#Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

eandamj · 5 months ago

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VANCOUVER, CANADA, 21 - 24 June 2024

On 21st June, we took buses and a train to the Broadway/Commercial area of Vancouver to attend the festival which was being put on for National Indigenous Day. We were able to see some wonderful craft work on many stalls which had been created using traditional skills. Many women were wearing very attractive traditional “ribbon skirts” which are skirts made from bands of colourful ribbon sewn together. We were introduced to the local MP who had flown in from Ottawa to attend the festival. My relative P knew the MP as they worked together some years ago when the MP was a MLA ( member of the legislature for the Province of British Columbia). There was a music programme through the afternoon. We were fortunate to find some shade to listen to the entertainment:

We returned to the hotel for a short time before making our way by bus and train again to the Waterfront. We then took the seabus across to the area of Vancouver called the North Shore. We went to visit the Friday evening market. This took place in and around the old shipyards. There were a huge number of stalls selling all types of artisan crafts as well as food trucks producing a wide range of foods.

There was a huge area devoted to a Splash play area for children where they were having such fun:

We walked down the pier to take in the view of Vancouver downtown. We were able to find a great table for dinner with a super view across the water. (The building with white sails is the cruise terminal).

Dinner was very noisy as there was a TV on showing a key ice hockey match (6th match in a series of 7 in the Stanley Cup between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers). There was an ecstatic atmosphere when the Canadian team won as it meant each team had won three matches. On our way back to the seabus, we passed this interesting photograph on a brick wall of the shipyard workers many years ago:

On 22 June, we went to the science park area of the city to watch some of the Dragon Boat races in the Dragon Boat Festival. This was a huge event with teams from all over Canada and USA. There were a huge number of stalls showcasing services as well as artisan crafts with a focus on Chinese culture. There was a traditional parade of the Chinese dragon:

We enjoyed watching many races. Here was the view of the boats speeding towards us:

The rowers looked very tired after a race but the boats looked very picturesque in the water as the referee confirmed the race result:

On 23 June, it was the National Day of Prayer for the Indigenous Peoples of Canada. We attended the morning service at Christ Church Cathedral in downtown Vancouver. Prior to the service we attended an hour’s lecture on the history of the renovation of the cathedral. It was built at the start of the 20th Century and has been extended, adapted and repaired several times. The cathedral had added a modern bell tower which was beautiful:

We had lunch in the Art Gallery Restaurant and we were able to catch some lovely jazz music from youth jazz musicians playing in Robson Square.

On 24 June we took the bus again to Stanley Park. This time we walked around the waterfront towards the Lion’s Gate Bridge:

We watched a heron on the water’s edge for some time. We then walked through some of the forest area to the Pavilion for lunch.

After returning to the hotel we prepared for the evening’s final match in the Ice Hockey’s Stanley Cup. Sadly for P the Edmonton Oilers were beaten by the Florida Panthers in the 7th decider match.

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news-locus · 1 year ago

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Free club shows by Wintersleep, Elliott Brood, Joel Plaskett and more to be presented by Ottawa's ice dragon-boat festival

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best-hotels-in-ottawa-with-pools · 1 year ago

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Exploring Ottawa’s Best Beaches Nearby

Ottawa is the stunning capital of Canada. While Ottawa might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of beaches, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover the city’s hidden gems. Whether you’re a local looking for a new spot to soak up in the sun or a visitor seeking a unique beach experience, we’ve got you covered. In this travel blog, we’ll explore the 11 best beaches in Ottawa for a perfect day trip.

Table of Contents

Mooney’s Bay Beach

Brittania Beach

Petrie Island Beach

Westboro Beach

Meech Lake/O’Brien Beach (Best beache in Ottawa)

Leamy Lake Beach

Lac Phillippe

Constance Bay Beach

The Pond

Morrison’s Quarry

Fitzroy Provincial Park Beach

Burnstown Beach

Petawawa Point Beach

Bon Echo Provincial Park Beaches

Pine Point Beach

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Mooney’s Bay Beach

If you’ve got kids, you should definitely visit Mooney’s Bay Beach. It features an interesting Canada-themed playground that your little ones will surely enjoy.

It is one of the most popular summer destinations in Ottawa and hence often remains crowded with people.

