T
hat's just a taste of what awaits
visitors to the nation's capital this
spring and summer—and I
haven't even mentioned the beer.
ottawa is worth a visit any
time of year for perennial attrac-
tions such as the Rideau Canal—a
uNEsCo World heritage site—
national museums and iconic parliament hill. But there's
something special about the city when brilliant crocuses
start pushing their way through the last traces of snow and
restaurateurs start sweeping off patios from the ByWard
Market to Westboro and beyond.
FEsTIVals GaloRE
The fun starts in late april, when the ottawa Writers
Festival draws literature lovers to libraries, restaurants and
church halls throughout the city. If wheels are more your
thing, the Ottawa Classic and Custom Car Show (May 3 to
4) is the place to see glittering vintage vehicles—and fi nd
the supplies you need to restore one yourself.
until May 11, you can catch the last days of the
Canadian Museum of Nature's fascinating exhibition,
frogs—a chorus of colours. see colourful frogs in beautifully
recreated habitats, landscaped with waterfalls and plants.
Entertainment for families includes arts and crafts activities
and a three-hole frog-themed mini-golf course.
claSSic carS and draGon boatS. buSkerS and autHorS. tHe HiStory of Snow and tHe
Story of froGS. MaratHonS and football GaMeS. and MuSic for JuSt about every fan.
spRING ahEad
oTTaWa's lINEup oF FEsTIVITIEs RoCKs
B y l a u r a B y r n e Pa q u e t
