Ottawa is loaded with things to do this weekend, whether you're looking to get outside, catch some live entertainment, or explore the city's neighbourhoods with fresh eyes.
Hit the Farmers' Markets
Weekend mornings in Ottawa mean farmers' markets, and the city has some great ones running right now. The Ottawa Farmers' Market at Lansdowne Park is a local staple, drawing vendors selling fresh produce, artisan bread, local honey, and handmade goods. It runs Saturday mornings and is a great way to kick off the weekend. The Westboro Farmers' Market is another favourite, tucked into a walkable neighbourhood with plenty of nearby cafés if you need a coffee to go with your browse.
Explore the Rideau Canal Area
The Rideau Canal pathway is one of Ottawa's most scenic stretches and is beautiful in June. Whether you're walking, jogging, or cycling, the waterway trail offers a peaceful escape from the buzz of downtown. Rent a bike near the locks or simply take a slow walk along the banks — it's free, it's gorgeous, and it's quintessentially Ottawa.
Catch Live Music Downtown
Ottawa's live music scene picks up considerably in the warmer months. Check listings at venues like Pressed, Cafe Dekcuf, and The Dominion on the corner of Somerset for local acts performing this weekend. Many patios across the ByWard Market and Centretown neighbourhoods also host acoustic sets on Saturday afternoons — a perfect excuse to grab a drink outside and support local musicians.
Visit a Local Gallery or Museum
If you're in the mood for something cultural, Ottawa's gallery scene is worth exploring beyond the big national institutions. The Ottawa Art Gallery on Daly Avenue features rotating exhibitions from Canadian and regional artists, and admission is free on the first Sunday of each month. The Canadian Museum of Nature near Metcalfe is also a great rainy-day backup, with permanent collections and special exhibits running through the summer.
Spend Time in the Glebe or Hintonburg
Two of Ottawa's most beloved neighbourhoods are worth an afternoon wander this weekend. The Glebe along Bank Street has independent shops, excellent restaurants, and a relaxed energy that's hard to beat on a Saturday. Hintonburg — often called Ottawa's creative quarter — has a growing food and arts scene with some of the city's most interesting new spots for brunch, coffee, and boutique shopping.
Check Local Event Listings
Beyond the regulars, Ottawa typically hosts community events, outdoor cinema nights, and neighbourhood block parties throughout June. Keep an eye on local Facebook groups and community boards for pop-up events that don't always make it onto the big listing sites.
However you spend it, Ottawa offers a solid lineup of options this weekend for every type of person — from the outdoor adventurer to the culture seeker to the someone who just wants a good meal on a sunny patio.
Source: To Do Canada via Google News