Mooney’ Beach hosts various Ottawa festivals and events like H.O.P.E. Volleyball SummerFest, Dragon Boat Race Festival, and many more fun activities for you to enjoy.

Location: 2926, Riverside Drive, Ottawa, ON, Canada

Brittania Beach

Situated in the west of Ottawa, Brittania Beach is more of a low-key destination with no restaurants and cafes around.

Nonetheless, it is the perfect spot for swimming and relaxing on the sand while enjoying the beautiful beach views.

While you’re here, don’t forget to visit the Beach Corners, to enjoy some delicious ice cream flavors after a sunny day at the beach.

Location: 2805 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON, Canada

Petrie Island Beach

Petrie Island Beach is a true local favorite. The island has three different beaches – East Beach, West Beach & Centennial Beach, with each offering something special to the visitors.

However, if you want to get into the busy crowd, East Beach is your best option.

Here, you can also relax under the shady trees, swim, or even rent a paddle board, canoe rentals, and kayak to enjoy some fun water activities.

Meanwhile, make sure to pack your lunch as you’ll surely need some extra dose of energy to enjoy your time to the fullest.

Location: 272 Trim Road, Orleans, Ottawa, ON, Canada

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Westboro Beach

Situated on the west shore of the Ottawa River, Westboro Beach is the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful time with your family.

It has got various beautiful on-site cafes offering meals & drinks along with live music to keep you entertained.

Westboro Beach is accessible year-round and is among the best beaches in Ottawa.

Location: 745, Ottawa River Parkway, Canada

Meech Lake/O’Brien Beach (Best beache in Ottawa)

Situated just a 15-minute drive away from downtown Ottawa, Meech Lake is known for its crystal-clear water and white sand.

It makes a great spot for hiking, picnicking, and kayaking with lifeguards always on duty to ensure utmost safety.

O’Brien is the most famous beach in the area and gets all bustling with people during the hot summer days.

Location: Chelsea, QC, Canada

Leamy Lake Beach

If you want to enjoy a good time outdoors, but don’t want to travel far from the city, then Leamy Lake Beach is your place to be.

The beach is situated amidst the hills, just a short drive away from the main city.

Here you can engage in a whole lot of water activities like swimming, fishing, kayaking, and more.

And if you’re not a fan of getting covered in all sand, you can secure your place in the grassy areas with natural shade beyond the beach.

Location: Fournier Blvd, Gatineau, Quebec, Canada

Lac Phillippe

Situated in the heart of the Saint-Francois-de Sales National Park, Lac Phillippe is a beautiful lake featuring boat rentals, picnic spots, and a wonderful swimming beach.

The location also offers thrilling biking, hiking, and skiing trails to enjoy through.

Location: Les Collines-de-L’Outaouais Regional County Municipality, QC J0X 3G0, Canada

Constance Bay Beach

Constance Bay is the only horse-friendly beach in Ottawa. So if you want to enjoy a ride with a fantastic sea view, hop on.

Besides, you can enjoy paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing and sailing. Meanwhile, be careful of the mussels in the seawater as they can hurt your toes and may even leave you injured.

Although the beach doesn’t cover much of an area, it’s evident that you’d get to enjoy a good time here. And the best part? The parking is absolutely free!

Location: Lane St, Ottawa, ON K0A 3M0, Canada

The Pond

The Pond may not have the most exciting name, but this hidden gem is perfect for anyone looking to avoid crowded beaches.

Located in the industrial area near the airport, the Pond offers a serene swimming experience with clean and clear water.

Just make sure to be a little cautious as there are no lifeguards available on duty.

Location: Pond St., Rockcliffe Park

Morrison’s Quarry

Did you know there’s a blue oasis near Ottawa? Morrison’s Quarry, just a 20-minute drive from downtown Ottawa, is a beautiful beach for swimming and scuba diving.

The beautiful turquoise waters and sandy beach area are perfect for relaxation.

The site also features picnic tables, BBQ pits, and even a waterslide, providing fun for all ages.

Location: 1780 Quebec Rte 105, Chelsea

Fitzroy Provincial Park Beach

Situated just an hour away from the capital, Fitzroy Provincial Park is the perfect spot for anyone looking for a peaceful escape into nature.

The park features two beaches each carrying its own unique charm.

The main beach features washrooms, picnic tables, barbecues, and canoe/kayak rentals, while the camper’s beach located in Two Rivers Campground is perfect for families with small kids.

