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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.
Best Picnic Spots Near Me in Ottawa (2026): 16 Parks, Beaches and Riverside Lawns Worth Packing For
This guide to the best picnic spots near me in Ottawa covers 16 parks, from Major's Hill Park and Britannia Beach to Shirleys Bay and Mer Bleue, plus standout picnic parks in Toronto, Calgary and Edmonton.
What to Do in Fredericton (2026): 16 Attractions, Trails and Taprooms Worth Your Time
This guide to what to do in Fredericton covers 16 picks across the New Brunswick capital, from the Boyce Farmers Market and Odell Park's old growth trails to the Legislative Assembly, Beaverbrook Art Gallery and the city's best taprooms.
Fall Activities Ottawa (2026): 16 Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes and Colour Adventures Worth the Drive
These fall activities Ottawa families and couples love cover 16 picks, from Saunders Farm and Ferme Proulx Farm pumpkin fests to Camp Fortune zip lines, apple picking at Mountain Orchards and the Haunted Walk downtown.
Cherry Blossom Ottawa (2026): 16 Free Spots to See Sakura at Peak Bloom
This cherry blossom Ottawa guide maps 16 free places to catch sakura in late April and early May, from the Dominion Arboretum and Major's Hill Park to quiet riverside walks in New Edinburgh and Gatineau.
Canada Winter Clothes: 15 Ottawa Shops for Coats, Layers and Gear That Last (2026)
Canada winter clothes don't have to mean a guess on a website: these 15 Ottawa shops cover technical parkas, Canadian-made knitwear, tailored wool coats and used gear below retail, plus tips on layering and when to buy.
Things to Do in Tofino (2026): 16 West Coast Picks Worth the Trip From Ottawa
These things to do in Tofino cover 16 verified beaches, rainforest trails and wildlife tours on Vancouver Island's west coast, from Long Beach to the Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet, plus free picks like Chesterman Beach and paid tours like Hot Springs Cove.
Drive In Movie Ottawa Guide (2026): 13 Screens Worth the Drive
Our drive in movie Ottawa guide covers 13 screens, from Port Elmsley's double features near Perth and Skylight's carload pricing in Pembroke to free Capital Pop-Up Cinema nights downtown, with tips on timing, parking, and getting the best spot.
Ottawa Weekend Trip (June 19-21, 2026): A 3-Day Itinerary With Festivals, Markets, and Free Things To Do
From major festivals along the Rideau River to farmers' markets, live music, and family-friendly activities, this weekend offers enough to fill an Ottawa itinerary 3 days long.
15 Ottawa Events This Week: November 9-13, 2026
A hypnotist turning audience volunteers into improv performers at the National Arts Centre is just one of the more unusual shows on Ottawa's calendar...
Gloucester Night Market Ottawa 2026: Dates, Hours, and What to Expect
Outdoor evening markets have become a growing part of Ottawa’s summer event calendar. From neighbourhood markets to larger city-wide events, they offer a chance to meet local makers, shop from small businesses, and enjoy an evening outdoors without the pace…