Celebrate like Royalty

Don’t fret if you can’t get away from the city this week as Ottawa has enough decadence to make you feel like Royalty.

Start your pampering with some of the best jazz in the nation at the 31st annual TD Ottawa International Jazz Festival, running from June 23 to July 3.

With its beginnings in 1980 as a humble two-day weekend of jazz, the festival is now one of the biggest celebrations of domestic talent this country has to offer, attracting some 300 artists.

This year, see K.D. Lang & the Siss Boom Bang band perform at several of Ottawa’s finest venues. Single ticket prices range from $28.25 to $56.50, excluding improv shows and depending on the venue. Gold passes are now sold out, so act fast to get a bronze pass for $158.20 or $73.45 for students, which gives you access to all Confederation Park Concerts, Studio Series, the National Arts Centre, Late Night Jamming, and more. See ottawajazzfestival.ca for more ticket information and concert schedules.

Next, arrange a visit to the National Gallery of Canada to see the great works of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, one of Europe’s most esteemed and original artists. The special loan exhibit — Caravaggio and His Followers in Rome — made its exclusive Canadian debut at the Gallery this past weekend and runs until early September. With about 60 works being showcased on the 400th anniversary of the death of this brilliant but temperamental Italian art master, this is one collection not to be missed.

Take the kids along with you to the gallery so they can share in the artissimo experience. Work with other families on a massive fabric copy of a masterpiece showcased in the gallery or get creative and make an art piece of your own. Try on a period costume depicted in one of several paintings on display. Friendly staff are available every step of the way. Take your kids on a self-guided tour and then, before you leave, take a peek at the artissimo gallery, where several children have showcased their original work. Best of all, these activities are all free with  admission. Started in 1998, the artissimo art initiative is on every weekend from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Starting June 25, activities run every day of the week until the end of the summer.

After a day at the gallery, make sure to take a photo with the kids next to Maman — Louise Bourgeois’s master work of a giant spider made of bronze, stainless steel, and marble — located just outside the gallery’s main entrance.

Next, stroll to nearby Nepean Point to check out, not only the great view, but also Roxy Paine’s One Hundred Foot Line — another stainless steel art structure. This 30.5 meter-high piece is one of three similar pieces called Dendroids. It’s Paine’s tallest and to many, his most impressive work. Kids love this powerful depiction of a tree that has lost all its branches and leaves. Paine’s accomplished work is a commentary on the close relationship of Canada’s capital with both industry and nature. For information on all Gallery activities and exhibits visit gallery.ca.

Complete your Royal week by catching a glimpse of Prince William and Princess Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, when they arrive on July 1. Join much of the rest of the city in welcoming the royal newlyweds on their first visit to Canada together and celebrate another year of national pride.

Canada Day festivities officially begin at about noon on Parliament Hill, which will be surrounded by a car-free zone for the day.

When night falls, enjoy the magnificent fireworks display on the hill.