While you’re here, don’t forget to take a short hike through the century-old white pine forest and explore the meandering Carp River by paddle.

Location: 5201 Canon Smith Dr, Fitzroy Harbour, ON K0A 1X0, Canada

Burnstown Beach

Situated along the Madawaska River, Burnstown Beach features a large sandy swimming area, a boat launch, and even a rowing area for those seeking adventure.

On land, you’ll find a play structure, picnic tables, a seasonal snack bar, change rooms, washrooms, and a shaded grassy area.

While at it, make sure not to miss out on Burnstown’s renowned artist galleries, shops, and eateries, all housed in heritage buildings, within walking distance from the beach.

Location: 1537 Calabogie Rd, Renfrew, ON K7V 3Z4, Canada

Direction Burnstown Beach

Petawawa Point Beach

At the junction of the Petawawa and Ottawa rivers lies the town of Petawawa’s premiere waterfront park – Petawawa Point.

Here, you’ll find amazing vistas, a sandy beach, a boat launch, a snack bar & canoe/kayak rentals.

The beach might be unsupervised but rest assured, it’s well maintained and monitored regularly by the municipal staff.

Beyond the beach, Petawawa Point stretches as a series of islands across the Ottawa River into Quebec that’s worth exploring.

Location: Petawawa Point, Petawawa, ON K8H 3M4, Canada

Bon Echo Provincial Park Beaches

Just a 2-hour drive from Ottawa lies the Bon Echo Provincial Park, where Mazinaw rock stands tall as a testament to indigenous heritage.

This 1.5-km-long sheer rock face rises 100 meters from Mazinaw Lake and features over 260 indigenous pictographs – the largest visible collection in Canada.

White at Bon Echo, take an interpretive boat tour to get up close to the cliffs or climb to the lookout atop the rock.

Bon Echo’s main beach on Lower Mazinaw lake is a popular spot with a spacious sandy beach, a buoyed swimming area (note that there are no lifeguards), and shaded picnic spots.

North and south beaches offer quieter alternatives for campers and day-trippers.

Location: 16151 Hwy 41, Cloyne, ON K0H 1K0, Canada

Pine Point Beach

Nestled along the tranquil Ottawa River in the charming town of Deep River, Pine Point Beach is a true hidden treasure.

With over 200 meters of golden, sandy shoreline, it’s a beachcomber’s paradise. The beach also offers amenities like washrooms and convenient parking.

Surrounding the beach, you’ll find a magnificent mixed forest with winding walking trails, perfect for an afternoon stroll.

Location: Pine Point Rd, Deep River, ON, Canada

Conclusion

Ottawa might not be the Carribean, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a day or more at the beach. Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, water, snacks, and lunch. If you’re planning on swimming, don’t forget your swimsuit, towel and goggles. And if you have little ones, bring them along with some sand toys for added fun.

#journey #travel #vacation #tour #tourist

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canadahangouts · 1 year ago

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Toronto Events 2023: Your Ultimate Guide to Unmissable Experiences

Toronto, the dynamic and multicultural capital of Ontario, is a city known for its vibrant events scene. Whether you’re a local looking for exciting activities or a visitor planning a trip, Events in Toronto calendar for 2023 has something for everyone. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the top events happening in Toronto this year, ensuring you don’t miss out on the excitement.

1. Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)

Every September, Toronto takes the spotlight in the world of cinema as it hosts the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). It’s one of the largest and most prestigious film festivals globally, attracting A-list celebrities and showcasing a diverse array of films from around the world. From red carpet premieres to thought-provoking documentaries, TIFF offers an unforgettable cinematic experience for film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

2. Pride Toronto

June is Pride Month, and Toronto knows how to celebrate with Pride Toronto. The Pride Parade is the highlight of this LGBTQ+ celebration, featuring colorful floats, performances, and a joyful atmosphere of love and acceptance. Throughout the month, you can enjoy various Pride events, parties, and exhibitions that promote diversity and inclusivity.

3. Toronto Caribbean Carnival

Experience the rhythms and colors of the Caribbean at the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, also known as Caribana. This multi-week festival in July and August showcases the rich cultural heritage of Caribbean nations. The highlight is the Grand Parade, where masqueraders don elaborate costumes and dance to infectious music. With vibrant cultural displays, delicious cuisine, and lively music, it’s a celebration you won’t want to miss.

