“Joie de Vivre” Pubs, Spas and More of Montreal’s Winter Charm

 Montreal is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich cultural heritage and an infectious spirit. Some say the city has a “Joie de Vivre,” which translates to “joy of living.” Montreal has a sophisticated, cosmopolitan and festive atmosphere. It’s been referred to as The Paris of North America notably

Is Montreal all French in terms of culture and language?

 Montreal has always been a city with a strong French influence, even before it was officially founded. The city is named for the most prominent of the three hills it rests on, which is in turn named for Mt. Royal, a French mountain that overlooks the city of Paris. The

Leafs entire self-perspective on the line . . . again

 ABOVE: Nylander has been the best Leafs forward. When one school teacher unwittingly causes another teacher's dismissal, he is challenged to an after-school fight (premise). Yeah, it was a truly awful film (Fist Fight) but doesn’t it ring truly true for the Toronto Maple Leafs who have to face their

Experience Montreal’s famous joie de vivre at Hôtel Le Crystal

 Photo credit: Visit Montreal Montreal is a treat for tourists and locals alike. I’ve always loved that in less than two hours you can drive from Ottawa to Montreal to experience the many things Canada’s cultural capital city has to offer, whether it’s the historic sites of Old Montreal, the glorious Mont

Hit The Streets of Montreal

 It is hard to believe summer is nearly over. It's time for a last-minute memory maker for you and your kids. Hop in the car and head down to Montreal for incredible food, rich culture, an awesome vibe and a plethora of things to do. There is something going on day and night to fill

Redblacks Look to Bounce Back Against Alouettes in East Division Matchup

 Photo credit: Paul Chiasson, The Canadian Press Following a lackluster performance against the Stampeders in Calgary last Thursday night, the 1-1 Redblacks travel to Montreal looking to get back on track. The 1-2 Alouettes meanwhile are looking to build on their first real success of the 2018 season. Friday night

Canailles Keep Doing Backflips

 No matter how many members they currently have, Montreal's Canailles have always had a frantic energy to their music. The band's ability to mix folk, punk and Cajun influences into one of the best live shows in Canada has made them a hit nationally and around the world. Their latest

Montréal Heats Up the Winter Months

 Photos by Andre Gagne Right about now you’ve probably heard enough about these cold snaps moving into the Great White North. Welcome to Canada! I mean, it's not called The Great Warm North! While many hibernate like a BC black bear come these frigid months (only with more cranked central

Escape March Break Madness in Montreal Museums

 You are sick of winter, the kids are driving you crazy by now, the end of March Break and you need a quick getaway.  Like now. Head to Montreal  and visit some incredible museums,  brush up on your history.  This year may be Canada’s 150th but it is also Montreal’s

Ottawa Needs To Think About the Odawas

 Illustration: Shooting the Rapids by Frances Hopkins (1879) Official Ottawa is struggling to define a new era of relations with our founding nations almost indifferent to the central role they played in the exploration and opening up the continent to trade. In fact, the very savvy Odawa peoples based in

Hit the Links with the Ladies’ Foursome at Hudson Village Theatre

 Summer is here and that means that the Hudson Village Theatre (HVT) season has finally arrived. It is one of the true joys of summer because without fail, the HVT offers up stellar theatre. Ottawa Life will feature more about the HVT in the days to come, but for now

Sleeman #RailsideReps are Living the Dream

 Many Canadians dream about going on a cross-country tour by rail. Leaning back against a comfy seat and watching lakes, rivers and, eventually, mountains pass by while the nostalgic clank of the rails rattles beneath you sounds like a great way to see the country. But even in their wildest

The Mechanics of Modern Art

 A glimpse of Inferno. Photo by Gregory Bohnenblust.  Imagine if before watching a contemporary art piece, you and 24 others were strapped into robotic exoskeletons that jerked, twisted and lit up in front of the rest of the still-sitting audience. Some people might say that would be hellish, which is exactly

A Musical Farewell with Oliver Jones

 Photos by Andre Gagne and supplied by the National Arts Centre. Oscar Peterson watches the sun set from the corner, his piano by his side. A swinging melody plays from above as a couple hurriedly approaches. “I hear he plays just like him,” the woman says, jutting her thumb towards

Sweet Montreal

 Macaroons from Maison Christian Faure, photo courtesy of Maison Christian Faure. It’s a little known fact that Montreal is home to some of Canada’s best restaurants and chefs, including world-renowned chocolatiers and pastry makers. This is great news for anyone who, like me, has a giant sweet tooth. In the

Jaw Slinky: A Joel of All Trades

 All photos by Andre Gagne. “This is my Jeep,” the musician in shades said reaching for the door. There was very little time for pleasantries. Even with the sunglasses you could tell he was exhausted. I shuffled my photography bag over my shoulder and slid in expecting my shoes to

Before Bytown – Part 2

 Watercolour of Wrightstown in 1830. (Archives of Ontario C10006) On the 18th of June, 1812, the United States declared war on British North America, leading to a two and half year conflict and indirectly to the founding of Ottawa. The City was formed alongside the Rideau Canal, as the British

The ‘Ugly’ History of LeBreton Flats

 By Philip Charlebois   Most of us know LeBreton flats as that big, ugly, empty piece of land right next to downtown, where we go for Bluesfest. It hasn't always been so empty, in fact, the story of the flats is an ugly one, headlined by scandal, fire and government

Canadian Commissionaires Go Beyond Security

 You probably see a Commissionaire or two every day. You may even spot one when you’re travelling through an airport. They stand out with their white or blue crisp button down-shirts, sweaters and epaulettes, and you may notice that some are wearing military medals too. That’s because Commissionaires are primarily

A Corporate Stay is a Cozy Stay

 Whether you're travelling for business or for pleasure, homesickness is out of the picture with Corporate Stays. With multiple options in every major Canadian city, as well as locations in NYC, Miami, Mexico, Europe and South America, a Corporate Stay’s executive apartment provides you and your family with a comfortable, luxuriously furnished and

Living Large at the Ritz-Carlton Montreal

 A view of the Palm Court, leading into the opulent Oval Room. Photo by Moetreal. When my girlfriend Kathleen and I stepped into the fantastically elegant lobby in the Ritz-Carlton Montreal last Saturday, I immediately thought of the book buried in my backpack: The Remains of the Day by Kazuo

Cory Carlick and the Undersigned

 A shoot from The Undersigned. Photo courtesy of  SKYCRON. Cory Carlick has been working in broadcasting since the age of 15. He started his career at CJOH-TV, now CTV Ottawa. Carlick was experimenting with shorts and visual effects when broadcast legend Max Keeping and producer Scott Hannant discovered him. Soon, Carlick

Arthaus – Ottawa’s Uber-Cool Condo Project

 The condo building topping off the future Ottawa Art Gallery and Groupe Germain hotel will be named ‘Arthaus,’ the building’s developers announced October 2. The new structure will stand just beside the old arts court, on the corner of Daly Avenue and Waller Street, and should offer nearly 100 condos beginning at

Folk in the City: Celebrating Canadian Talent

 Sounds of CityFolk are echoing throughout Ottawa, with the much anticipated music festival kicking off next week. This year's line-up the most brag-worthy to date, and OLM has put together a quick list of Canadian performers you won’t want to miss! Motel Raphaël Clara Legault, Emily Skahan and Maya Malkin

Skip the Grocery Lines with SmartKart

 If you’re like me, the worst part of putting together any meal is finding that impossible-to-find ingredient at the grocery store. Whether it’s coconut milk for a curry, tahini for hummus, or an obscure brick of cheese for that French onion soup, digging through piles and getting lost in the