com
January 5, 2026 at 4:12 PM
Sad that the holidays are over? Don't be, because lots of winter carnivals in and around #Ottawa are heading your way! ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/01/05/2...
Reposted by Ottawa Road Trips 🇨🇦
Music for the peace of #winter ❄️🎄 in shifting times, from Matt & Shannon Heaton Tish Hinojosa Kathy Mattea @caradillonsings.bsky.social &others story at @wanderingeducators.bsky.social #reflection #creativity wanderingeducators.com/best/stories...
December 16, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Music for the peace of #winter ❄️🎄 in shifting times, from Matt & Shannon Heaton Tish Hinojosa Kathy Mattea @caradillonsings.bsky.social &others story at @wanderingeducators.bsky.social #reflection #creativity wanderingeducators.com/best/stories...
Not sure how to celebrate the start of 2026? Here are lots of ideas for #NYE fun in #Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais. And some of them--including fireworks at Lansdowne Park and a big slate of concerts in Brockville--are free! ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/12/05/n...
2025 New Year’s Eve in Ottawa, the Outaouais and Eastern Ontario - Ottawa Road Trips
Wondering how to celebrate New Year's Eve 2025 in Ottawa and nearby? How about these New Year's Eve parties in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais?
ottawaroadtrips.com
December 31, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Not sure how to celebrate the start of 2026? Here are lots of ideas for #NYE fun in #Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais. And some of them--including fireworks at Lansdowne Park and a big slate of concerts in Brockville--are free! ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/12/05/n...
Amid all the Christmas hubbub, don't forget about New Year's! Now's the time to make your plans, if you haven't already. #ottawa ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/12/05/n...
2025 New Year’s Eve in Ottawa, the Outaouais and Eastern Ontario - Ottawa Road Trips
Wondering how to celebrate New Year's Eve 2025 in Ottawa and nearby? How about these New Year's Eve parties in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais?
ottawaroadtrips.com
December 22, 2025 at 11:27 PM
Amid all the Christmas hubbub, don't forget about New Year's! Now's the time to make your plans, if you haven't already. #ottawa ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/12/05/n...
Finishing up your holiday shopping? Why not check out some of these companies for locally (or at least Canadian!) made items? You'll find everything from soap and bedding to crêpe mix and hand-blown glass. #Ottawa #Outaouais ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/02/03/b...
Buy local in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais! - Ottawa Road Trips
Buy local in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais—and avoid tariffs!—at local companies making food, beverages, clothes, soap and much more.
ottawaroadtrips.com
December 16, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Finishing up your holiday shopping? Why not check out some of these companies for locally (or at least Canadian!) made items? You'll find everything from soap and bedding to crêpe mix and hand-blown glass. #Ottawa #Outaouais ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/02/03/b...
Local museums and galleries are hosting all sorts of intriguing temporary exhibitions. This post is just my first attempt to catalogue some of the bigger ones. I'll be fleshing the post out soon. But for now, I hope it inspires you to check out a few shows! ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/12/09/m...
Museum shows in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and beyond - Ottawa Road Trips
Find out what exhibitions are on now in Ottawa's museums and galleries—as well as in museums and art galleries in the Outaouais, Eastern Ontario and Montreal.
ottawaroadtrips.com
December 9, 2025 at 11:55 PM
Local museums and galleries are hosting all sorts of intriguing temporary exhibitions. This post is just my first attempt to catalogue some of the bigger ones. I'll be fleshing the post out soon. But for now, I hope it inspires you to check out a few shows! ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/12/09/m...
This week's Heads Up post shows you how you can get tickets for a national skating championship in Gatineau or an art retreat in Richmond. You'll also get gift ideas and a tip on registering for a New Year's Day polar bear swim (brrrrr!). #ottawa ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/12/09/h...
Heads Up: Polar bear swim, skating championships, pizza gondolas - Ottawa Road Trips
A January yoga-and-art retreat in Richmond, a frosty swim in Perth, maple wine made in Apple Hill and figure skating championships in Gatineau.
ottawaroadtrips.com
December 9, 2025 at 5:06 PM
This week's Heads Up post shows you how you can get tickets for a national skating championship in Gatineau or an art retreat in Richmond. You'll also get gift ideas and a tip on registering for a New Year's Day polar bear swim (brrrrr!). #ottawa ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/12/09/h...
Looking for something to do this week? I have TONS of ideas—everything from a cheesemaker's open house in Mississippi Station and an author talk in Cornwall to pet photos with Santa in #Ottawa and multiple performances of The Nutcracker. ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/12/08/4...
49+ fun things to do in and around Ottawa: December 8 to 14 - Ottawa Road Trips
Avant-garde arts festival, cheesemaker's open house, free art class, nationwide bird count, The Nutcracker, Home Alone and pet photos with Santa.
ottawaroadtrips.com
December 8, 2025 at 9:57 PM
Looking for something to do this week? I have TONS of ideas—everything from a cheesemaker's open house in Mississippi Station and an author talk in Cornwall to pet photos with Santa in #Ottawa and multiple performances of The Nutcracker. ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/12/08/4...
OK, it's going to be PACKED. But if you love Christmas and you can handle the crowds, here's an #Ottawa shop you won't want to miss. ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/12/05/t...
