WHAT TO DO IN OTTAWA IN FRENCH DURING CANADA DAY?

The Alliance française Ottawa offers a wide array of activities in French, which you may find here. But Ottawa being the nation’s Capital, you may find cultural activities in the language of Molière in many places. 

Here is a top 5 list of French activities to do in Ottawa this summer, around Canada Day. 

1. Les poèmes de la Résistance à la Nouvelle Scène Gilles Desjardins from June 21 until June 25

In November 2018, the government of Ontario slashed the French University project, along with the Office of the French Services Commissioner. They eventually changed their minds about the French University, opening its first campus 2021. But in the meantime, francophones throughout the province protested the cuts. A group of 37 poets and writers published a book of poems: Les poèmes de la Résistance. 

From June 21 until June 25, Le Théâtre Tremplin will present a theatrical adaptation of these poems at the Nouvelle Scène Gilles Desjardins, located at 333 King Edward Avenue in Lowertown Ottawa. This presentation coincides with the Saint-Jean-Baptiste on June 24, a day of celebration for all francophones in Canada. 

For tickets, please visit: www.simpletix.com

2. Fête du Canada 

Just a stone’s throw away from the Lebreton Flats in Gatineau, you will be able to celebrate Canada Day in style and in French at the Place des Festivals Zibi.  On stage, you will hear artists such as Geneviève et Alain, Mélissa Ouimet, Marie-Clo, Double Magnum and Mia Kelly.   Best of all, there is no admission fee to enter the site and enjoy the music. The show starts at 11 am. Be sure not to miss it! 

Click here for more information about the activities that will take place on Canada Day. 

3. Poètes de la capitale 22 

Until July 11, you will be able to view the poems of 21 French-speaking poets from the capital. The posters are hung in many areas of the city: Byward Market, Downtown, Sandy Hill, … You will have the opportunity to discover poets who call Ottawa their hometown: Daniel Groleau Landry, Véronique Sylvain, Blaise Ndala, Michèle Vinet, Éric Charlebois and many more. 

Enjoy the nice weather this city has to offer and search for these poetic gems!  

4. Muséoparc de Vanier 

Although the sugar shack is closed and the sugar season is over, you will be able to visit the grounds at the Muséoparc in Vanier. 

The museum section is open to the public and offers some very interesting exhibitions: Capitaine Acadie, the superhero from the eastern provinces, as well as the Author’s path. There, you will discover 400 years of French presence in Ontario through the works of many authors who come from all corners of the province. Admission is free, but guided tours require a reservation and cost $5 per person. You may contact the Muséoparc staff at 613-842-9871 ext. 4
or info@museoparc.ca.  

30 authors are hiding in the Richelieu forest… Will you be able to find them all? 

5. Vanier Circuits 

Last but not least: the Vanier Circuits. These pedestrian circuits allow you to discover the historical buildings and events which took place in Vanier. Come and admire the architecture and the murals painted by local artists! There are five circuits to choose from, all ranging between 40 to 90 minutes walk.  

Admission is free, but guided tours require a reservation and cost $5 per person. For enquiries, please call 613 842 9871 ext. 4.