Where to catch a glimpse of the Royals in Ottawa

Good morning! 

It felt almost impossible to get around Ottawa this weekend. Between the race weekend, preparations for the Royal tour, festivals, and construction season, it was a maze to get anywhere. But what it also showed me is that no one can say Ottawa is a boring city. We have so much to do here. All you need to do is leave your house and explore it. 

I hate to say it, but the traffic woes will get worse over the next two days as King Charles and Queen Camilla are in town. You can read below to find out more details and where you can perhaps catch a glimpse of the Royal couple. 

I’ve had the pleasure of covering two of the King and Queen’s trips to Ottawa when His Majesty was still a Prince, and I must admit it feels somewhat like a moment out of the Crown. Whether you like the Monarchy or not, it’s great to see so much excitement over what will be a historical trip.

I believe it was the Queen who said she needed to be seen to be believed, and the Royals are certainly practicing that advice in Canada. The Lookout will be covering the events today and tomorrow and will have a wrap-up in the Wednesday edition. 

Let’s get to it!

— Charlie Senack, Ottawa Lookout managing editor, [email protected], X: @Charlie_Senack

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WEATHER

Monday: 21 🌡️ 9 | ☀️ 

Tuesday: 22 🌡️ 10 | 🌤️

Wednesday: 22 🌡️ 14 | 🌧️

THE LOOKOUT RECOMMENDS

Elevated pub food: That’s what our food editor Ralf called À La Dérive back in 2022. The Gatineau spot south of Baie Park should be on your list if you want some good beer and good food. Review here. 

For vegan lovers: This Friday, the event Vegans Who Snack is over at the Parkdale Market (366 Parkdale Ave) from 5-9 pm. There’s over 63 different vendors participating!

Beetjuice going fast: The musical version of Beetlejuice is in town this week until June 1 at the NAC. But you’ll want to get them quickly because there are only a few tickets left. 

ROYAL TOUR

The King and Queen are here: Where to see the Royals today and tomorrow

A historic visit: It's not every day members of the British Royal family visit Ottawa, and this week's tour of the Capital will be one for the history books. 

While King Charles has been to Canada 19 times, this will be his first visit as head of state. He was last here with wife Queen Camilla in May 2022 as part of Queen Elizabeth’s platinum jubilee celebrations. She died later that year. 

The central part of the visit is for King Charles to deliver his Throne Speech at the opening of Parliament, something his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, did twice before in 1957 and 1977. Typically, it’s read by the Governor General instead. 

But there are other public-facing events on the itinerary as well. 

Lansdowne Park, Monday at 1:50 pm: Heritage Canada says their Majesties will meet and engage with individuals and organizations showcasing Canadian identity and diversity and take part in various activities at the Aberdeen Pavilion. The public is invited and welcome to attend. 

Rideau Hall, Monday at 2:50 pm: Their Majesties will make their way to Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General of Canada and the official residence of The King and The Queen while in Canada. Once there, they will take part in a ceremonial tree planting. This is also open to the public. 

Arrival at the Senate, Tuesday at 9:50 am: The King and Queen will take a horse and carriage ride along Wellington Street to the Senate, where the throne speech will be delivered. Members of the public are encouraged to line the parade route.

• Once arriving at the Senate, the King will receive full military honours, which will include a Royal Salute, a 100-person guard of honour from the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment, an inspection of the guard and the band, and a 21-gun salute.

National War Memorial, Tuesday at 11:55 am: Their Majesties will pay their respects to Canada’s fallen and mark the 25th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Located at the National War Memorial, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier serves as a focal point for national commemoration, honouring the more than 116,000 Canadians who have given their lives in service to their country, says Heritage Canada. 

Traffic disruptions 

Make way for the King: The City of Ottawa is alerting everyone to a variety of traffic disruptions that will be in place during various periods on Monday and Tuesday. 

 Monday, May 26 – temporary closures between 1 pm and 4 pm on:

• Airport Parkway / Bronson Avenue between Airport Parkway and Colonel By Drive

• Colonel By Drive between Airport Parkway and Rideau Street

• Sussex Drive between Rideau Street and Rideau Gate

• Elgin Street between Wellington Street and Laurier Street

• Findlay Avenue

• Torrington Place

• Queen Elizabeth Drive between Airport Parkway and Princess Patricia Way

• Princess Patricia Way

• Hunt Club between Riverside Drive and Airport Parkway

Tuesday, May 27– full closures between 5 am and 1 pm on:

• Rideau Street between Dalhousie Street and Sussex Drive

• Wellington Street between Lyon Street and Sussex Drive

• Lyon Street, Kent Street, Bank Street, O'Connor Street and Metcalfe Street between Wellington Street and Queen Street

• Elgin Street between Wellington Street and Laurier Street

• Sussex Drive and Mackenzie Avenue between the Alexandra Bridge and the corner of Wellington Street and Rideau Street

• Colonel By Drive between the corner of Wellington Street and Daly Avenue

You can find more details on the City of Ottawa website. 

