Spring 2021 Reading List from the Ottawa Public Library

The Ottawa Public Library is back to share some great spring-themed books with us. This month’s post is by Andrea Gowing, Centennial Branch, Ottawa Public Library.

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While Spring does not technically begin until March 20, I think we want to begin to see signs of renewed life with hopes for warmer days and getting outside to marvel at our amazing world.  The Life Cycle themes in these books should help, especially during these pandemic days.

The Bat by Elise Gravel

Who doesn’t love an adorable little bat?  This delightful beginning reader has cute illustrations that take the scary out of bats.  Informational and full of humour, this little bat narrates the text, so children stay engaged.   He is chatty while telling children about his uniqueness: that he hibernates, sleeps hanging upside down, and his special gift of echolocation.   Set out some evening this spring and summer to see if there are any bats in your neighbourhood!

Seed School, Growing up Amazing by Joan Holub

It’s March, time to start planting seeds!  This lovely story is not only a wonderful introduction to the science of seeds; but, a good introduction to diversity.   Children learn that seeds come from different plants; however, they are very similar in many ways.  The seeds follow a very similar day to young school aged children, and they will feel it is familiar.  A good pick for an one on one read so little ones will have time to look at the pictures and ask questions.  There is even a information page about plants and photosynthesis!  

A Drop of the Sea by Ingrid Chabbert

Grandmas and their grandchildren have such a special bond.  Young children always see their grandparents as “old” and young Ali is no different.  He knows his grandmother must have one wish that he can grant – she does.  Grandmother has never seen the sea.  Ali sets out on a four-day journey to bring back some of the sea to his grandmother.   Ali carefully collects a pail of water and heads home.  Grandmother is overjoyed even though there are but a couple of drops of sea left.  Sure to be a favourite story to share between grand parent and grandchild.

Life Cycles, Everything from Start to Finish by Steve Setford

What is a life cycle?  In this richly illustrated book, we discover how life cycles are interconnected.  From the new life of the seeds of the Giant Sequoia to the emerging dragonfly nymph.  From a Penguin march across the frozen Antarctica to human evolution.  We are all here together affecting each other.  Volcanoes, fossils, tornadoes and galaxies of our solar system – “everything from start to finish.”  This would be a wonderful addition to any library.  Children of all ages can simply look at the pictures or read all the small bits of information.  A good choice for a reluctant reader who enjoys facts!

Half a Chance by Cynthia Lord

Summer at the lake!  Who wouldn’t love that?  Lucy, that’s who!  She and her parents have moved to the lake permanently and Dad has gone off on a long photography shoot, so it is just Mom and Lucy.   As Lucy becomes friends with her neighbour Nate, he encourages her to enter her photographs in a contest judged by her dad.  As the summer goes on, Lucy discovers many things through her lens, and follows her dad’s advice to always “find the story” through the lens.  Through her lens, Lucy discovers beginnings and endings and about catching that perfect moment in time.   These include Nate’s grandmother’s life slipping away due to dementia, the protected nesting loons, and learning to kayak.  A special read for Ages 10 plus.  Budding photographers – take note! 

Sugar Bushes in Ottawa 2021

It’s that time of year when the sap starts to run and fresh maple syrup is available for all to enjoy! Maple syrup season is the sweetest part of winter for many reasons and visiting local sugar bushes has become a family tradition for many. Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, many Ottawa sugar bushes are celebrating a little differently this year, so make sure you visit their websites before visiting.

Fulton’s Pancake House and Sugar Bush

Maple Season is open
399 Sugar Bush Road
Pakenham, ON
https://www.fultons.ca/

The Maple Farm Store is open daily from 10-3 pm for takeout and pickup of orders and the grounds and their 8 km of trails are also open 10-5 pm daily.

Parc Omega

399 Route 323 Nord,
Montebello, Québec
https://www.parcomega.ca/en/

Omega Park is located in Montebello and you can also enjoy Maple taffy tasting at the Sugar Shack (open Saturday sand Sundays only). Sold in individual cups to go! Learn about the traditional ways of making maple syrup and enjoy maple taffy on a stick. There are also trails you can explore. Admission to the sugar shack is included in the admission fee to the park. For more information on Omega Park, check out this blog post on everything there is to do while there.

Proulx Maple and Berry Farm

Proulx Maple and Berry Farm

Pancake house opens on Sunday, March 7th
1865 O'Toole Rd.
Cumberland (Ottawa), ON
https://proulxfarm.com/

Tickets need to be booked in advance for a 2-hour time slot; 75 tickets are available every hour to ensure social distancing. Enjoy a pancake breakfast in a rustic cabin in the heart of their sugar bush and explore their trails. There’s also a maple tour including a visit to the production shack.

Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm

Maple seasons now open!
2452 York's Corners Rd.
Edwards, ON
https://stanleysfarm.com/family-fun/sugarbush/

This year, Stanley’s is offering a “walkabout menu,” designed to be enjoyed as you explore the farm! The farm shop is also open on Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm.

Temple’s Sugar Bush

Temple’s Sugar Bush

Opens March 6th; Friday to Sunday 9 am to 2 pm
1700 Ferguson Falls Rd.
Lanark, ON
http://www.templessugarbush.ca/

Their dine-in option is closed this season, but Temple’s will be offering a delicious take-out menu as well as items from their store, available for pick up.

Wheeler’s Pancake House, Sugar Camp and Museum

Now open; Thursday to Sunday by Reservation only
1001 Highland Line, McDonalds Corners
(Lanark Highlands)
http://wheelersmaple.com/

Open daily all year from 9am-3pm, including Saturdays and Sundays. Maple products will continue to be available 7 days a week for curbside pick up by appointment, by calling 613-278-2090.

2020 Holiday Activities in Ottawa

It may come as no surprise that the Christmas and holiday season will look a little different this year. There are no traditional Santa Claus parades or as many in-person holiday events, but there are still many ways to celebrate the holidays in Ottawa this year. From writing a letter to Santa to enjoying the magic of twinkling holiday lights, we hope this holiday activities list sparks a little joy this holiday season!

Drive-through Holiday Activities

Christmas Lights Across Canada (CLAC)

Downtown Ottawa
CLAC runs from November 30, 2020, to January 7, 2021.
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/christmas-lights

Thousands of dazzling holiday lights showcase Parliament Hill, national museums, embassies and other significant sites across Ottawa. More details available soon.

The Enchanted Holiday Drive

Karter’s Korners
6336 Fallowfield Rd.
Admission per car: $40
https://www.enchantedottawa.ca/

Enchanted, presented by Richcraft, is a holiday drive-through experience like no other. While making their way through the nostalgic Karters’ Korner’s track, attendees will experience eight holly, jolly, festive scenes for the whole family to enjoy. Enchanted will have no shortage of spectacular special effects, innovative lighting, and fantastical production, but, unlike most other experiences, it will also largely focus on scenery and interaction. With live actors (including Santa), fully built scenes, a mailbox for letters to Santa, and a sense of wonder like no other, Enchanted is set to bring a new level of magic to Ottawa this holiday season.

Magic of Lights Ottawa

Wesley Clover Parks (West Ottawa)
November 13, 2020, to January 9, 2021
https://wesleycloverparks.com/events/magic-of-lights-ottawa

Now in its fifth year, this event has quickly become a holiday tradition for many Ottawa residents and visitors, is comprised of LED displays celebrating the joy of the holidays. A “drive-through” experience from the comfort of your own car, at every turn and in every direction the route is overflowing with spectacular light displays and animations. Online (contactless!): $22 +HST & fees. At the gate: Monday - Thursday: $30; Friday - Sunday: $35.

Saunders Farm Holiday Light and Sound Drive-through show

Munster, ON
https://saundersfarm.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/31306?catID=30787&

November 28th to January 1st
Sunday-Thursday 5 pm-9 pm
Fridays-Saturdays 5 pm-10 pm
Admission per car is $22.15 plus HST

All tickets must be booked in advance. Arrival times are booked every 20 minutes from 6:00pm-10:00pm. A limited number of tickets available per time slot.

Vintage Village of Lights... drive-through

The Cumberland Heritage Village Museum
2940 Old Montreal Road

Relax and enjoy the festive scenery from your vehicle as you pass through a 1920s and 30s village illuminated by over 30,000 lights. Colourful vignettes will highlight Christmas traditions from the interwar years while an old-fashioned radio program will bring the sounds of the season to you. You may even spot Santa hard at work preparing for the big night along the way! As an added festive treat, each household will receive a goody bag to continue the celebration at home.

Wednesday – Sunday between 5 pm and 9 pm
November 25 to December 23
Cost: $25 per vehicle. Registration is required.

Tickets will not be available for purchase at the entrance. Registration is completed using Service Ottawa’s online system : https://apps102.ottawa.ca

For more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/374992923845131

11th Annual Carp Santa Claus Parade - Drive Thru Style

Carp Fairgrounds, Carp
December 12th at 7 pm
For more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1303378300003469

Entry is Food Donations to the West Carleton Food Access Centre.
Cash, Gift Cards, Food Donations collected along route.

