The Labour Day Long weekend is a bittersweet occasion. On the one hand, you get an extra day off from work. On the other, it signals the last days of the summer season. Here are some ways to make the most of your long weekend in Ottawa. The Hazelview Properties team has a roundup of the best events throughout the city.
Mosaika Sound & Light Show (Parliament Hill)
Mosaika tells the story of Canada with sound and light using Parliament Hill as a background. The evening show explores Canada’s physical, historical and cultural landscapes. The show is told in three acts: act one is an exploration of Canadian landscapes; act two presents Canadian milestones including the building of the railroad as well as achievements in sports, arts and culture; the final act is a segment on Canadian values in which visitors will hear the words of Canadians from across the country discussing the land, achievements and values. The show wraps up September 7th, so set some time aside on the long weekend to see a free performance. Mosaika start at 9 p.m. so grab a chair or blanket to relax and enjoy the show.
For more information visit: Mosaika - Visitor Info
Sunday Bikedays
Go out for a spin on the last Sunday Bikeday of the season. Every summer the National Capital Commission opens its parkways to cyclists in both Ottawa and Gatineau Parks for Sunday morning (9 am – 1pm). Over 50 kilometers of parkways are reserved for active transportation. Cyclists, runners and walkers can enjoy the parkways in a car-free environment. Bike rentals are available from various BIXI stations around Ottawa. The Cycling Capital map notes all of the parkways that are part of the Sunday Bikedays program. Ottawa Pathways include:
- Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway (5.5 kilometres) (Gowlings)
- Colonel By Drive (7.6 kilometres) (KPMG)
- Rockcliffe Parkway (7.5 kilometres) (Canadian Red Cross and Canadian Mental Health Association)
For more information visit: Alactel-Lucent Sunday Bikedays
Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
For its 26th anniversary, the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival unfolds throughout Labour Day weekend. This year, the festivities include an amusement park, live music, buskers, and of course, hot air balloon shows and rides. The festival starts Friday, August 30 and runs until Labour Day (Monday, September 2nd). This year, highlights include musical performances by Daniel Lavoie, Sean Paul and Mia Martina. A four-day wristband passport costs $25 or you can include a hot air balloon ride with your pass for $200.
For more information visit: Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
After the Long Weekend
Extend the summer goodness by participating in some of Ottawa’s great fall events. In late September, check out Ottawa’s secret picnic, vintage fashion and DJ Dance Party. Yes, you read that right. Harvest Noir, a picnic feast, celebrates with food grown in the Ottawa Region. Participants dress in black formal wear while they picnic, parade and party to the music of world-class musicians. The location remains secret until just before the event, which is planned for September 30th. Organizers expect more than a thousand participants as Harvest Noir is modeled after similar popular events in Europe.
For more information visit: www.harvestnoir.com
The Hazelview Properties team wishes you a safe and happy Labour Day long weekend! Hazelview Properties offers a variety of professionally managed rental apartments in Ottawa in neighbourhoods like Brittania, Sandy Hill and the trendy Byward Market area.