Mer Bleue

This long October weekend is about fall, feasts, family, and friends. When you aren’t stuffing yourself with turkey and pumpkin pie, there are plenty of things to do – both seasonal and otherwise. 

We’ve made it to the end of the work week! While last weekend was a little cool and dreary, this weekend brings with it the return of summer’s heat. Take advantage of the sunny skies and enjoy the plethora of outdoor events taking place this weekend (and some great indoor events too)!

Okay, if you’re confused about this winter weather, me too. Storm warnings. Mild weather. No canal yet. Sigh. But we’re Ottawans and so we make the best of it. There are lots of suggestions below, whether you want to get outdoors or not.

As a long-time Ottawa resident, I was convinced I had this city figured out, and that there were no hidden gems left to find here or in the surrounding areas. Boy, was I wrong. Who knew you could sleep overnight in a museum train caboose or stroll through a beautiful outdoor sculpture park in a tranquil forest? Lucky for us, two local wanderlust experts are the perfect guides to help locals (re)discover our region.

Sometimes, the best gifts are memories and shared experiences. Are you looking for something fun and safe to do with your friends, family, and loved ones, which you can give instead of a physical gift? Here are some great options.

In previous geotours we’ve focused on specific 613 locations to visit for your geographic education and edification. This week though, we’re doing the exact opposite: telling you where not to go. This geotour is all about viewing the fall colours and we’re suggesting you NOT go to Gatineau Park.

We have made it into summer’s wind down and it is time to soak up all we can of these remaining summer weekends. Make it a priority to get outside and enjoy the sunshine while we can. There are plenty of reasons to get out and about this weekend, if the fleeting warmth of the season’s sunny skies isn’t enough to draw you from your living room. Here are just a few of them.

Have you ever wondered why it was called Mer Bleue, since it’s neither a sea nor particularly blue?