Events in Canada

4. Luminato Festival

The Luminato Festival, held in June, is an annual celebration of the arts that brings together artists, musicians, and performers from around the world. You can immerse yourself in an eclectic mix of music, dance, theater, and visual arts. The festival’s mission is to illuminate Toronto with creativity and culture, and it succeeds brilliantly.

5. Nuit Blanche Toronto

Nuit Blanche, an all-night contemporary art extravaganza, transforms Toronto into a surreal playground for art enthusiasts. In October, the city’s streets and public spaces become host to a wide range of art installations, interactive exhibits, and performances. Whether you’re an art connoisseur or just looking for a unique night out, Nuit Blanche offers an unforgettable experience.

6. Toronto International Dragon Boat Festival

Every June, Toronto Islands come alive with the exhilarating Toronto International Dragon Boat Festival. Teams from across the world compete in thrilling dragon boat races, and the event features cultural performances, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate the city’s multicultural spirit and enjoy a day of outdoor fun.

7. Cavalcade of Lights

The holiday season in Toronto kicks off with the Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square. In November, the square is illuminated with festive lights, and the event features live music, ice skating, and a spectacular fireworks display. It’s a magical way to get into the holiday spirit and witness the city’s transformation into a winter wonderland.

Events in Ottawa

8. Toronto Christmas Market

End the year on a festive note with a visit to the Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery Historic District. Twinkling lights, holiday music, artisanal vendors, and delicious food and drinks create a charming and cozy atmosphere. It’s a great place to find unique holiday gifts, savor seasonal treats, and enjoy the warmth of the holiday season.

9. Toronto Fashion Week

Toronto Fashion Week is a must-attend event for fashion enthusiasts. This biannual fashion showcase, usually held in March and October, features both established and emerging designers. You can attend runway shows, discover the latest fashion trends, and get a glimpse into the world of Canadian fashion.

10. Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)

The Canadian National Exhibition, held from late August to early September, is an iconic Toronto tradition. It’s an exciting end-of-summer carnival featuring thrilling rides, games, live entertainment, and an array of food vendors offering everything from classic fair treats to innovative creations. The CNE is a beloved event that captures the essence of summer fun.

11. Toronto Outdoor Art Fair

Art lovers can explore the vibrant Toronto art scene at the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair in July. Over 360 contemporary artists showcase their work, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and more. It’s an excellent opportunity to connect with artists, purchase unique pieces, and immerse yourself in the world of visual arts.

12. WinterCity Festival

Toronto’s WinterCity Festival, typically held in February, celebrates the beauty of winter with various activities and events. From ice sculptures and outdoor skating to live music and culinary experiences, this festival brings warmth and joy to the winter months. It’s a great way to embrace the Canadian winter in the heart of the city.

Conclusion

Toronto’s event calendar for 2023 promises an exciting and diverse range of experiences. Whether you’re interested in film, art, music, culture, or simply want to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant atmosphere, Toronto has something for everyone. These top events are just a glimpse of what the city has to offer, and there are countless more to discover throughout the year. Plan your visit to coincide with these incredible events, and you’ll be sure to make unforgettable memories in Toronto.

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thedill-blog · 6 years ago

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We have a big show coming up in Ottawa. Playing the esteemed “Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival”. Save the date! See you there O.Dot!! (Is that even still a thing?)

#ottawa music scene #dragon boat festival #cdnmusic

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soundcheckentertainment · 7 years ago

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In it’s 35th year, the Ottawa Dragon Boat festival is an attraction for outdoor music revellers, beach enthusiasts and competitive dragonboat racers. The best part – it’s free. So, for anybody that may have missed it this year, put it on your calendar for next year as a must see event!

Here is what you may have missed-

Day One

The Elwins: A great new band from Keswick, ON with a lot of fun, upbeat songs. They have a great stage presence and one of the best moustaches I have ever seen. Find them here- http://www.theelwins.com/.

Elwins, Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival 2017. Photo by Dale Sinclair

Said the Whale: I first seen Said the Whale a number of years back at the Folk on the Rocks festival in Yellowknife, NT. They were very new back then with a very unique and interesting sound. With a bit of pop mixed with some west coast Canadian folk. Their style has remained much the same and I was excited to see them again. Although, I was a bit disappointed hearing them this year as I don’t think the venue fit their music very well. It seemed muted and not as fun as I recall, but we all have our bad days, so don’t let this stop you from giving them a listen. Find them here- https://www.saidthewhale.com/.

