Top Nights out in Ottawa

Ottawa has quite a reputation to live up to. Voted by consulting firm Mercer as the city with the second highest-quality of living in North America and fourteenth highest in the world, it is a city that takes to heart every aspect of good living.

Arts and entertainment is one area Ottawa excels in and the capital of Canada even received an award in 2010 for its vibrant and exciting festival scene. Here we’ve present the top five nights out you can enjoy while in Ottawa.

Winterlude

Winterlude is Canada's largest festival and has been going strong for over three decades. Now in its 36th edition, this year Winterlude will run over three consecutive weekends from January 31 to February 17. Winterlude attracts nearly 600,000 people every year to the Capital to enjoy free events and activities spread across the city.

Admire the fabulous ice sculptures that fill Confederation Park at the heart of Ottawa, skate on the frozen Rideau Canal Skateway – the world’s largest natural ice rink – or build a snowman at the world’s biggest snow playground at Jacques Cartier Park in downtown Gatineau. If you prefer something more relaxing then check out the unique gastronomic events that are organised for the occasion at the city’s best local restaurants.

Winterlude offers something for everyone and is the perfect night out to enjoy with family or friends. Whether it’s arts and culture, food, adventure or science and tech: Winterlude will definitely warm up the icy season for you.

Check out the official website: http://www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1379706275276

Hockey Night at Canadian Tire Centre

Hockey is Canada’s national sport and if you’re in Ottawa you cannot miss out on booking a ticket for an action-packed night at the Tire Centre. Catch the Ottawa Senators as they battle it out on ice against Canada’s top hockey teams. Located just 15 minutes west of downtown Ottawa, Tire Centre is the region’s best sports and entertainment venue.

Join in the crowd and let yourself be swept away by the energy and passion that only a hockey match can creates. When the players aren’t skating down the rink, you can enjoy basketball, family shows, concerts, monster trucks and professional wrestling events that are held regularly there.

The sports complex is worth a visit just for all the fantastic dining options that are available. You can find all kinds of cuisines that cater for every taste and budget. The restaurants are also the perfect spot for a pre-game bite, a quick snack during the intermission or a drink with the other fans after the game.

See what’s on at:http://www.canadiantirecentre.com/

Ottawa International Jazz Festival

The Ottawa Jazz Festival has been hitting high notes since 1980 and has become one of Canada's largest outdoor music festivals. It takes place during the last weeks in June and showcases some of the world's best jazz performers at a variety of venues throughout the Capital.

Be among the tens of thousands of people that crowd Confederation Park this summer for amazing performances by top jazz artists on eight different stages. The Ottawa Jazz Festival also features numerous indoor shows around the city in places such as the National Art Centre for to add variety to the 10-day festival.

If you can’t wait for some hot sax action, there is also a smaller winter edition of the jazz festival that this year will run from February 14 to February 16. That’s the perfect date for an original Valentine’s day this year.

This way for smooth, sexy jazz: http://ottawajazzfestival.com/

Casino du Lac-Leamy

If you'd rather spend the night courting Lady Luck, then Casino du Lac-Leamy is the perfect place for a gambling romance. The casino, built on top of a cliff, includes a Hilton hotel with rooms overlooking the lake it is named after. The complex boasts dozens of entertainment options and is the perfect venue for a luxurious and fun night out with friends.

Inside the casino you can find all the classic games you've played before or watched in movies. From poker to craps, the casino has 64 gaming tables and over 1,800 slot machines waiting for you to give them a spin. The casino runs exclusive promotional offers giving away free casino credit for guests who also book a room at Hilton hotel attached. Of course, if you need a rest from the lights and bustle of it, you can also check out your Canadian online options for gambling back at your hotel room

If hunger gets in the way of your winning streak then treat yourself at the casino’s La Baccara gourmet restaurant: one of the few restaurants that holds a AAA Five Diamond distinction in Canada. Casino du Lac-Leamy also hosts an exciting lineup of concerts and shows in its theatre, but if you prefer to be entertained outdoors then make sure to visit in early August for the Casino Sound of Light event: a spectacle of fireworks synchronised to music.

Can you handle the stakes? http://www.casinosduquebec.com/lacleamy/en/home

Ottawa Fringe Festival

The Ottawa Fringe Festival is the ultimate expression of creative freedom in the Capital’s streets. The festival consists of 10 days of celebrating non-mainstream events that take place mainly in downtown Ottawa. Patrons must purchase a $3 Fringe Pin which is valid for the entirety of the festival and gives access to free and ticketed performances.

Prepare to be taken in by the artsy spirit that pervades the Fringe with a choice of over 350 performances, including dance, musicals, comedy, drama and a lot more. If you have some artistic talent why not participate in the Fringe as a performer? Anyone can apply to perform during the festival and applications are chosen by lottery.

As you stroll around the city you can take a break between shows at the official Fringe Courtyard for a drink and a snack while chatting with performers and fellow Fringe patrons.

Join the festival spirit:http://ottawafringe.com/

It’s hard to say goodbye to Bytown

The great variety of events that are held annually in the city makes Ottawa an ideal destination all year round. In 2012, Ottawa was awarded by MoneySense the title of best community in Canada to live in or the third consecutive year, so be prepared for a friendly and enjoyable stay while you’re around.