The jaw-dropping Ottawa Christmas store you have to see - Ottawa Road Trips
From penguins and Doritos to bagpipes and mermen, Tinseltown Christmas Emporium has all the ornaments you never knew you needed.
ottawaroadtrips.com
December 8, 2025 at 6:34 PM
OK, it's going to be PACKED. But if you love Christmas and you can handle the crowds, here's an #Ottawa shop you won't want to miss. ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/12/05/t...
Sure, the Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne Park is fun. But once you've browsed the stalls, don't just head home! There's lots more shopping, food and fun to be had in nearby neighbourhoods. #Ottawa #Glebe ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/12/04/o...
Fun things to do near the Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne Park - Ottawa Road Trips
Heading to the Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne Park? Why not make a day of it at nearby restaurants, shops and entertainment venues?
ottawaroadtrips.com
December 4, 2025 at 4:19 PM
Sure, the Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne Park is fun. But once you've browsed the stalls, don't just head home! There's lots more shopping, food and fun to be had in nearby neighbourhoods. #Ottawa #Glebe ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/12/04/o...
Reposted by Ottawa Road Trips 🇨🇦
Ottawa’s children’s hospital sees ‘concerning rise’ in flu cases and hospitalizations
Ottawa’s children’s hospital sees ‘concerning rise’ in flu cases and hospitalizations
CHEO is urging children, youth and adults to get their flu vaccine as the children’s hospital sees a “concerning rise” in flu cases in Ottawa.
bit.ly
December 4, 2025 at 4:30 AM
Ottawa’s children’s hospital sees ‘concerning rise’ in flu cases and hospitalizations
Sometimes, the Internet (and the AP) delivers just the laugh you needed.
The masked burglar broke into the closed Virginia liquor store early on Saturday and hit the bottom shelf. The bandit was something of a nocturnal menace: bottles were smashed and alcohol pooled on the floor.
The suspect acted like an animal because, in fact, he's a raccoon.
The suspect acted like an animal because, in fact, he's a raccoon.
Raccoon goes on drunken rampage in Virginia liquor store and passes out on bathroom floor
A raccoon broke into a closed Virginia liquor store and drank alcohol from the bottom shelves over the weekend.
bit.ly
December 3, 2025 at 5:17 AM
Sometimes, the Internet (and the AP) delivers just the laugh you needed.
Check out this week's Heads Up post to find out where you can sing along to White Christmas, take the kids to make Christmas crafts, discover some new-to-you shops and more. #Ottawa ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/12/02/h...
Heads Up: New ski hotel, singalong White Christmas, Just for Laughs deal - Ottawa Road Trips
Local history, hot concert tickets, holiday crafts, Napanee shopping, a new ski hotel and a singalong screening of White Christmas
ottawaroadtrips.com
December 2, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Check out this week's Heads Up post to find out where you can sing along to White Christmas, take the kids to make Christmas crafts, discover some new-to-you shops and more. #Ottawa ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/12/02/h...
Looking for fun things to do in and around #Ottawa this week? I have more than five dozen ideas! (And they're not all Christmas-related, either!) ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/12/02/6...
62+ things to do in and around Ottawa, December 1 to 7, 2025 - Ottawa Road Trips
Japanese desserts, Christmas festivals, standup comedy, Santa Claus parades, comic books, hockey, a fundraising run, plays, concerts and craft sales!
ottawaroadtrips.com
December 2, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Looking for fun things to do in and around #Ottawa this week? I have more than five dozen ideas! (And they're not all Christmas-related, either!) ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/12/02/6...
My nerdy side is on full display in my latest post for Perceptive Travel. #vienna perceptivetravel.com/blog/2025/11...
Vienna's Social Housing: A Fascinating Day Trip
Ask most people what they would do with 24 hours in Austria's capital and "visit Vienna's social housing" probably wouldn't top the list.
perceptivetravel.com
November 28, 2025 at 4:59 PM
My nerdy side is on full display in my latest post for Perceptive Travel. #vienna perceptivetravel.com/blog/2025/11...
Planning your week? Don't miss my guide to everything from standup comedy and a new art exhibition to Christmas parades, illuminated villages and train rides with Santa. Heck, I even have the scoop on where you can learn to cook over an open hearth, 1860s style.
ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/11/24/4...
ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/11/24/4...
45+ things to do in and around Ottawa, November 24 to 30 - Ottawa Road Trips
Festive fun abounds this week, from Santa parades to Christmas festivals. But you can also enjoy comedy, a National Gallery show, film fests and more.
ottawaroadtrips.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Planning your week? Don't miss my guide to everything from standup comedy and a new art exhibition to Christmas parades, illuminated villages and train rides with Santa. Heck, I even have the scoop on where you can learn to cook over an open hearth, 1860s style.
ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/11/24/4...
ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/11/24/4...
This is THE week, folks! If you like the CPKC Holiday Train, here are four spots within an hour of #Ottawa where you can see it on Friday, November 28. (Ignore the "2024" in the link preview below. The post DOES have the 2025 info!) ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/11/19/c...
CPKC Holiday Train coming to Finch, Merrickville, Smiths Falls and Perth! - Ottawa Road Trips
Here's the schedule for the CPKC Holiday Train's 2024 stops near Ottawa, including Montreal, Finch, Merrickville, Smiths Falls and Perth!
ottawaroadtrips.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:52 PM
This is THE week, folks! If you like the CPKC Holiday Train, here are four spots within an hour of #Ottawa where you can see it on Friday, November 28. (Ignore the "2024" in the link preview below. The post DOES have the 2025 info!) ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/11/19/c...