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 Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 10:06 pm Post subject: NIGHTLIFE IN CANADA (OTTAWA) |
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NIGHTLIFE IN CANADA (OTTAWA)
Ottawa's culture and nightlife offerings aren't up to those of Toronto or Montréal, extending largely to the National Arts Centre, several bars, the Byward Market area, and a few dance clubs, the raciest of which are concentrated across the river in Hull. Still, there's certainly enough to occupy the evenings of a long weekend.
The biggest news in this regard was the opening of the Casino du Lac-Leamy, 1 bd. du Casino (tel. 800/665-2274 or 819/772-2100), its name recently changed from the original "Casino de Hull." Under 5km (3 miles) from Parliament Hill and open daily 11am to 3am, it imposes a dress code forbidding tank tops, jogging outfits, motorcycle boots, cutoffs, shorts, and beachwear. Both the exterior and the interior are dramatically landscaped with tropical plants, pools, and waterfalls. There are over 1,800 slot machines and more than 60 gambling tables, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and stud poker (no craps, though, and alcoholic drinks aren't allowed in gambling areas). A variety of attractions in the Théâtre du Casino, with headliners such as Engelbert Humperdinck and Joe Cocker as well as dance-and music revues, provide respite from losing. The complex also has two lounges and three restaurants -- fine dining in Le Baccara, a buffet in Banco, and a snack bar. Doors open at 9am and close at 4pm. A new 23-floor Hilton hotel opened for business in late 2001. Shuttles operate from Ottawa hotels to the casino for C$9 (US$6.50) per round-trip.
For Ottawa entertainment information, pick up a copy of Where, a free guide usually provided by hotels; Ottawa magazine; the free X-Press weekly newspaper; or the Friday edition of the Ottawa Citizen.
Ottawa's lively nightlife is divided between two locations: Elgin Street, where the popular dance clubs Griffin's, Maxwell's Bistro and The Bulldog Pub. While the Bulldog caters to a mainly twentysomething crowd, the clientele at Griffin’s and Maxwell’s is more the over 30 set. For the slighty older crowd there is always Hartwells located in the Westin hotel.
Places to both see and be seen in the Byward Market include the Celtic Pub, the Heart and Crown, which features live music every night and the Empire Grill with its popular martini bar. Blues lovers venturing in the Byward Market can check out the Rainbow Bistro. For the younger generation there is always On Tap on York Street whre they can dance the night away. But by far the best way to experience the "Market" by night is to simply explore and let your ears be your guide.
Visitors will find bars, nightclubs and restaurants throughout the city geared to the gay and lesbian community as well. Among them are the Lookout Bar and Bistro and the Rock Bottom Grill in the Byward Market. The city's Capital Xtra magazine’s the place to start a search for the LGBT scene.
The Performing Arts
Canadian and international musical, dance, and theatre artists -- including the resident NAC Orchestra -- perform at the elaborate National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin St., at Confederation Square (tel. 613/947-7000). The building, created by architect Fred Lebensold, is made of three interlocking hexagons beside the Rideau Canal, its terraces tendering views of Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River. There are three auditoriums: the European-style Opera, seating 2,300; the 950-seat Theatre, with its innovative apron stage; and the 350-seat Studio, used for experimental works. The National Arts Centre Orchestra (tel. 613/996-5051) performs in seven or eight main concert series per year. The centre also offers classic and modern drama in English and French. For reservations, call Ticketmaster at tel. 613/755-1111 or visit the NAC box office Monday to Saturday noon to 9pm and Sunday and holidays when performances are scheduled noon to curtain time. Guided tours are available. A free monthly Calendar of NAC Events is available from the NAC Marketing and Communications Department, Box 1534, Station B, Ottawa, ON K1P 5W1 (tel. 613/996-5051; www.nac-cna.ca).
Augmenting the main events at the National Arts Centre, the ensemble at the Great Canadian Theatre Company, 910 Gladstone Ave. (tel. 613/236-5196; www.gctc.ca), presents contemporary drama and comedy with Canadian themes September to May. Tickets start at C$22 (US$16).
Music Clubs
Nightlife used to close down at 1am (11pm on Sun) in Ottawa but thumped on until 3am across the river in Hull. In recent years, though, the strip where most of the popular bars and clubs were located developed a reputation for late-night fights, muggings, even near riots. The authorities on both sides of the river acted, agreeing to synchronize closing times at 2am. That's taken the heat off, and the area is both calmer and less exciting.
Bars, Clubs & Discos
Ottawa has an abundance of English and Irish pubs of varying degrees of authenticity. In addition to those mentioned above, check out the Brig, 23 York St. (tel. 613/562-6666), in the Byward Market area, and the Elephant and Castle, 50 Rideau St. (tel. 613/234-5544).
Gay & Lesbian Bars
Capital XTRA! is Ottawa's gay/lesbian news-and-events magazine, a source for up-to-date info on the local scene. For gay and lesbian activities and events, log on to www.xtra.ca.
Live Music
The live music possibilities in this cultural hotspot know no limits. The annual summer concert series on the lawn of the Governor General's residence at Rideau Hall features some of Canada's most talented musicians, while Barrymore's Music Hall, the largest of the city's many live music bars offers weekly live music acts of the rock and roll variety.
Fans of the blues normally head straight the Rainbow Bistro in the Byward Mmarket where live acts are featured every night.
Festivals and Events
Annual festivals draw crowds from around the city and the world. The most famous of the lot are the Canadian Tulip Festival, with its thousands of bulbs colouring the city in spring, and Winterlude, which transforms the Rideau Canal into the world's longest skating rink.
During the summer there is at least one major event every week, including the country's largest Canada Day celebration, the Ottawa Chamber Music Festival, an ever-expanding Bluesfest and the lesbian and gay Pride Week Festival. The celebratory season is rounded out with August's 112-year-old Central Canada Exhibition, which takes place smack dab in the middle of the city at Lansdowne Park.
Other festivals celebrating the region's ethnic and musical diversity include Italian Week. festivities along Preston Street in late July and the magnificent Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival in September. |
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