Evenings Out in the Capital: Four of Ottawa’s Best Kept Secrets

Whether you’re an Ottawa native or a tourist on the hunt for some cultural treasures, the capital city of Canada has much to offer. Though less visited than Montreal and Toronto, this pint-sized and picturesque place has dozens of attractions to keep you occupied, from museums to chateaus, theatres, and more, many of them hidden away off the beaten track.

So, you have an itinerary to fill and no idea where to begin? Then here are just a few of the city’s best kept secrets…

Nature Nocturne at the Canadian Museum of Nature

Although the Canadian Museum of Nature offers a diverting day out for children and adults alike, it is on the last Friday of every month that it really comes to life. Hosting a themed night that’s for over eighteens only, it provides attendees with a whole array of special activities to keep them entertained, from dancing to karaoke to live artists and performers. That’s not to say, of course, that the creatures on display won’t be joining you. Indeed, as the photographic evidence attests, a selfie with a blue whale is certainly not out of the question.

Rideau Carleton Raceway and Casino

If you’re looking for a little excitement, a trip to Rideau Carleton Raceway and Casino will be a good way to fill a day. Setting itself up as the ultimate destination for fun and entertainment, this gambling paradise offers punters over 1,200 slot machines to choose from, plus 35 live table games including roulette, mini baccarat, and more. Should you wish to refine your strategy beforehand, you can do this online, to set yourself up for success and give yourself a greater chance of winning. There’s a list of the best places to try out your fledgling skills on this site, together with list of welcome bonuses – so if you need some help becoming a slot machine supremo, you know exactly where to find it. Enter Rideau as a certified high roller and see if you can come out on top.

Dundonald Park

Fancy something a little more family friendly? Then Dundonald Park is the place to go. Tucked away in downtown Ottawa, this green space hosts plenty of enjoyable events, especially in the summertime. These include everything from outdoor film screenings every Friday and Saturday evening from July through to August to yoga, tai chi classes, and giant checkers games. If you need to fill up while you’re there, you’ll even find a food truck on-site – one which serves up the most delicious Indian dosas (a type of light and crispy crepe) around.

Mayfair Theatre

As the oldest active movie theatre in the city, the Mayfair has plenty to offer besides the films it screens. An architectural icon in its own right, this Spanish revival style structure is as impressive on the inside as it is on the outside, with sweeping balconies, towering windows, and luxurious seating. cheap as chips to enter, it shows everything from independents to classic films and local movies, with many special screening events too. Probably its most popular offering is its monthly Rocky Horror Picture Show showing, but you’ll find plenty to choose from if this is not quite to your taste.

Tell us, which of these hidden gems will you discover first?