Taffy Lane, Orleans

Orleans
There's no website for the holiday lights on Taffy Lane in Orleans, but you can find out where Taffy Lane is on Google Maps. This is a street in Orleans that goes light-crazy every year, and people drive from all over to catch a glimpse. It's bright and fun, and the kids love it! Cost: FREE!

In-person holiday events

Alight at Night

Upper Canada Village
Friday, November 27th until January 2, 2021
http://www.uppercanadavillage.com/events/alight-at-night

Bundle up for a magical family tradition with over one million lights! The historic Upper Canada Village is transformed into a one-of-a-kind winter wonderland! Date and time-specific ticketing in place, so that guests can enjoy what feels like a more private experience while maintaining physical distancing protocols. A limited number of tickets will be available each night!

Ian’s Christmas Adventure Park

Carleton Place, ON
https://www.ianschristmaspark.ca
Enjoy a movie night on the big scree, a hay ride to the fields to cut your own Christma tree (or choose from their large selection of precut Christmas trees), visit Santa in his workshop, tour their mazes, warm up around a firepit, or visit their petting farm! Ian’s Christmas Park has many holiday-themed activities for the entire family, is following COVID-19 safety protocols and is open every weekend from 9 am to 5 pm. For the lates updates, including pricing and more information, visit their website.

Saunders Farm - Christmas Market

Munster, ON
https://saundersfarm.com
November 28th to December 19th
Open Weekends 10 am-4 pm

Featuring 20 local vendors. Christmas trees are available for purchase, as well as holiday decor and seasonal foods.Enjoy the outdoors by exploring their snow-covered Mazes, bundling up for a hayride, and enjoying the Christmas displays set up throughout the farm. Admission is $15 plus HST. COVID-19 safety protocols in place.

Stanley’s Farm Christmas Village

Edwards, ON
Starts mid-November
https://stanleysfarm.com/family-fun/christmas-village

Explore the village, sing songs, play games with your own Christmas Elf and warm up by the bonfire. This fully outdoors experience is one hour long (tractor draw sleigh ride). Buy tickets in advance. Tickets are valid only for the date & time purchased. Group/Family pricing of $120.00+HST for groups of max of six. Babies (Under 18 months) are not included in your group of 6  – Babies must sit on parent/guardian lap for the Tractor Drawn ride. COVID-19 safety protocols in place.

Mall Santa re-imagined

Santa’s in Town - Bayshore Shopping Centre

November 26th to December 20, 2020
Bayshore Shopping Centre - P1 of North Deck along Woodridge Crescent (Section K to H)
https://www.icbookingtool.com/en/BAY/794

A magical outdoor, socially distanced, holiday encounter with Santa Claus. Book your experience with a $10 donation to Ottawa Food Bank and receive a high-resolution photo as well as a 360° digital photo with Santa Claus posing alongside his charming Christmas cabin.

Virtual Santa Pierre - Orleans Mall

Virtual Message from Santa Pierre
Santa Pierre has seen your loved ones grow up at the Orleans Mall for the past 20+ years, and the thought of not seeing them and putting smiles on their faces saddens him. That is why he has gone virtual!  

Custom message for your loved one(s) from Santa Pierre!
https://santapierre.com/products/virtual-santa-message
Cost: $25

Virtual Picture with Santa Pierre
Email a digital photo you would like to see with Santa Pierre!
https://santapierre.com/products/virtual-picture-with-santa-pierre
Cost: $15

COVID Santa and Spooky Santa-friendly Experience - Carlingwood Mall

Starts November 21st to December 24th
Meet with Santa or Spooky Santa by appointment only
https://carlingwood.com/events/carlingwood-santa-s-arrival-saturday-november-21st-11am

Santa will be on his Green Chair and families will be able to get a socially-distant photo with Santa while sitting on a bench in front of Santa or Spooky Santa.  Guests will also be directed to wear a mask through the entire experience, except for the photo. Carlingwood has also enhanced sanitization protocols between each visit. 

COVID-19 Safe Visit with Santa - Hazeldean Mall

Kanata, ON
November 12th to December 20th
https://www.hazeldeanmall.com/events/hazeldean-yes-there-will-be-a-santa-claus

Enjoy a 6-minute visit with Santa (studio area will be sanitized prior to your visit) and portraits made by a photographer. First 4 minutes: Visit Santa, he will be seated beside the Santa Sofa with a plexiglass sneeze guard between you and Santa. Santa will be wearing a mask during the visit. The final 2 minutes are the time for photographs: you will turn to face the photographer and can (if permitted) remove your mask(s) for photographs - Santa can be behind or beside visitors at this point and, if permitted, take his mask off as well. Visit their website for more information.

