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Claire Whitmore
After 12 years of covering Ottawa, Claire Whitmore has learned that a packed festival schedule doesn't guarantee a good weekend, a long lineup doesn't guarantee good food, and the most interesting thing happening in town isn't always the one with the biggest advertising budget. As Senior Community Editor at 613 Times, she covers the events, attractions, local businesses, and experiences that give Ottawa its character. She's interested in what makes a place worth visiting, what makes an event worth leaving the house for, and why some neighbourhood favourites outlast the latest big thing. She has also learned to approach the words “something for everyone” with healthy suspicion.
Drive In Christmas Lights Ottawa (2026): 15 Displays You Can See From Your Car
Our drive in Christmas lights guide covers 15 Ottawa-area displays for 2026, from the Magic of Lights route at Wesley Clover Parks to Brockville's radio-synced River of Lights, Taffy Lane and motorcoach light tours.
Morris Island Conservation Area (2026): 11 Ways to Visit Plus 5 Nearby Alternatives
Our Morris Island Conservation Area guide covers trails, kayaking, fishing, fall photos and winter visits at this Fitzroy Harbour island, plus five nearby Ottawa conservation areas, with 2026 day-pass prices and hours.
Candle Light Ottawa (2026): 16 Candlelit Concerts From Vivaldi to Taylor Swift
Our candle light Ottawa guide covers 16 candlelit concerts for fall and holiday 2026 at Knox Church and First Baptist Church, from Halloween classics and Queen to Vivaldi and Christmas carols, with dates and ticket prices.
Weekend Getaways From Ottawa (2026): 16 Escapes Worth Packing a Bag For
Our weekend getaways from Ottawa guide covers 16 escapes for 2026, from Almonte and Merrickville to Kingston, the Thousand Islands and Québec City, with drive times, couples picks and what to book ahead.
Lansdowne Christmas Market (2026): Dates, Parking and 16 Ottawa Holiday Markets
Our Lansdowne Christmas market guide covers the November 20, 2026 opening at Aberdeen Plaza, parking and transit, plus 15 more Ottawa holiday markets from the Glebe to Manotick and Gatineau, with confirmed dates.
Ottawa Christmas Light Show Guide (2026): 16 Displays, From Magic of Lights to Parliament Hill
Our Ottawa Christmas light show guide covers 16 displays for 2026, from the Magic of Lights drive-through at Wesley Clover Parks to free Parliament Hill illuminations, Taffy Lane and Upper Canada Village, with confirmed dates and prices.
Cooking Classes Ottawa (2026): 15 Kitchens Teaching Adults, Couples and Kids
Our cooking classes Ottawa guide covers 15 verified kitchens, from Le Cordon Bleu short courses and $165 Urban Element dinners to free library workshops and kids programs, with October 2026 prices and sold-out dates.
Road Trip Québec (2026): 16 Stops From Ottawa, From Day Trips to Two-Week Loops
This road trip Québec guide maps 16 stops from Ottawa, from one-day runs to Wakefield and Montebello to two-week loops through Saguenay and Gaspésie, with drive times and October 2026 closures checked.
Apple Picking Ottawa (2026): 16 Orchards and What’s Still Open This October
Our apple picking Ottawa guide covers 16 orchards checked in October 2026, from Mountain Orchards and Shouldice in Richmond to organic picking near Thurso, with prices, varieties and which farms have wrapped for the season.
Things to Do in Kanata, Ottawa (2026): 15 Picks From Cold War Bunkers to Wave Pools
Our guide to things to do in Kanata covers 15 verified picks for October 2026, from a Cold War bunker in Carp and free Sunday swims to midnight escape rooms, live jazz and Kanata North forest trails.