If you are a Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy fan then Ottawa is the only place I know of where you can buy a pan-galactic gargle blaster. The bar is called Zaphod Beeblebrox's, Nightclub at the Edge of the Universe.

I don't know where this is relative to where you're staying though.

It's called the Byward Market. If you like St. Lawrence market and/or Kensington Market, then you'll probably like this one. It's within walking distance from Venus Envy, and there's a good amount of farmer's produce and local crafts.

As for museums, the National Art Gallery is right next to the market. That would be your best bet for contemporary art in Ottawa. I think you might also get a kick out the Museum of Contemporary Photography.

My favourite hidden gem in Ottawa: take a walk behind the Parliament buildings at night. It's beautiful.

Ooohhh...you'll be here during the Fringe Festival! Here's the website: http://www.ottawafringe.com/

I've heard that The Secret Love Life of Ophelia(http://www.ottawafringe.com/the-secret-love-life-of-ophelia-425/) is quite good - although the timing might be too tight for your workshops.

Fringe is hit or miss but dirt cheap so not much is ever lost :)

Annie

I definately do! I sent you an email yesterday - I might be out of town this weekend :( I'll find out for sure today though and I'll send you a quick text to let you know.

Hope to see you!

Annie

while you are over in the Byward Market, you should take a stop in at The Tea Store for a cuppa. We strongly recommend the Kama Sutra Chai, or the Turkish Apple. If you are wondering what a tea is like, they are ok with you popping the lid and having a sniff. Some do taste quite a bit better then they smell, most notedly is the Maple Cream tea... smells horrid, tastes great :)

if you don't mind a bit of a walk out of the market (about 8 blocks), you have GOT to try out a little place called Johny's Pizza. Get a Mediterranean pizza, it has pesto, sun dried tomatoes, olives, garlic, feta, and artichoke hearts XD It is also vegetarian (can't remember if you are or not)

If pizza is not your thing, you really should try some shawarma. It is a Lebanese peta wrap, with beef or chicken, and enough garlic to peel paint. By the market, there are several places, but if you want THE BEST, there is only one place to go: Shawarma Palace. Not quite as good, but still awesome and closer to VE is Shawarma Queen

There are also some VERY good geek to be had along Bank St, The Comic Book Shop and Silver Snail

Also on Bank are Wildes and a new store, Wicked Wanda's. While WW's has been around for a while, their old store burned down and they just re-opened. If nothing else, you should go there and take a look at the erotic stained glass things they have there :)

The closest museum... that would likely be the Museum of Nature.


one thing you should be made aware of, Bank street is CONSTANTLY under construction. It is pretty well closed from Sommerset to the Queensway. So if you are looking to drive anywhere along there... best think again.