The summer months in Ottawa are far too short. Unlike other Canadian cities where Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer are experienced in relatively equal proportions, Ottawa endures long (and if you braved this particular winter you know), very harsh winters, lasting sometimes as long as six months. That means the three other seasons have to duke it out for the other six months of the year and, in Ottawa, it is Summer that loses every time. This year, Spring showed up late to the party and had Ottawans scratching their heads wondering whether Summer had just been completely skipped over. June was more rain than sun and finally, finally, July has brought with it the sunshine and the hot, hot heat. That’s why, when Ottawa experiences a heat wave, as it is now, the nuts say that the best way to cope is to embrace the heat and tick off a few items from your summer bucket list, before it’s too late.
1. Morrison’s Quarry, Wakefield
First on our bucket list is a visit to one of our favourite spots in the summertime. In fact, we love this breezy break from the city so much that we visited it last weekend and are pleased to report that it’s just as pretty as we remembered. Only a short drive from downtown Ottawa, Wakefield’s Morrison Quarry is a cool retreat and a real gem to visit in the summer months. Pack a picnic, some “refreshments”, a towel and you’re set for day of waterside relaxation. And, if that’s doesn’t quite cut it for you, there is always the option to book a bungee jump from the nearby bungee site… or atleast be entertained by brave soul after brave soul taking the plunge.
2. Yoga on the Hill
This is a must-try, at least once, for any yoga enthusiast. Or anyone at all. Every Wednesday, at noon, Yoga schools throughout Ottawa rotate teaching yoga classes on Parliament Hill and the massive class draws hundreds of participants each week. No matter your skill level, you’ll find room to participate and enjoy a class on the hill with other yogis who are there to enjoy three things: yoga, the outdoors and the iconic buildings that demarcate our National Capital City. Join the droves and try out a few new poses on the hill as a healthy alternative during your lunch hour.
3. El Camino
El Camino, Ottawa’s most recent taco restaurant has climbed to the top tier of restaurants to visit this summer. Why? The food is great and it’s open concept, massive open air doorway scream summer time. No matter how hot, this is a perfect spot to stop in for a light bite of, what we think, are Ottawa’s best tacos. Enjoy some fresh white wine from their concentrated but well-crafted wine list, or sample the tequila sours, an El Camino staple. Another fun aspect of Matthew Carmichael’s restaurant is the taco take-out window, where tacos are made to order and can be taken down to the canal and enjoyed by the waterfront if your summertime heart so desires.
4. Mugshots
One of the best spots to find a vivid nightlife during the summer months in Ottawa is the bar located on Nicholas, in the remains of the old jail: Mugshots. This vibrant spot draws crowds of many different ages and interest and hosts a variety of specialized evenings throughout the summer. The selling point: the bar is, despite being enclosed in the brick walls of a old jail house, completely open air and the perfect venue to enjoy those warm summer nights. Every third Friday night of the month, join DJ So Nice and host Atherton for one of our favourite events and some of the most amazing live performances of hip hop karaoke – where the crowd cheers on each performer, and the performers are actually good. It’s quite the spectacle and, if you’ve got a slice of hip hop in you, you might find yourself feeling right at home and sidling up to the mic for a shot in the lime light.
5. National Capital Craft Beer Week
The Ottawa chapter of in a nutshell is a proud bunch, and we never hesitate to promote buying and supporting local business. That’s why we can’t wait to attend Ottawa’s second National Capital Craft Beer Week, August 9 – 17, at Marion Dewar Plaza, outside City Hall. Still in its toddler stage, organizers are anticipating thousands will flock to the city centre to celebrate the region’s rich brewing heritage and to taste some of North America’s best. With craft breweries growing in popularity in the Ottawa area, we can’t wait to get our hands on a couple of homegrown cold ones, such as, the NCR’s own Beau’s, Mill Street and Kichesippi beers at the event’s two-day outdoor craft beer and culinary festival on the final weekend.
So before you blink and summer is over, make the most of those long days and warm nights to discover all that summer in the city has to offer. In a nutshell, you won’t regret it.
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