Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dreamscapes.ca/i/510262
It joins the CFL's Ottawa REDBLACKS, the NASL's Ottawa Fury FC and the NHL's Ottawa Senators to help entertain pro sports fans. The capital is also one of six Canadian cities hosting soccer matches as part of the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015. Ottawa's games are scheduled between June 7 and 26. If you prefer to get some exercise yourself rather than cheer others on, Ottawa abounds with options. Weather permitting on Wednesdays at noon from May until Sep- tember, bring your own mat and water to a free yoga session on the lawn in front of Par- liament. Several parkways throughout the region are closed to motorized vehicles but open to cyclists, inline skaters and pedes- trians during Alcatel-Lucent Sunday Bikedays (May 17–September 6). The new Epic Indoor Bike Park is a 4,924-square-metre, year-round destination for skateboarders and cyclists. In addition, the city is home to more than 180 kilometres of recreational pathways. Ottawa is also a popular destination for water sports. For instance, Ottawa City Rafting offers three-hour whitewater trips through Class II and Class III rapids between Britannia Park and the Canadian War Museum. FEELING FESTIVE The moment the snow melts, Ottawa's fes- tival calendar kicks into high gear. From chamber music to rap and from dragon boating to beer, there's a celebration for just about every taste on the city's 2015 calendar. In June, celebrate Italian culture during Italian Week Ottawa ( June 11–21) and fran- cophone culture at the Festival Franco- Ontarien Banque Nationale ( June 11–13). Join the fun at Westfest, the neighbourhood street party that grew ( June 13–14). Sample barbecue galore during Ottawa Ribfest ( June 17–21) and theatre fare of all sorts at the Ottawa Fringe Festival ( June 17–28). Among many other acts, catch Pink Mar- tini or the Blind Boys of Alabama at the TD DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2015 28 TOP TO BOTTOM: Kayak along the Ottawa River. Street entertainers amuse crowds during the annual Ottawa International Buskerfest. The Changing of the Guard ceremony on Parliament Hill is a stirring spectacle that rarely fails to move spectators. OPPOSITE RIGHT: A cruise along the Ottawa River is a lovely way to spend time in our beautiful capital. Ottawa Tourism