The City of Ottawa certainly has a sense of humour. Yesterday, I received an email with the subject line: Special Advisory—Winter Overnight Parking Ban lifted. There must have been a glitch in their system (I saw this same email back in February) but I couldn’t help but think it was also their way to prepare us for the cold months ahead. Get us Ottawans in the winter spirit early.
Not a chance.
I’m already mourning the end of summer and technically speaking there is still over a week of it left. It’s been such an awesome four months that I am in no way prepared to let summer go without a fight.
Not to rub my TO friends’ noses in it, but our cottage in Quebec is forty minutes door-to-door. In TO, I was lucky to make it to the DVP-401 in 40 minutes (I was rarely that lucky).Our other summer destination has been to Wakefield, Quebec which is even closer to our home but feels a million miles away.
I wrote a story about Wakefield for VIA Rail. Don’t worry if you don’t make it there this summer, it’s got fabulous winter possibilities too. When you go, definitely try the duck poutine at Nikosi. Best to share with a friend–ask for two forks.
DAY TRIPPING TO WAKEFIELD, QUEBEC: ICONIC CANADIAN “MUST-SEES” MINUTES FROM OTTAWA
Since moving to Ottawa last year, my husband and I have explored Old Hull, Chelsea and other nearby places in Quebec. Our new favourite destination? Wakefield, Quebec. Just 30 minutes from downtown Ottawa, this village’s iconic Canadian experiences—from paddling in marshes to eating poutine on the banks of the Gatineau River—are the perfect respite from city life.
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WINSOM WINSOM
Sep 13, 2019 -
Love your writing so much…Hope the book comes out before I fully loose my reading eyes. Keep working on the visual Art…A book mark is a good start….You can do it.
Sue Nador
Sep 14, 2019 -
Winsom, I just want to hug you right now. Thank you. Your words of encouragement mean so much to me. xo
Jane Morrison
Sep 19, 2019 -
Wakefield and Chelsea are, indeed, awesome. But have you been to Cantley yet? It is “up and coming.” It’s even on the “must-see” list of your upcoming Calgary houseguests! I’m a fan of your writing and would be happy to show you around or point you to some of the highlights sometime.
Sue Nador
Sep 24, 2019 -
Jane! What a great suggestion. I must admit that while I’ve heard of Cantley, I am not familiar with it. My houseguests just arrived (what a treat!!!) and I’ve been giving them ideas for exploring Lowertown (beyond the Byward market). It’s such fun to be back in Ottawa. I’d love to meet you some day, Jane!