THE OTTAWA NUMBER

36,000

🏃‍♂️ The number of people who participated in the Tamarack Race Weekend. Kenya’s Albert Korir, was awarded first place with Canadian Rory Linkletter of Calgary in second place. [Ottawa Citizen]

THE AGENDA

🏛️For the first time in ten years, the Canadian federal public service has downsized. Between 2024 and 2025, almost ten thousand jobs were cut. The Canada Revenue Agency took the brunt of the cuts, with around 6,656 job loses, with more to come. Other departments that were significantly cut include Parks Canada and the National Capital Commission. [CBC]

🥇There is a new record at the Tamarack Race Weekend. Canadian Runner Charles Philibert-Thiboutot of Quebec City came in first place at 28:06 in the Men’s 10K on Saturday. [Running Magazine]

🚰 The City of Ottawa is issuing automated calls to residents in case a potential Canada Post Strike affects billing via mail. The City is encouraging residents to change over to paperless billing. Bills will continue to be issued without any changes to due dates. [CTV]

♻️ The City of Ottawa will add over 200 multi-unit buildings to the Green Bin program in 2025. It comes as the city continues its efforts to increase the longevity of its Trail Road Landfill. As part of the second phase of the program, all buildings in this phase have fewer than 100 units. Buildings with over 100 units won’t be added until phase three in 2026 and 2027. [CTV]

🏒 In the PWHL, the Minnesota Frost beat Ottawa Charge 2-1 in third overtime game in a row. Ottawa beat the Frost 2-1 in overtime to open the series, but Minnesota responded with its own 2-1 overtime victory in Game 2. The defending Walter Cup champions can clinch the best-of-five series and secure the club's second consecutive title with a win in Game 4 at Xcel Energy Center on Monday. [CBC]

🛥️ Fifty people had to be evacuated after a tour boat malfunctioned on the Ottawa River Sunday night. The “amphibious vessel,” which can drive on land and operate in water, broke down on the river near the Hull Marina, according to firefighters. [CTV]

👮🏼‍♀️ Provincial authorities are investigating a possible homicide after the body of a 63-year-old man was found in the Ottawa River last Saturday. The man identified as Robert Prevost was found in Clarence Rockland. He had first been reported missing in March. [CBC]

🚔 An Ottawa man has been charged with second-degree murder in relation to the death of 54-year-old Rachelle Desrochers, who was reported missing last month. The incident is being labelled as a femicide, a term which is used when there is the killing of a woman or girl, in particular by a man and on account of her gender. Desrochers was last seen on March 14 at the McDonald’s on Elgin Street. While her body hasn’t been found, police believe it might be in a landfill. [Ottawa Citizen]

NEW JOBS

Discover your new dream job in Ottawa:

1. Paralegal at Definity Financial 

2. Administrative associate at Telus 

3. Lifeguard (part time) at City of Ottawa 

4. Manager of data and analytics at Minto

5. Membership coordinator at Altea Active

(Job postings are picked at random by the Ottawa Lookout staff)

COMMUNITY

Kiweki Point officially reopens

There’s a hum of silence in the air as people descend upon Kiweki Point. They are there to learn about Canada’s past and take in breathtaking views of the city. 

The site, formally known as Nepean Point, has recently reopened after a $45-million multi-year revitalization project. It was renamed Kiweki, which is an Algonquin word meaning “to return to one’s homeland.” 

Its aim is to honour “the site, rover and the territory, which continue to support the integrity of the Algonquin Anishinābeg culture and values of its livelihood,” reads a sign when you first enter the park. 

The design: The NCC went with the “Big River Landscape” design for the project, which is intended to enrich the Ottawa River landscape. One of the most notable additions is a new pedestrian bridge — known as the Pìdàban Passage — which connects the site to Major Hills Park. 

A statue of explorer Samuel de Champlain — which stood atop of the hill in a prominent spot since its unveiling in 1915 — now sits in a different location along the walking path. Also gone is his three-metre-high stone pedestal. The former site is now a grove of pine trees with lots of seating. 

A new location: In 2022, the NCC said the decision was made to move Champlain’s statue after concerns were raised by members of the Algonquin First Nations Community and federal stakeholders. They felt there was a “strong message” that the old location was ”not inclusive and representational of all Canadians,” wrote staff in a report. 

Another sculpture of “Anishinabe Scout" or "Zibi Annini” — which used to sit at the base of Champlain’s Statue but was moved to Major Hills Park over a decade ago — is back in its own part of Kiweki Point. It’s positioned in a way that symbolizes scouting over the river to the north. 

Some history: The statue of Zibi Annini was built by Hamilton MacCarthy and unveiled a few years after the one of Champlain. Its original intent was to also include a canoe to symbolize the role Indigenous people played in Champlain’s travels, but that never happened due to budget constraints.

• “Now overlooking the rivers, the scout has returned to the site, in his rightful position as guide and knowledge keeper. His name, Kichi Zìbì Innini or ‘the Great River Man,’ befits his role. His presence restores balance, representing Indigenous identity and strength,” wrote NCC CEO Tobi Nussbaum in an Ottawa Citizen opinion piece. 

