Ottawa is heading into Thanksgiving weekend with the fall colours still out, and the National Capital Commission (NCC) is reminding residents that a handful of seasonal favourites are about to wrap up for the year.
In a post on Instagram, @ncc_ccn put it simply: "One long weekend. A few last chances." Here is what the NCC says to catch before it is gone.
Final weekend of Weekend Bikedays
This is the last weekend of NCC Weekend Bikedays, when select parkways in the Ottawa-Gatineau region are set aside for cyclists and pedestrians. If you have been meaning to get out on two wheels with the fall colours as a backdrop, this is the final chance until next season.
Swimming docks come out next week
The swimming docks at East Wharf and the Canadian Museum of History are being removed next week. Anyone hoping for one more look at the water from the docks should go this weekend.
Whispering Point reopens briefly
Whispering Point will reopen from Friday, October 9 at 4 pm until Tuesday, October 13 at 7 am. The NCC notes that the upper platform remains open.
When the seasonal bistros close
The NCC also listed closing dates for its seasonal bistros, so there is still time for a last meal or drink by the water:
- Westboro Beach Club: October 11
- Barlake Side and Gitanes Burger (Dow's Lake): October 12
- Moulin in the Park (Glebe): October 15
- Sip Yard Ottawa (Confederation Park): October 18
- Hogsback Grill: October 31
- Remic Rapids Bistro: November 1
That means the Westboro Beach Club closes on Sunday, and the Dow's Lake spots close on Thanksgiving Monday, so those two are the ones to prioritize if you are planning a long weekend outing. The others stay open a little longer, with Hogsback Grill and Remic Rapids Bistro running into the start of November.
Making the most of the weekend
The NCC's message is that the colours will not last forever, and with several of these seasonal services ending within days, the next few days are the best window to take advantage of them. Check the NCC's channels for any last-minute changes to hours or closures before heading out, since seasonal schedules can shift with the weather.
Whether you are planning a bike ride, a walk to a lookout or a final patio stop, the long weekend is a good excuse to get outside in Ottawa and Gatineau before the season turns.
Sources: @ncc_ccn on Instagram
