Tracey Tong

Elena Kraemer, 11 (right) is focused on her ice carving work, as is her sister Emilie (in the background). Photo Credit: Tracey Tong

Learn to carve ice in the capital

This past year, Ottawa-based world ice-carving champion Suguru Kanbayashi was trying to think of ways to introduce his art form to his young children.   “It’s a 100 per cent easily recycled medium with very little impact environmentally,” says Kanbayashi, […]

“Making ice look cool digitally is extremely challenging, says Suguru Kanbayashi, pictured here at Winterlude in 2022. “When seeing art in person, people are far more forgiving than seeing an image or video on screen. People expect perfection when looking at something on their screen and ice sculptures have so many variables that it's tough to convey its beauty.” Photo: Courtesy Suguru Kanbayashi

Ice, ice baby

Ottawa’s Suguru Kanbayashi was six years old when his father became one of the original ice sculptors at Winterlude. More than four decades later, Kanbayashi’s work is highlighted annually during the festival at Confederation Park and on Sparks Street   […]

Photo: Courtesy National Capital Commission

12 Great Family Fun Events

Here’s to a fun start to 2026! Here’s what’s happening in the National Capital Region this winter   What: Wizard of Oz, the 3D Experience Where:  Ottawa Family Cinema, Rideau Community Hub, 815 St-Laurent Blvd. When: Saturday, Jan. 24 Why: […]

It's in the details: LEGO's 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' set has Easter eggs from the 1993 film. Photo Credit Tracey Tong

Building memories

Our family shares an activity that’s fast become a new holiday tradition – and a source of continued entertainment   When I was growing up in the 90s, Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” was my favourite movie. This was […]

Canadian books we’ll be devouring this fall

Parenting Times did not receive any financial compensation for this piece.   The fireplace is turned on for the first time this season, colourful and crunchy leaves blanket the ground and… is that the smell of hot chocolate heating on […]

Wait Until 8th founder Brooke Shannon, left, and Jenny Perez, founder of Unplugged Canada have a dialogue at the official launch of Unplugged Canada at the Kay Meek Arts Centre in West Vancouver in 2024. Photo Courtesy Dyson Media

Kids, Unplugged

A smartphone-free nation takes a village – one built by a Canadian mom   Jenny Perez was in a love-hate relationship with her phone – “so helpful sometimes, but also a big distraction,” says the Vancouver-based mother of one. “I […]

Small schools, big opportunities

Micro schools offer a sense of belonging and personalized, relationship-based education Long before the micro school became a trend in education, Académie de la Capitale was already putting its principles into practice. Since its founding in 1998, the administration and […]

Parenting Times Magazine editor Tracey Tong and her family catch a VIA train to a weekend adventure. Photo Credit Tracey Tong

From the editor

  Heading back to school this September will be like a break after the summer we’ve had… and I don’t think our family is atypical. I’m writing this piece from the gazebo of my in-laws’ lake house, where we’ve been […]

Personalized glasses made with the Cricut Maker 4 prevented germy mix ups at the party. Photo Credit Tracey Tong

Your party, your way

Looking to add a personal touch to an end-of-summer bash? It’s easy with advanced planning, the latest gadgets and good friends When our daughter Millie’s 11th birthday party rolled around, we wanted to make the invite list large while keeping […]