10. Ottawa Farmer’s Market
The Ottawa Farmer’s Market has been a staple of Lansdowne since its formation in the late 1840s. Local vendors line the outside of the Aberdeen Pavillon every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday throughout the summer.
Fresh produce, artisanal treats, and handcrafted gifts can be found, as the market attracts more than 100 different vendors over the year. This return to the redeveloped Lansdowne, with access to a year-round facility, is essential to supporting and sustaining local farms.
9. Free #TELUS Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi throughout all of TD Place. Need I say more? Thanks TELUS!
8. The Stadium and Arena at TD Place
If you haven’t seen the fully renovated and rebuilt Stadium at TD Place, where have you been? The transformed venue is worth a walk around even without an event. Take in a REDBLACKS or Fury FC game though, and experience the outstanding energy of Ottawa sports.
Rough Riders legendary coach, Frank Clair stills watches over his former field, as OSEG has immortalized the hall of famer with a stunning statue.
The Arena at TD Place (formerly the Civic Centre) is home to the Ottawa 67’s of the OHL and will host the 2016 Tim Hortons Brier next March.
The concessions and concourse have also been updated to reflect a more modern arena experience, though the classic Civic Centre charm has been affectionately kept.
7. VIP Theatres
Cineplex officially brings Ottawa into the 21st century of cinema experiences with their VIP theatres and dining options.
Didn’t have time to grab dinner before the movie, no worries, enjoy a full-service menu right in your seat.
Looking for something a little more intense than your average movie night? Try D-BOX seating! This motion-technology has been popular in theme parks for decades, but Cineplex has finally brought this immersive experience to Ottawa.
6. Whole Foods Market
Organic and gluten-free are terms often associated with Whole Foods Markets, and yes those type of products can be found here, but it’s the locally produced and freshly prepared items that will get your tastebuds pumped up. Check out their Tacqueria station next time your in the neighbourhood.
The US grocer is only part of the retail revolution at Lansdowne though, WINNERS, Sporting Life, PetSmart, and a state-of-the-art 30,000 sq. ft. GoodLife fitness facility can also be found on site.
5. Getting Here
Whether you’re busing, biking, or maybe even canoeing down the Rideau Canal, getting to Lansdowne is half the fun and won’t cost you much.
Your pre-purchased ticket to events at TD Place gets you free service on all OC Transpo routes, starting three hours before the event until three hours after the event.
And other than REDBLACKS home games, Lansdowne provides plenty of parking and most local businesses validate.
4. The Park
Larger than the front lawn at Parliament Hill, The Great Lawn at Lansdowne could accommodate over 17,000 patrons.
The Park itself provides visitors with nearly double the green space as the previous design. It’s also home to a skatepark, basketball courts, and the city’s most urban apple orchard.
3. The Sports
From the field, to the rink, to the pitch, Lansdowne is home to three of Ottawa’s hottest sports teams; the Ottawa 67’s (CHL), the Ottawa Fury FC (NASL), and the Ottawa REDBLACKS (CFL).
The REDBLACKS and Fury FC are in the midst of their sophomore seasons, both offer an exciting sports experience at the amazing, open-air Stadium at TD Place.
2. LOCAL Public Eatery
My vote for best menu (food and drink) in Ottawa, LOCAL Public Eatery is a go-to spot for a pre-game meal, or even an extended lunch break on their patio.
It’s just one of many on-trend, yet affordable dining options at Lansdowne. Jack Astor’s, Milestone’s, and JOEY Lansdowne also offer their taste-fueled take on the urban eatery experience.
1. The Concerts
Not only will Alabama Shakes (pictured above) be rocking TD Place this year, the likes of AC/DC, Serena Ryder, and Skratch Bastid also headline upcoming shows.
CityFolk 2015 invades the Great Lawn on September 16. The five-day long music festival boasts artists Van Morrison, The Sheepdogs, and Of Monsters And Men.
Child of the 90’s? Legendary Canadian children’s entertainer, Fred Penner, will be leading a few sing-a-longs as well.
