Oh Canada! Ottawa with kids.

We go to Ottawa fairly often, as one of E's favorite cousins live there. It's also only about 1h30 away from Montreal. Canada's Capital region has quite a bit to offer no matter what time of the year, it seems that there's always something going on there, whether it's Winterlude, or the Tulip Festival in the spring or the Blues Fest in the Summer, it's a great place to go for the weekend with the family. If you do go, make sure you check out  Kids in the Capital for some amazing activity ideas, for things to do and places to go.

In the summer, take a walk with the family along the Rideau Canal, a Unesco World Heritage Site which also turns into the world's largest skating rink in the winter. Weather permitting, try to catch the changing of the guard at the Parliament at 10:00 AM. After that, check out Byward Market and grab a quick lunch (maybe on the go for a picnic) at one of my favorite spots, La Bottega known as much for its espressos as it's delicious paninis or, for an incredible food experience, try Sweetgrass Bistro, Canada's first Aboriginal bistro, showcasing First Nations foods with ingredients provided from local farms. For all the crafty mamas, check out Adorit  an amazing fair trade eco-fabric boutique.

Kayaking on the Rideau Canal

World's longest skating rink: The Rideau Canal in Ottawa

Changing of the guard on Parliament Hill

La Bottega in Byward Market

In the afternoon why not take a walk, or a bike ride in Gatineau Park, Canada's Capital consevation park where there's always loads of activities, no matter the time of year. It's also home to the Mackenzie King Estate site. Another beautiful outside park is at Petrie Island where the kids can see turtles, different kinds of birds and a whole variety of wetland wildlife. There's also a great beach.

Gatineau Park in the Fall

Petrie Island park 

Another great option is the Agriculture Museum, a working farm where kids will be able to see the breeds of dairy and beef cattle, pigs, sheep, horses, goats, rabbits and chickens, go on Tally Ho wagon rides, a tractors exhibit, and discover the essential role bees play in the pollination of many Canadian food crops. They also have different special events and activities throughout the year.

The dairy barn at the Agriculture Museum

The Farm at the Agriculture Museum

 If it's not so nice outside, don't worry, there's still tons to do. The Children's Museum is a truly amazing pace at the Museum of Civilization. There are changing temporary exhibits are 30 permanent exhibit spaces where kids will dress up in different costumes, have hands on activities and discover different traditions from different countries. You can easily spend an entire day there, and if not at least half a day. While you're at the Civilization Museum, if you're there before October 10, 2011, there's also a great exhibit on JAPAN: TRADITION. INNOVATION where five themes—travel, automation, social status, consumer culture and entertainment—demonstrate how traditional influences have shaped contemporary Japan and touched the world at large. Another classic favorite is the Science & Technology Museum where there really is something for everyone! Don't forget your astronaut ice cream! 4Cats Art Studios have an Ottawa location which provides some fun Art Studio workshops for kids, and the Reptile Zoo is sure to fascinate kids of all ages.


If you're looking to pick up some cute things for the little ones, why not stop by The Extraordinary Baby Shop, which really truly lives up to its name, 3 Little Monkeys, or Chick Pea who all have beautiful things for the babies. Nest is one of my favorite places to get wooden toys, but also for all the other beautiful stuff they have. If you have a young one (or not so young one) in your life who loves toy soldiers, try this place out, in Byward Market.


After all that, if you're still looking for things to do, take a look here!