Skip to main content

Celebrating Canada 150: Where To Stay And What To Do This Summer

With Canada Day just a day away, this country is buzzing with excitement with Canada 150 events, and there has never been a better time to take a vacation–or staycation–in Canada. I was recently on Breakfast Television in Montreal talking about the great things to see and do, and where to stay, in Ottawa, Montreal, and Toronto.


Ottawa is obviously the place to be to celebrate Canada Day, but if you want to avoid the crowds, not to worry; there is a lot going on after July 1st, too.

Here's what you can enjoy:

Sky Lounge: Taking place between July 7th and 22nd, this is an exclusive culinary experience that will take the brave 150 feet in the air to discover Ottawa like never before; you'll get to experience a dining experience presented by chef Stephen La Salle, from Andaz Hotel's Feast and Revel delicious restaurant. You can choose between a a cocktail option with appetizers and Canadian wine, or a gourmet three-course dinner. You'll be strapped in Formula-1 style seating, with a six point harness for ultimate safety, so don't worry; just be sure to go to the bathroom before you take to the sky!

Inspiration Village: Made up of sea containers in the Byword Market, you can check out this awesome display from now until September 4th. You'll also be able to snap a selfie by the big OTTAWA sign. Inspiration Village will be the place to be this summer, and you can enjoy special exhibits and performances showcasing Canada’s province and territories.

Ottawa Welcomes the World: Embassies and high commissions in Ottawa are showcasing their country’s heritage at the Aberdeen Pavillion and Horticulture Building at Lansdowne Park over the next several months. Everyone is invited to dive into a unique multicultural journey of food tasting, musical celebrations, performances, and more. It kicked off with Greece in March and continues right through to December.

Where to Stay: There is no better place to be this summer than Andaz Hotel. This stunning new luxury-boutique hotel right in the heart of Ottawa’s downtown core is the place to stay in Ottawa. With an amazing gourmet restaurant, Feast and Revel, featuring locally inspired cuisine, you'll feel like you're on a vacation far from home. After dinner, head to the gorgeous rooftop lounge, Copper Spirits and Sights, on the 16th floor, where you’ll see the most stunning views and sunsets in Ottawa. 



If you're heading to Toronto with the family, here's something you can all enjoy:

The Redpath Waterfront Festival: This festival is taking place from June 30-July 2. Presented by Ports Toronto, this is the place to celebrate Canada Day and Canada’s 150th in Toronto. It's a jam-packed weekend festival with water front activities as well as live music and delicious food from local chefs. 

Where to stay: The Hazleton Hotel, right in the heart of Yorkville, is a luxury boutique hotel and the perfect place to stay whether you’re travelling as a couple, with friends, or with the entire family. Of course, being right in the heart of Yorkville, you're surrounded by luxury boutiques and great restaurants  including the restaurant ONE; the perfect place to people watch, especially during the summer months. I love the personalized service, the in-room dining, and the fabulous spa at this hotel. You can also enjoy the TD Jazz Festival taking place until July 2nd, too. 



Not only in Montreal celebrating Canada 150; the city is also celebrating Montreal 375. Needless to say, there is a lot going on in this charming, historic city, including: 

Montreal International Jazz Festival: This world-famous jazz festival is going on until July 8th, and it's 10 incredible days of musical celebrations in the heart of Montreal's downtown core. For details, check out montrealjazzfest.com. 

Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton Montreal is my favourite hotel in Montreal, and one of my favourite hotels in the world. It's actually the first Ritz-Carlton in the world, (the original Ritz was in France) and it's been around since 1912. Although the hotel has gone through incredible renovations, this famous hotel (also called the "Great Dame of Sherbrooke") hasn't lost any of its charm. The lobby area, also called the Palm Court, is a great place to enjoy high tea and people watch. The beautiful spa and rooftop pool with views of the city makes a stay here even more enjoyable. My children always feel welcome here, and the attention to detail make our stays even more memorable; the personalized cookies waiting in our room upon arrival, the swimming pool, and the friendly service is what makes the Ritz-Carlton so special. 





However you're celebrating Canada 150, I hope it's a good one. We have so much to be thankful for! Happy Birthday, Canada.

Comments