Relive the history of Canada through a free sound and light show with Mosaïka, from July to September, in Ottawa.

Learn or improve your knowledge about the history of Canada in thirty minutes with Mosaïka. This show of sound and light captivate both residents and visitors . Parliament comes to life through games sounds and lights. The show traces the history, landscapes, traditions and customs of Canada. It sets the first Europeans arrival, the birth of the canadian nation … This show can trace the history of Canada in a fun way , with family or friends. You will become expert on the history of your country.

Established in 1984 by the National Capital Commission (NCC), the event aims to expose the pride of Canada’s largest number, either at languages, traditions and heritage.

Every five years, the NCC change the theme of these shows. Since 2010,  » Mosaïka : the Canada told his people , » is presented to the public. The show transcribed the whole universe and the history of Canada in thirty minutes through the play of light and sound broadcast on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. In this projection, Mosaïka is told by Canadians to remember the authenticity of the event and show the public that Canadians are indeed proud of their history and their nation. Although the theme is unchanged, producers still provide some annual changes in order not to bore the audience. For the enjoyment and understanding of all, the show is broadcast in two languages: English and French. He received in 2012, nearly 5,000 visitors daily to its national reputation and has attracted over 1.2 million visitors since its inception in 1984.

The festival has won four awards for tourism approach the show,. It is also one of the hundred best festivals of Ontario , so if you ‘re in the area , come deepen or acquire historical knowledge of this famous country called Canada.

Photos courtesy © Neil Robertson

The foundation of Metis Gardens proposes to admire spectacular gardens from 27 June to September 27 in Grand-Métis at the 16th edition of the International Garden Festival.

Gaspésie is full of spectacular scenery . However, there is a place where nature becomes outsized: The International Festival of Metis Gardens. The popularity of the festival comes from the original proposed by architects and landscape architects from around the world to sculpt his works gardens.

It captivates and enchants amateurs gardens. The event takes place near the historic gardens of Métis. Open to the public in 1962, Elsie Reford gardens offer a contrast between the modern works of the festival, and the historic gardens.

The International Garden Festival is well named , as hundreds of artists from different countries are fighting to see their creations on display during the festival. The six presentations gardens were selected among 293 projects submitted from around the world. The Garden Festival holds its reputation by the plurality of choices of artists, just for this edition artists from five different countries : the United States represented by Civilian Projects and Nomad studio, South Korea is represented by Livescape , artists Julia Jamrozik and Coryn Kempster from Switzerland. Canada recalled by the collective Chassi and finally Spain is honored with CityLaboratory.

The garden offers visitors the opportunity to discover in a playful way, the principle of regeneration of these trees, a stroll through the forest. Beyond nature, the South Koreans of Livescape offer visitors a garden composed of cones sites. Cone Garden denounces the over- building of cities , why they use orange cones to be used as benches, megaphones … In addition to being aesthetically pleasing , these gardens also offer a good opportunity to meditate on the world around us.

Photos courtesy © Marie-Claude Hamel

For the 24th consecutive year, Lands In sights offers visitors the People’s Festival in order to celebrate the presence of Natives peoples in the province, and to allow city residents to share a good time with Native Americans .
The festivities present gastronomy inspired by early Americans but also the culture of the Aboriginal people, such as art, film and music. The culture of these people is the heart of this festival. It is present in all its forms: engravings, paintings, sculptures, photography and prints. The artists of the event are either coming from a First Nations people , or work with the help of Aboriginal people. The event features a competition of films, mostly made by Native Americans. However, producers in other regions of the world are also part .
Films presented at the festival relate more or less the culture and lifestyle of Aboriginal people through a variety of feature and short films and different styles such as fiction, documentary or animation. However, the name of Aboriginal festival includes all native peoples of different countries of the world and not just America. They are Australian Aboriginal , Inuit or Maya.

Although the event is only driven by Native American culture , the festival presents different music to suit everyone. Indeed, it offers a multitude of musical styles, but always focused on the native peoples of America. It offers both a concert of nomadic artists and an electro scene.

The City of Saint-Rémi is pleased to organize this year again the seventh edition of the Fiesta des Cultures to be held from August 22 to August 24 on the site of the Community Center and the Parc aux quatre vents  (25, rue Saint -Sauveur , Saint-Rémi).

Fiesta des Cultures is based on the presence of foreign agricultural workers in our beautiful region to add an exotic flavor to our event. For three consecutive days, the City of Saint-Rémi becomes a gathering place and cultural exchange. This period of festivities allows visitors to discover Latin America through food, dance , music , history and art.

There will be more than sixty exhibitors in the impressive street and nearly a dozen shows are provided in the schedule. In addition to the various events many activities for the whole family are planned.  In short, there will be something for everyone.

Do not miss this opportunity to discover Latin America without flying , just fifteen minutes from Montreal . We hope to see you there!

www.fiestadescultures.com – Tél.: (450) 454-3993

Photos © Louise Raymond – Viva La Fiesta

From December 5, 2013 to January 7, 2014.

In Canada’s capital, hundreds of thousands of multicolored lights brighten the winter landscape. The festivities begin with a lighting ceremony in early December and continue until early January. During Christmas lights in Canada, lights twinkle every night from 4 h 30 to 2 h in Ottawa-Gatineau.

