Out of winter hibernation, summertime Ottawa keeps exploding with fun and fireworks, for plenty of time yet.

When I first visited Ottawa 30 years ago, it was a gray, cheerless town, fit only for politicians, diplomats and faceless bureaucrats. In short, it was every bit as dull as its reputation. Stimulated by business growth and the hi-tech industry, it has changed over the years – thank heavens! – so much that the former "town that fun forgot" would now better be called "Fun City North". That title is never more deserved than in the summer, when after four or five months of cold the action really heats up. There's literally something for everyone.

Participation Sports
An event-filled summer begins with the National Capital Marathon and other shorter runs and cycling tours in May. Towards the end of June hundreds join in the dragon boat races on Dow's Lake. Next comes the world's largest beach volleyball tournament, with over 1,000 teams. (Yes, we do have sandy beaches.) Over the course of the summer there are more than 400 golf tournaments on the region's courses, an average of five per day.

Almost all these events are held to raise funds for local charities, so participants come from all ages and situations. Of course there are many local and international soccer tournaments to keep the youngsters "particip-active" too.

What grace and beauty! Hot-air balloons lift off into the Ottawa sky.

Spectator Sports
Ottawa's AAA baseball team, the Lynx, (NL Expos) play in what is said to be the league's finest stadium. They haven't done very well this year, but they did win the championship five or six years ago. We expect that the Rough Riders CFL football team will be back next year, after a brief hiatus following a century of play and several Grey Cups. In the meantime we have some very good junior football clubs.

The biggest events this summer were the Francophonie (a sort of French-speaking Commonwealth) Games. With 3,000 athletes from some 50 countries, they featured cultural and gourmet food competitions (after all, they're French) as well as the usual individual and team sports. France was the overall medal winner this time, with Canada a close second.

Music
It's practically a non-stop season. The annual Bluesfest is actually a combination of blues, gospel and folk music, this year featuring such well-known performers as James Brown. It is followed by the Jazz Fest (Pete Fountain, Tony Bennett and others in 2001). Then for more than two weeks, North America's largest Chamber Music Festival (78 concerts by such performers as the Emerson Quartet) is held in churches, universities, and auditoriums. The summer concert series of the National Arts Centre Orchestra (Pinchas Zukerman conductor) is always well-attended. And there are the usual rock concerts at the Corel Centre.

The Changing of the Guard on Parliament Hill.

Tourist Fare
Canada's Parliament is still a favorite destination, although the Casino in neighbouring Hull QC now draws more visitors. From June 24 to Labour Day the Ceremonial Guard and Band perform the "Changing" ceremony at 10 every morning on Parliament Hill. On Canada Day, the RCMP also present their famous Musical Ride there, and the main evening concert (featuring hometown girl Alanis Morrissette this year) attracts tens of thousands. Also, the sentries at the entrance to the Governor General's Residence are changed every hour. (Their Guards uniforms and bearskin hats are "unbearably" hot.)

All summer long, buskers "do their thing" in the picturesque market area. During the first two weeks of August an outstanding international fireworks competition is held at the lake beside the Casino. This is followed immediately by the Central Canada Exhibition, a miniature reflection of the CNE. Probably the most colourful event of all is the Gatineau Balloon Fest on the August-September weekend when, besides some 200 ground-level shows and activities, over 150 of the world's most colourful hot air balloons fill the skies at dawn and dusk.

This summer, the National Gallery of Canada hosts an exhibition of the paintings of Gustav Klimt.

Other Cultural Events
In addition to its permanent collection, the National Gallery has hosted exhibits by Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh and others, as well as special attractions such as the Queen's private collection. This summer the paintings of Gustav Klimt are the main attraction. The many other modern museums – Civilization, Science and Technology, War, Nature, Contemporary Photography, Agriculture, Aviation, etc. – all have varied and interesting exhibits.

Some Unusual Events Too
For several years Ottawa has hosted a finger-lickin' international ribs cook-off, and now there is also the Capital City Beer Fest. Those who revel in the supernatural can enjoy fascinating downtown "ghost walks". At the end of this summer the village of Navan, now within the recently expanded 600 square mile (1700 sq. km) City, will host the world's International Plowing Match.

Life in General
"The natives are friendly," perhaps because they can enjoy all this. Plus there are the clean streets, hundreds of kilometers of jogging and cycling trails and some beautifully-landscaped parkland along the Canal and throughout the city. And, after decades of restrictive drinking laws, they can celebrate outdoors too; the city is now bustling with sidewalk cafes and clubs. (However, as of August 1, there is no smoking indoors anywhere in the city).

Summary
No matter what your tastes, you are bound to find something to your liking in an Ottawa summer. My favorite city has really become "a capital destination" as well as a great place to live. For more information and lots of links go to www.ottawa-festivals.com.

Questions?
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