It’s Better to Bust a Gut Than to Bust a Wheel

 For the fourth week in a row, the LRT is still down. Riders continue to complain about the service interruptions, while both OC Transpo and the City of Ottawa, along with our Mayor and some City councillors, continue to point fingers at each other and ignore people, especially people with

10 things to do in Ottawa this weekend – September 23-25, 2022

 ​Michelob Ultra Night Run When: September 24, 2022 Where: Mooney’s Bay Park (near Mooney’s Bay Boat Launch) What time: 10K Run: 7:30 p.m., 5K Walk/Run: 7:45 p.m. Admission: $65 • Click here to register The Michelob Ultra Night Run lights up when the sun goes down. Discover the on-course glow and the post-race

10 things to do in Ottawa this weekend – July 29-31, 2022

 Buskerfest When: July 29 to August 1, 2022 Where: Sparks Street What time: Starting at 10:30 am Admission: Free, but the Buskers appreciate donations Ottawa Buskerfest is four days of unforgettable performances by clowns, jugglers, face-painters, stilt-walkers, and other fantastic street performers. You won't want to miss the excitement on

Ottawa Ribfest is a smoky, savoury feast!

 ABOVE: The Alabama-style ribs from Camp 31 were so decadent, and fell off the bone. This weekend Ottawa is hosting one of its most delicious annual events — Ribfest. It’s back on Sparks Street for three blocks of delicious BBQ with vendors from across North America selling ribs and other meaty

Ottawa’s Neighbourhoods: Downtown Ottawa

 From the Parliament buildings south to the 417, we are looking at downtown Ottawa. This is the part of the city that makes Ottawa really feel like a major capital, from the centres of industry tucked into skyscrapers, to the most iconic historic halls of politics in the city, especially Parliament

Winterlude 2020 promises endless fun for the whole family

 It’s that time of year again! Everyone's fave winter festival is just around the corner and there is so much to do and see! Here are just a few of the spots you should hit up for hands-on activities, food, music, and more. Don't forget to take advantage of the

Ottawa Dental Society has you covered at Ribfest 2019

 Photo credit: Sparks Street  Every summer, Ottawa hosts a handful of amazing food festivals from poutine to Asian food to mac and cheese. If BBQ ribs and chicken doesn’t scream summer, then I don’t know what does. This Friday through until Sunday, Sparks Street will be lined with award-winning vendors

Magnificent and Mesmerizing: Ottawa International Buskerfest

 Photo credits: Aaron Hemens From August 2-6, Sparks Street was home to a number of comedic and sometimes death-defying street acts from more than 25 street performers from around the globe for the 27th annual Ottawa International Buskerfest. For nearly 10 hours each day, street performers—hailing from countries such as

Toast The Holiday Season with A Ceremonial Tuborg Julebryg at Bier Markt Ottawa

 Welcome to Day 5 of the 25 Days of Ottawa Life Christmas Calendar. We’ll be updating with a new treat daily so be sure to keep checking under the OLM Tree to see what’s new. Bier Markt is a popular spot on Sparks Street in the heart of downtown Ottawa. Just a block form

BEST OF OTTAWA: Festivals

 With 20-years writing about Ottawa life we think we have a pretty good idea of the best of what this city has to offer. In this new weekly summer series we’ll share it with you. From our top picks of hotels, live music venues, local brews, bands and more, check,

Three Festivals, One Weekend

 Ottawa Life’s Festival City Series is back! We'll provide a unique look at some of your favourite events. We’ll go beyond the music with artist interviews, volunteer profiles, concert reviews and spotlights on the tastes, sights and sounds of the festival season.  Your city! Your festivals and events! Like a good sunscreen,

The 43rd Annual Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend

 Ottawa Life’s Festival City Series is back! We'll provide a unique look at some of your favourite events. We’ll go beyond the music with artist interviews, volunteer profiles, concert reviews and spotlights on the tastes, sights and sounds of the festival season.  Your city! Your festivals! Like a good sunscreen, Ottawa Life

Successful Suits his Style Fundraiser Gives Clothes and Confidence to Local Men in Need

 Photos by Ali Matthews When it comes to professional attire, Ottawa is known for its conservative leanings. Walk down Sparks Street any given Wednesday and you will undoubtedly see more suits and ties than slacks and trainers. The scene at the Metropolitain Brasserie this past Wednesday was a perfect reflection

Ashcroft Homes Announces Key Sparks Street Development in the Heart of the Capital

 It was over a decade ago, back in 2006 that Ashcroft Homes began discussions with the National Capital Commission (NCC) about developing a prime Sparks Street property, one block south of Parliament Hill. The RESIDENCES project was finally announced October 26, 2016 as Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson, Ashcraft Homes President

Buskerfest Celebrates 25 Years

 All photos by Andre Gagne. “You look like the professional type,” the man calling himself the Pyromancer said, his wide-eyed gaze falling upon the camera slung over my shoulder. I admit, there may have been a tinge of madness in the look though what else might one expect from a guy

The LeBreton Flats fiasco: Why Melanie Joly must reform the NCC

 A concept image for Rendevous LeBreton.  For years the National Capital Commission (NCC) has been the most inept, closed, secretive, elitist and incompetent organization in the federal government. Their tagline should be “The NCC- We Never Miss an Opportunity to Miss an Opportunity.” The NCC board of directors has 15

Co-Op Students Explore Ottawa Part Two – Justine on Parliament Hill

 All photos courtesy of Alissa Dicaire What would you do if you were a tourist in Ottawa? Ottawa Life Magazine asked our co-op students this question and put them to the test. Each student was asked to pick an area of the city that they wanted to explore for an

Will You Play Hockey for Food?

 The summer weather may be heating up, but who says that means hockey season is over? Grab your hockey stick, a few friends, a ball and a can of food and join the Five Hole for Food (FHFF) ball hockey games today on Sparks Street. FHFF is a national, non-profit

Latin Sparks sets Ottawa on fire with big street dance floor

 Latin America is coming to Sparks Street in Ottawa, promising the best in cultural cuisine, entertainment and the opportunity to dance with thousands of friends on the city’s biggest outdoor dancefloor. Hosted by The International, Latin Sparks is a night-long celebration held on the last Saturday of every month throughout

Past Its Expiry Date: Time to Get Rid of the National Capital Commission

 Ottawa is changing in a good way. The increased urbanization of the core has re-energized communities like Westboro, Kitchissippi, Sandy Hill and parts of Lower Town. The renovation of Lansdowne Park proceeds apace, soon to breathe new life into the Glebe and the downtown core (much to the delight of

The O-Train: Getting It Right the First Time

 The City of Ottawa's plan for an expanded 0-Train is being tackled in rather a piecemeal fashion. Eventually, trains will replace much of the bus service that clogs downtown streets at rush hour. Futuristic trains (aka Light Rail Transit — or LRT — vehicles) will glide from Bayview Station to