Said the Whale, Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival 2017. Photo by Dale Sinclair

The Sheepdogs: As expected. Hailing from Saskatchewan, these guys have gained popularity with their bluesy filled, rock/folk music and their country stylin’ appearance. It’s the type of music you want to hear loud at any outdoor (or indoor) music festival. The Sheepdogs filled the park with more Dragonboat festival goers than any other band this past weekend. Find them here- http://www.thesheepdogs.com/.

The Sheepdogs, Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival 2017. Photo by Dale Sinclair

Day Two

Kalle Mattson: Not to be outdone by the cool temps and overcast, Kalle had some nice chill tunes to help bring in the crowd for the upcoming acts. His mellow tunes encouraged folks to pull up a piece of lawn and crack open that first cold one. Find Kalle here- http://www.kallemattson.com/.

Kalle Mattson, Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival 2017. Photo by Dale Sinclair

The Zolas: In some cases, a similar sound to Said the Whale, and 1 of several Vancouver based bands attending the Dragon Boat festival this year. The Zolas are fun and clearly love being in front of a crowd. I would be happy to see them again. Find the Zolas here- http://thezolasmusic.com/

The Zolas, Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival 2017. Photo by Dale Sinclair

Dear Rouge: Danielle from Dear Rouge is like Steve Tyler meets Joan Jet. From the moment she hit the stage, it was all about the performance. I can’t wait to see where Drew and Danielle McTaggert go – they can only get bigger. Great modern rock sound – don’t miss Dear Rouge!

Dear Rouge, Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival 2017. Photo by Dale Sinclair

Day Three

Twin Flames: A blend of modern folk and indigenous vibes. Twin Flames carry an amazing message of harmony and love for their community and the strong desire of expanding that community to reach every one that listens to their music. They call Ottawa home and like many of us that live in Canada, have a varied background of many different cultures. The strength of their values and desire to teach through their music should be embraced. You can find them here- https://www.twinflamesmusic.com/.

Twin Flames, Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival 2017. Photo by Dale Sinclair

Kasador: What I would consider Canadian indie rock – if there was a poster, they would be on it. A blend of mellow guitar, great vocals and a fun beat. Fresh from Kingston, On and they only got together in 2015 – I look forward to more of their fine tunes. The only disappointing bit was that the upcoming bands clearly had more gear than the stage could handle so Kasador was smushed over to one side of the stage. They still made the most of it and did an outstanding performance. Find them here- http://www.kasadorband.com/.

Kasador, Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival 2017. Photo by Dale Sinclair

The Darcy’s: I am still not sure what to make of these guys. A two piece beach party with a lot of gear – this consisted of both a giant neon sign, a giant plastic lit palm tree and whatever gear you need to have a functioning air puppet on the stage. Yah, you know those things you see in front of used car lots waving around and popping up every 30 seconds… Props aside, they played some good tunes to welcome the sunshine back after a brief down pouring of rain. And here I have to give credit to the local Ottawa radio station, Live 88.5, for distributing some much needed rain ponchos. You can find more The Darcy’s here- http://www.thedarcys.ca/.

Darcy’s, Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival 2017. Photo by Dale Sinclair

Half Moon Run: This band has really put a lot of thought into their light show. There was barely a moment when the stage was not dynamically changing through the effects of their lights – it was quite a feat. The crowd was not quite as big as it was for the Sheepdogs, but I think that may have been due to the risk of rain. And to be fair, it did rain earlier. I think their music was good, but I was memorized by the lights for most of the show – well… I was also trying to take pictures. Crazy light shows and photography don’t always mix, but when you do it right, you can get some pretty awesome shots. I would shoot performances like this all the time if I could. Find them here- https://www.halfmoonrun.com/.

Half Moon Run, Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival 2017. Photo by Dale Sinclair

That wraps up another year of music at the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival.

All of the photos you see in this article were taken by me and of course, you can me find me here on the interwebs- dalesinclair.ca or on Facebook- @dalesinclairphoto. Please take a moment and check out the below gallery containing more pics of Ottawa Dragon Boat festival 2017.

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