Billings Bridge Mall

For more information and to book a time, please visit: https://www.idea3.xyz/billings-santa

Visit Santa Claus: Up to four appointments per hour for enhanced and safe visits with Santa Claus - located beside the bottom of the escalators that lead to the food court.

Visit Mean Green: Up to four appointments per hour for enhanced and safe visits with Mean Green Santa - located beside the bottom of the escalators that lead to the food court

Virtual Santa Visits - Rideau Centre

Virtual visits with Santa will be available. Families can have a video chat with Santa and parents can arrange to receive a special video call with Santa while he's busy at the North Pole preparing for the holiday season. For more information and to make reservations visit https://www.cfshops.com/rideau-centre.html

Virtual Santa with PhotoBooth

Santa and his elves have gone virtual! No more waiting in line in a crowded mall waiting to meet the big guy. Book your own personal zoom meeting with Santa from the comfort of your home. Visit the website to book: https://www.mdrnphotoboothcompany.com/virtual-santa-visit

Other Holiday Activities

Write a letter to Santa

Santa and the postal elves are ready and waiting for letters. Click here to learn how to send your mail to the North Pole in time to hear back from Santa.

Remembrance Day 2020 – Virtual Ceremonies and How to Show Your Support

Remembrance Day may look a little different this year, but there are still many ways we can show our support and appreciation for Canada’s veterans.

The Poppy Store

Why not show your support all year long with the many commemorative items, clothing, jewellry and more at https://www.poppystore.ca.

Virtual Poppy Drop

This visual display of Remembrance features over 100,000 poppies, one for each of Canada’s Fallen, as they cascade down Centre Block on Parliament Hill; on now, each evening from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. until November 11th at midnight.

The National Ceremony

For the first time, the Royal Canadian Legion is asking the public to pay their respects virtually instead of in person for The National Remembrance Day Ceremony that takes place every year in downtown Ottawa. The ceremony will start at 10:45 am and you can watch Live on Facebook.

You should also keep your eyes on the sky! In partnership with Veterans Affairs Canada, The Royal Canadian Legion has arranged a fly-past of three heritage planes that were essential aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) during the Second World War.

For more information on the complete National Ceremony, please visit https://www.legion.ca/remembrance/remembrance-day/the-national-ceremony.

Virtual Wall of Honour

Canadians have been “building” this virtual wall of photographs of Veterans who have now passed. It is a way for all Canadians to pay tribute to their service. For more information, visit https://www.legion.ca/remembrance/promoting-remembrance/virtual-wall-of-honour.

Beechwood Cemetery

The 2020 Beechwood’s Remembrance Day Ceremony will be conducted live at the National Military Cemetery on the 11th November 2020. Beechwood will be broadcasting the ceremony live on facebook.com/NMCBeechwood starting at 10:45 AM. For more information, please visit http://www.beechwoodottawa.ca/en/foundation/events/virtual-annual-remembrance-day-service.

Kanata

A short ceremony will be held at the Cenotaph, Village Green Memorial Park, Colchester Square to honour the Veterans and their sacrifices. It is requested there be no spectators and that they watch the National Ceremony from home. To pre-purchase a wreath please contact George at 613-836-2530 or treasurer.rclbr638@gmail.com and it will be prepositioned before the ceremony. For more information, please visit https://www.facebook.com/Kanata-Legion-748442661918774.

Navan

In lieu of a ceremony, you can view a virtual Remembrance Day Service from Navan, Ontarioa at https://youtu.be/0rMTGkfNlGI.

Orleans

Royal Canadian Legion, Orleans 632 will be holding a ceremony this year to be covered by Rogers. For more information, please visit https://www.rcl632.ca/remembrance-activities.

Stittsville

There will be no ceremony in Stittsville this year. You can make a donation to help them continue to serve veterans you can do so by looking for the Poppy Campaign boxes. You may also donate directly via Poppyfund618@rogers.com.

Richmond Legion

With Remembrance Day approaching, you may have noticed that there are white crosses at certain graves within the cemeteries of Richmond, Munster Hamlet and Dwyer Hill. These crosses are placed by members of the Richmond and District Royal Canadian Legion Branch #625 to mark veterans graves. These veterans served in the War of 1812, the Fenian Raids, the First and Second World Wars, Peacekeeping operations, the Cold War, or served with the Canadian Armed Forces. To learn more, please visit http://www.richmondlegion.ca.

