17 reasons to visit Ottawa in 2017

Canada Day 2013

2017 is a special year for Canada, year that the country turns 150 years old. Throughout Canada, special celebrations have been planned and announced to celebrate this milestone and there is no better place to experience this date than the capital, Ottawa.

Throughout 2017, activities and events will take place throughout the city, some already revealed to the public, others kept secret. Many of them will take place from July 1, Canada's official birthday day, or Canada Day, always special day here, especially at the age of 150.

Canada Day 2010

1. CANADA DAY, CANADA

On July 1, I heard that super special shows will take place on stage on the lawn in front of Parliament and in addition to several other things that have been kept secret, a massive fireworks show should close the special day at 10 pm.

2. CANADIAN HISTORY HALL, NEW

The Canadian Museum of History museum, just across the bridge in Gatineau, promises to inaugurate an entire wing that has been undergoing renovations in recent years, named after 150 years of Canadian history. It should open well on July 1, 2017, the day that all museums are open to visitors free of charge.

3.INTERPROVINCIAL PICNIC ON THE BRIDGE

Special picnic-style event 2017 that will take place on July 2, 2017, at Alexandra Bridge, which connects Ottawa to Gatineau (Ontario to Québec).

4. LA MACHINE

Event that will take place from 26 to 30 July 2017, showing two giant balloons parading through the streets of downtown Ottawa (it looks like it's a dragon and a spider… uhruu). I don't want to miss this one!

5. UNDERGROUND MULTI-MEDIA EXPERIENCE

One of the stations (Lyon Street) of the yet to be launched light-rail (subway) in Ottawa, will have performances with sound, music and video, with details yet to be revealed. It promises to be a fantastic experience. See! It will take place during the summer of 2017.

6. RED BULL CRASHED ICE

Ice skating competition, adrenaline format (irregular track and full of obstacles). It will take place in downtown Ottawa in late winter, March 3-4, 2017.

7. STANLEY CUP TRIBUTE

Ice hockey is the most popular sport in Canada and the Stanley Cup is the final of the competition in the country. The cup and related events will take place from March 15-18, 2017, in various locations in the city.

8. SKY LOUNGE

In August, for a week (dates to be set), 22 people will have a unique experience: having an exquisite meal over canada's capital (45 meters high). Tickets will be sold in summer 2017.

9. TIM HORTONS ROAR OF THE RINGS

In December 2017 there will be a curling competition in Ottawa (one of the other popular sports here) that will select the teams that will go to the next winter Olympics 2018 in Hong Kong.

10. CANADA SCENE AT THE NAC

The NAC, or National Art Centre, is under several renovations at the moment and the grand re-opening will take place on July 1, 2017. Then, a culture and art festival will bring together artists from all over Canada for 30 days. Dates will still be set.

11. YOWOTTAWA, New York

A two-day music event in summer 2017, including mainly Canadian artists and vaults, but also from Scotland, England, France and Ireland, celebrating Canadian diversity and history. Dates not yet confirmed.

12. IGNITE 151

About 12 surprise events will take place during 2017 in Ottawa in celebration of Canada's 150. They say it promises to be unique and super special events, which will be announced on social media with little advance notice.

13. 2017 CANADIAN VIDEOGAME AWARDS

I confess that I was surprised by this event, because I never imagined it existed. The gala event will take place at the Aviation and Space Museum, where there will also be the video game championship finals and the events will be projected on to several buildings in the city center. Interesting, isn't it?

14. NATIONAL PARKS OF CANADA FOR FREE

During 2017, admission to Canadian official parks will be free, including crossing the Rideau Canal (good news if you have a boat).

15. JUNO AWARDS

The major Canadian music awards will take place on April 2, 2017, including a previous week of shows, workshops and other activities demonstrating Canadian music talent. The main event will take place at the CTC (Canadian Tire Centre), home of the Ottawa hockey team and luckily, just minutes from home! Is this my chance to see celebrities up close? See! Hehe

16. 105th GREY CUP

Canadian Football Championship Final. Did you get confused? Well, it's like the southern neighbor's superbowl. It will take place on November 26, 2017, at TD Place Stadium in Lansdowne Park.

17. SPECIAL EXHIBITS

Ottawa is home to 7 major national museums and they will all have exhibits focused on Canada's roots and history on account of the anniversary. Many of the other museums also hold unique events, taking place during the periods of 2017.

According to the Ottawa Tourism website, where I read the original report of the events for 2017, many more interesting things should happen in the capital throughout the coming year. Nor was the tulip festival cited, probably will be super special, other great exhibits I've heard of and more.

Apparently Ottawa will be a great place to visit in 2017 yourself!!