Terry Fox – Running to the heart of Canada
When: Until January 2016
Where: Canadian Museum of History, 100 Laurier St., Gatineau
What: Your last chance to relive Terry Fox’s heroic Marathon of Hope in the largest exhibition of its kind. Through a wide array of artifacts, share Terry Fox’s daily experience during his 147 days and 5,000-kilometre journey from St. John’s to Thunder Bay. Explore the deep affection Canadians have for Terry and see how his legacy continues to inspire us.
Website: www.historymuseum.ca
Exhibit: Vikings
When: Dec. 3 to April 17, 2016
Where: Canadian Museum of History, 100 Laurier St., Gatineau
What: This myth-busting exhibition lays waste to the one-dimensional stereotype of bearded barbarians with horns on their helmets, featuring a rich array of engaging interactive displays and 500 outstanding artifacts from The Swedish History Museum, some rarely displayed outside their homeland.
Website: www.historymuseum.ca
Enjoy the Rideau Canal Skateway
When: Jan. 6 to March 9, 2016 (weather permitting, dates approximate)
Where: Downtown Ottawa
What: Every winter, 7.8 kilometres of the Rideau Canal transform into the world’s largest outdoor skating rink, as designated by Guinness World Records.
Website: www.rcs.ncc-ccn.ca
Thomas & Friends™ – Explore the Rails
When: Jan. 29 to May 1, 2016
Where: Canadian Children’s Museum, inside the Canadian Museum of History, 100 Laurier St., Gatineau
What: Parents and children can discover Thomas the Tank Engine’s storied history through this exhibition, which features a kid-sized, climbable Thomas the Tank Engine, an enormous hands-on Island of Sodor toy railway, and a special Tot Spot for the youngest visitors. In the Sodor Steamworks, children dress up as train conductors while teaming up to fix an engine and to load cargo.
Website: www.historymuseum.ca/childrens-museum
Winterlude
When: Weekends, Jan. 29 to Feb. 15, 2016
Where: Various locations in Ottawa and Gatineau
What: Winterlude, the capital’s ultimate winter festival, celebrates our country’s distinct northern climate and culture. Skate on the world’s largest skating rink, check out the ice sculpture competitions or play at North America’s largest snow playground. There’s endless fun for the entire family, and all sites are open on Family Day.
Website: www.canada.pch.gc.ca
Disney on Ice Celebrates 100 Years of Magic
When: Feb. 24 to 28, 2016
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr.
What: Mouse-ter of Ceremonies Mickey Mouse leads a parade of more than 50 beloved characters starring Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and featuring an ensemble of Disney Princesses, including Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel, Snow White and Tiana. Disney’s Frozen comes to life with Anna, Elsa and the hilarious Olaf, as they discover that true love is the greatest magic of all. Exciting moments from Disney-Pixar’s Finding Nemo, as well as Disney’s Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast will leave your family with memories to last a lifetime.
Website: www.canadiantirecentre.com, www.DisneyOnIce.ca
Salon du livre de l’Outaouais
When: Feb. 25 to 28, 2016
Where: Gatineau Congress Centre, 50 Boulevard Maisonneuve, Gatineau
What: Delve into a literary universe with your family during this special weekend, featuring more than 100 activities that celebrate books and reading! Presented in French.
Website: www.slo.qc.ca