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

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, 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

Canada proudly displays its history

The Parliament Building echoes the history of Canada. From July 10 to September 7, the National Capital Commission (NCC) reveals openly the 5th show Mosaika: Canada told by his people. Through projected images and light effects, traditions, culture and landscapes of the second largest country in the world will be revealed to the curious.

The representation will be divided into three acts: the first will explore the theme of the Earth, the second will show the achievements and the third will focus on Canadian values. Animated images will ride the front of Parliament and a good part of the Peace Tower. More than 200 fixed and mobile lighting devices will be deployed, as well as thirty automated lights, each producing about 16 million colors. 36 lights with low energy consumption will also be used. Finally, a custom-designed audio system will do the narration, sound effects and music band of the Mosaika. The performance will take place every evening on the Parliament Hill, including public holidays on Mondays in August and September, except during inclement weather. Chairs and blankets are also welcome to enjoy the magic of the show.