The program of the Christmas Lights across Canada was launched in 1985 to brighten the winter months in Ottawa. At first, only the Parliament hill was illuminated. Then, over the years, the program has grown. Today, the Christmas lights are shining, each winter, over more than 60 sites in Ottawa and Gatineau along the Confederation Boulevard each winter.

Photo : © Tourisme Outaouais

From January 31, from February 16, 2014.

From the beginning of the French colony, the inhabitants of New France were accustomed to come together to celebrate a good shot, just before the period of Lent. The tradition of celebrating the end of January until mid-February is not new.

In Quebec, the World Capital of snow, the first big winter carnival was launched in 1894. So often faced with the harsh winter, the population reinvented this popular tradition and put up a winter celebration that warmed the hearts. Interrupted by two world wars and the Great Depression of 1929, the Carnival was held sporadically until the second half of the century.  In 1954, in a context of economic development of the Old Capital, a group of business people raise the party.  «Bonhomme» was born in 1954 and was elected to represent the event.  The first edition of the Quebec Winter Carnival took place in 1955. The Quebec Winter Carnival becomes a key event for the people of Quebec and an engine of winter tourism in the city.

From one winter to another, the Carnival program was enriched.  Was added to the popular activities that are winter sports, snow sculptures and other activities drawn from the Quebec folk life, the canoe and sled dogs race.

Today, the Quebec Winter Carnival is the largest winter carnival in the world and gets the third place in ranking of the largest carnivals, next to the famous carnivals in Rio and New Orleans.

Photos : © Carnaval de Québec

From January 31, to February 17, 2014

Come celebrate winter in the Capital during three fun-filled weekends in February. Grab your skates or rent some here and glide along the Rideau Canal Skateway, the world’s largest naturally frozen ice skating rink.

Most activities are held on the weekends—learn-to-skate clinics, a hockey tournament, a winter triathlon, children’s entertainment—but the ice sculptures, skating on the Rideau Canal and the Snowflake Kingdom children’s snow playground are offered during the week (except Tues and Wed for Snowflake Kingdom).

Foodies will love unique culinary events created by some of the capital’s local restaurants — wine and food pairings, chef demonstrations, walkabout winter feasts.

Photo : courtesy

28 & 29 September, 5, 6, 12, 13 & 14 October

During three weekends, come and celebrate fall season in Magog and Orford! A host of activities await you.

Downtown of Magog

With its restaurants and shops, the downtown of Magog is a must for spoiling during the colors soaring festivities. To discover the heritage and history of the city of Magog, get an audio-guide at the Visual Arts Center located at 61 Merry Street North

Mont Orford National Park

Every Saturdays and Sundays and on Monday 14^th October

Geocaching course: 75 years of history! A contemporary treasure hunt that will allow you to explore the park and its history!  GPS available for rent or use your own smart phone at the service center ‘Le Cerisier’ from 8am to 4pm. Entrance fees applicable (max. 13 $/family).

The pond ‘Fer-de-Lance’ : Go to the viewpoint of the pond where a park ranger waits for you to discover and observe all the excitement of this place.  Bring your binoculars!
At the viewpoint of the pond from 10.30 to 12.30. Entrance fees applicable (max. de 13 $/family).

Appointment with the fall season : A park ranger will welcome you to present the park, its fauna and flora.  Do you have any questions? Confirm your appointment !

At the service center ‘Le Cerisier’ from 2pm to 4pm. Entrance fees applicable (max. 13 $/family).

« L’arcane des Cerises » : In rabaska (12 seats canoe), scull to the heart of the valley «l’étang aux Cerises». A park ranger will unveil the mysteries which hide in this water.

At the service center ‘Le Cerisier’ from 1pm to 2.30pm.

Photo credit : © Tourisme Québec

The 17th Quebec International Sacred Music Festival returns this year from 7 to 15 September. Greece, Iran and Cuba will be waiting for you.

On the September 8 at 8pm, the Greek Savina Yannatou and four members of the Constantinople group will present MIssa Mystica. Constantinople will highlight one of the treasures of the Middle Ages music: the Cantigas de Santa Maria.

On the September 12, Kiya Tabassian will accompany the Iranian singer Sepideh raissadat for a journey in various mystical traditions of Sufi music

And on September 14, the Creole Choir of Cuba under the direction of Emilia Diaz Chavez will pay tribute to Haitian traditions of folk songs inspired by voodoo rites, all complemented by stunning choreography.

All the traditions of the world!

This year again, the city of Sherbrooke hosts its traditional festival traditions of the world from 7 to 11 August.

All cultures will be there. From 7th to 11th August, Sherbrooke invites the public to (re) discover its Traditions of the World Festival. In a glitzy decor adorned with a zen garden and a teahouse, East Asia will inaugurate the festivities with the Sankofa group. Immersed in the atmosphere of classical and modern dances of India, public will be carried away leave at an initiation journey punctuated with cultural and artistic discoveries in Rajasthan in Bollywood. In addition, between egg rolls and chicken with lemongrass, Vietnam will be pleased to present the secrets of gourmet cooking with his head cook Trong Khac Do. The festival will continue at the Palace of the Orient with haunting music from Algerian and Moroccan land. The Iraqi community will also deploy its culinary and artistic talents of an entire culture often unfamiliar with songs, dances and tastings that will try to awaken the taste buds. Coming directly from the School Dance Baladi de l’Estrie, the dance troupe Abir will present traditional Egyptian dances and will revive during the show, the land of the pharaohs.