For those of you who have followed us over the years, you’ll already know that Catherine & I met while living in Ottawa. We’ve been friends for almost twenty years and when we have the chance to visit Ottawa, it is always an amazing chance for us to revisit the city we both called home for so long. Click here to read how life came full circle when we were asked to be official bloggers for The JUNO Awards in Ottawa recently – what an amazing experience that was! While we were in town celebrating the best of Canadian music, we also had the incredible opportunity to see what Ottawa has in store for an exciting year alongside #Canada150 celebrations. To say I was impressed would be an understatement! As a #StandForCanada partner with CIBC, I am excited to share my top 5 events not to be missed in the nation’s capital with you all. And of course, the plan is to join you there for them and many more opportunities to celebrate our great country alongside Ottawa 2017!
First of all, let’s just acknowledge the delicious brunch menu at Metropolitan Brasserie. Because, #Brunch.
Now, I’ll be honest. Yes, I knew that Ottawa was going to be the hub of the biggest Canada Day celebration to date because of #Canada150. What I didn’t realize was that the entire year has been planned out to showcase the vibrancy and energy that Ottawa has as one of the best cities in the country. I was lucky enough to attend a press conference where they helped to showcase these events, and I was in awe. No offense Toronto, I love you. But Ottawa blows us out of the water this year!
It was a tough list to narrow down (click here to see the full list), but I gathered together the top 5 events I personally want to attend and that simply CANNOT be missed this year.
1. INSPIRATION VILLAGE: May 20 – September 4
I think of all the events, this one moved me the most. “In an unusual twist, Inspiration Village will be built out of sea containers transformed into an aesthetic artistic installation – a sustainable, cost-effective and flexible building material that is gaining interest around the world.” It will gather together artists, exhibitions, performances and Canadians of all walks of live into a space that quite literally is the most sought after parking space in the city on any given day. I can’t wait to see the transformation!
2. KONTINUUM: End of June – September
Now, this is HUGE for Ottawa. For as long as I can remember, there has been talk of a light rail system to help commuters in the city. But did you know that it is almost done? The team at Ottawa 2017 gave me a preview of this immersive experience that will open just in time for the summer months, and… well, I’ll let the video tell you the rest so I don’t ruin the surprise. After the privilege of seeing it first hand, all you need to know is that this is a MUST see.
3. SKY LOUNGE: July 7 – 22
Foodies of Canada and the world. I CANNOT express how excited I am for this to happen. There are no words that I could gather to tell you how much I absolutely MUST experience this once of a lifetime dinning experience in the sky. Having seen videos years ago of the concept in Europe, I thought to myself how unique it must be to enjoy. Now that it is coming to Canada, there is NO way that you can miss this change to literally dine in the sky with me. Buy your tickets today before it’s too late!
4. PICNIC ON THE BRIDGE: July 2nd
Listen, I know already that if you’re like me, you will not miss #Canada150 Canada Day in Ottawa. But did you know that a stunning picnic will be taking place the very next day on one of the busiest bridges in the city? I know that I can’t wait to lounge back with Julio and the team to enjoy a picnic like no other on a bridge linking the two provinces that made me the man I am today.
5. CANADIAN VIDEOGAME AWARDS: November 2017
Yes, I am excited for a gaming event. I figured, if I can’t beat’em, marry him. Click here to learn about my long love story alongside Julio and his love of video games. This is going to be an epic gathering of the industry and brands. I HAVE to take Julio or he will never forgive me!
How impressive do these all look?! I genuinely get excited for a city that for too long was labelled as something it wasn’t. Ottawa is thriving with new growth, expansion, events, people and so much more. Ottawa is waiting for you to experience the excitement along with us and I couldn’t encourage you more to go. Trust me when I say that you will be happy you did! To learn more about #Ottawa2017 events and excitement, make sure to head to www.ottawa2017.ca
Make sure to join in on the excitement via social media by following @2017Ottawa on Twitter & @Ottawa_2017 on Instagram, while of course ‘Liking’ their Facebook Page. Make sure to follow and use the #Ottawa2017, #StandForCanada & #Canada150 hashtags to share in these and many more amazing events happening in Ottawa. I can’t wait to follow along with your adventures and hope that you come along on ours.
For more behind the scenes of this and other amazing brands we are working with around the world, make sure to follow along with the #DoTheDaniel Instagram account. We would love to have you join on our adventures! AND yes. we’re on Snapchat too! – click here to follow us!
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Photos: All social media accounts listed above, Ottawa 2017 & Daniel Reyes
Cheers!
*Please note that this is a sponsored post – our disclosure can be found at all times by clicking here.