A base of inspiration: The statue of Zibi Annini is what helped kick off Ottawa artist Jeff Thomas’ career. In 1992 he first came to the Capital to photograph the sculpture in a bid to “make the invisible visible.” Soon after he launched his first solo show at the Ottawa Art Gallery, and has been making waves in the artistic community ever since. 

• I sat down with Thomas earlier this year for an interview in the Kitchissippi Times. You can read it here. 

The artwork: Along the edge of the hill are sculptures of animals that called the land home before it was inhabited by humans. They also include signage referencing their connections to the Algonquin Anishinabeg people and facts about their connections to the area.

• “Kwey, I am the Walleye. I live in the Kichi Zibi and the surrounding lakes. I worry about the future because I need to swim up the rapids to spawn,” reads the sign next to a sculpture of fish. “I travel to the same spot every year, but dams make this harder.”

The sign next to the sculpture of an otter says their fur is sometimes used in the braids of Algonquin Anishinabeg regalia. “They believe that my fun nature reminds us to always balance work and play,” the sign reads. 

Another one next to a Wisakedjak — or better known as a Gray Jay — says they are considered a good omen in the Algonquin culture, but could also be a sign of danger. “I remind us that it is in our bravery, resilience, and commitments to one another that we find growth,” a sign says. 

EVENTS

Orléans Farmers' Market | Ray Friel Recreation Complex | May 29, 11 am | 35+ local vendors, fresh produce & more | Free

"Name That Tune!" Fundraiser | RCMP Curling Club | May 30, 8 pm | Music trivia night supporting women's shelters | Tickets $28+

Nature Nocturne | Canadian Museum of Nature | May 30 | Dance party with DJs, exhibits, and bar service | Tickets $35

City of OM 2025 | Lansdowne Park, Marché Way | May 30–June 1 | Yoga, wellness, 75+ classes, vendor market | Tickets $38+

Funny in Translation - An Immigrant Standup Comedy Show | Cultures Comedy Club, 291 Dalhousie St | May 30, 7:30 - 9:00 pm | perspectives on Canadian culture | Tickets $8.66 

Tufting Workshop | Motif Boutique, 980 Wellington St. West | May 30, 6 pm | Make a custom pillow or wall hanging | Tickets $100+

Westboro Market | Byron Linear Park, between Golden and Redwood | Saturdays May 31, 9:30 am | Weekly market with 30+ local vendors | Free

Fantastic Fibres & Terrific Textiles | Upper Canada Village, 13740 County Rd 2 | May 30–31, 10 am–3 pm | Sheep shearing, wool processing demos, Indigenous craftwork | Tickets $17+ 

Street Food Showdown | All Saints Anglican Church, 347 Richmond Rd. | May 31, 2 pm | Sample street food, vote for your favourite | Tickets $28+

Shania Twain Tribute, Tex Mex & Country Night | Mexicali Rosa’s, 540 West Hunt Club Rd | May 31, 8:30 pm - 11:30 pm | The best of Shania Twain's hits | Tickets $11.98

Happening next month 

Gisèle Lullaby | House of TARG, 1077 Bank St | June 1, 8:00 pm - 12:00 am | Gisèle captivates audiences with her elegance, professionalism, talent and humour. | Tickets $22.63 

Sala San Marco Presents: Disco Inferno | Sala San Marco Event & Conference Centre, 215 Preston St | June 6, 8:00 - 10:30 pm | Disco dance party | Tickets $31.15 

Family Paint Party | Broadway Bar and Grill, 3777 Standherd Dr | June 14, 7:00 - 9:00 pm | night of creativity and fun at Broadway Bar and Grill | Tickets $47.08 

Repair Café | Tom Brown Arena, 141 Bayview Station Rd | June 14, 10:00 - 2:00 pm | Repair Cafés are an international concept that has come to the National Capital Region | Free

Ottawa Knit in Public Day BBQ | Vincent Massey Park - Picnic Area, Heron Rd | June 14, 12:00 - 3:00 pm | Celebrated of World Wide Knit in Public Day | Tickets $11.98 

OTTAWA QUIZ

GOOD NEWS MONDAY

It’s not often you find yourself mingling with mermaids, but when you’re immersed in the magic of swimming beneath the Borealis — this year’s theme at Ottawa Riverkeeper’s signature gala — anything’s possible, really.

This year’s celebration brought more than 350 attendees to Jacques Cartier Park on the Quebec side of the river to highlight the organization’s commitment to collaborating with both provincial governments. The evening raised roughly $330,000 to support the work Ottawa Riverkeeper does to protect, promote and improve the health of the Ottawa River and its tributaries. 

Read more from Caroline in the Capital 

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• Craving birria tacos? This place has you covered. 

• It looks like the Art of Bean in Orléans is closing.

• Congrats to Golden Palace which has been around for 65 years. 

• It looks like the Capital Music Awards was quite the event, congrats to Mia Kelly who won Single of the Year. 

• Little Italy’s Roberto Pizza is closing to make way for young restaurateurs. [Ottawa Citizen]

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Runners take part in the Tamarack race weekend along the Queen Elizabeth Driveway on Sunday.