Socially Distanced Halloween Activities in Ottawa

Halloween may look a little different this year due to COVID-19 safety protocols, and unfortunately some of the usual activities, such as Trick or Treat with the Mayor, have been cancelled, but there is still some safe, outdoor fun to be had in the Ottawa area!

The Original Haunted Walk – Halloween Season
When: Nightly until November
Where: Various locations in Ottawa
Price: $30+HST per person

Great for older children and adults, The Haunted Walks are best known for their tours and stories of ghosts and haunted places. New for 2020 are Ottawa Bubble Ghost Tours. These tours feature up to 12 participants from no more than three households, allowing for a safe way for participants to hear some local ghost stories while socially distancing! In addition to reducing tour sizes, The Haunted Walk is also increasing their cleaning and disinfecting and all staff are paid sick leave to encourage them to stay home if they are feeling unwell. Masks are required for all indoor tour locations.

Saunders Farm – Haunting Season
When: Saturdays and Sundays between now and November 1st
Where: Saunders Farm, Munster, ON
Admission: Booking in two hour time slots - limited capacity, book in advance
Price: $22.60 per person; kids under two are free

Scarier at night and as a not-as-scary experience during the day, Saunders Farm offers families the ultimate in Halloween thrills and chills!  The Day Haunting Season is fine for kids as the more scarier attractions are closed and the jumping pillows and main play area is open. This year, the daytime attractions includes their famous Mazes, Jumbo Jumpers (jumping pillows), Haunted and Pumpkin Patch Hayride, The Coven, and our super fun play structures.

The Fright Fest (Night) at Saunders Farm is good for children ages 12 and up. For more information visit: http://saundersfarm.com.

Acres of Terror
Where: Cannamore Orchards, 1480 County Road 32, Crysler
When: Nights (6:30-10pm): Sept. 25-26, Oct. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-25, 28-31 - we are OPEN on Halloween night. Days: (12-4pm): Oct. 17-18, 24-25 and 31st (Halloween day).

In their 28th year, Acres of Terror has four main components: the spooky wagon ride, the house of terror, the spooky village, and the fog maze! New for 2020, all tickets must be pre-booked online for a specific date and time-slot to ensure the ability to maintain physical distancing.  Only a limited number of tickets are available per 15 minute time slot.  Small groups of 10 or less will depart every few minutes.  Attractions and grounds have been modified to allow for the safest experience possible, with physical distancing requirements and enhanced safety protocols in place.  Masks are required. Visit https://cannamoreorchard.com/acres-of-terror/ for more information, including pricing.

Fall Family Fun At Hugli's Blueberry Ranch
When: On now until November 1st
Where: Hugli's Blueberry Ranch, 2139 Greenwood Rd., Pembroke, ON
Weekends: $11.95 + HST (kids & adults)  Under 2 is free. (includes shows and wagon rides to the pumpkin patch)
Weekdays: $7.53 + HST (kids & adults) Under 2 is free.

Various family-friendly outdoor activities. Masks/Face Covering are required in the store, on the frequently sanitized wagons and when you cannot stay two meters away from others.  Disposable masks are available for a $1 donation.

“A Practice of Deceit”: Escape room theatre with Live History
When: Saturday, October 17, 2020
Afternoon from 1 pm to 3 pm (Family hours for ages 7+)
Evening from 6 pm to 10 pm (Adults only for ages 18+)
Cost: $22.75 per person (ages 16+); $6.75 for children (7+) accompanied by an adult.

As the sun sets at Billings Estate, the voices of the past will speak once more…Step back in time to 1900 as you sort through webs of secrets, scandals, and hearsay to help bring a mysterious affair to a close. Will you be in time? Inspired by true events, Live History returns to the museum with this exclusive escape room theatre experience for one day only!

“A Practice of Deceit” will take place outdoors and has been adapted to meet public health guidelines including physical distancing (review our tips for a COVID-wise visit below). Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled start time. 

Pumpkinferno
When: Open seven days a week from now until October 31st.
Where: Upper Canada Village
Admission: $16 +HST; children under 4 are free
New this year: No walk-ins; must book in advance

This fun outdoor event is for all ages and includes 7000 handcrafted pumpkins all lit at night along a kilometre long path in a picturesque 19th-century backdrop.

Pumpkin Fest at Proulx Farm
When: Saturdays and Sundays; now until October 31st
Where: Proulx Family Farm, 1865 O’Toole Rd., Cumberland

This time of year, Proulx Farm is transformed into a giant Halloween playground with a hayride, play structures, a guided tour on how to grow pumpkins, petting zoo (masks recommended), and more. Due to COVID some activities are unfortunately be unavailable for this season to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.